Rendition videos
I'm glad that we can continue now, because there's a fair bit to get through this evening. CBS has published a new video interview with Jake in which a rather bored Jake, despite an obviously keen interviewer, discusses Hollywood's responsibilities. Jake concludes that all Hollywood can do is aid a discussion and remarks on the irony that in America you are allowed to have that discussion while the authorities can still send someone away to get an answer. And the answer they get is not necessarily the right answer - that is almost an irrelevance.
We also, thanks to a good friend at DC, have a video clip from Rome from a Finnish website. It shows scenes from the press conference in Rome and also from the red carpet - and for me 101 memories from two weeks ago tonight came flooding back. This video might not work on first attempt, but keep trying.
Ang Lee's presentation of Brokeback
Almost two years on, Brokeback Mountain continues to exert an enormous influence - over our lives (many of us have drawn strength from this film and allowed it to change our lives) and in the lives of those who made it and embraced it. With that said, if you live anywhere near NYC, you may want to know that on Friday, November 9, 7 pm,you can be part of 'An evening with Ang Lee and James Schamus' at the Times Center (242 West 41 Stree, NY). Here is the information:
'The remarkable filmmaking collaboration between director Ang Lee and producer/screenwriter James Schamus will be celebrated with a special program presented by the Museum of the Moving Image at The Times Center on Friday, November 9, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. “An Evening with Ang Lee and James Schamus” will consist of a conversation with Lee and Schamus moderated by Chief Curator David Schwartz. The pair will discuss and show scenes from some of the acclaimed films that they have made in the past fifteen years, including Lust, Caution; Brokeback Mountain; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; The Ice Storm; Sense and Sensibility; and The Wedding Banquet. In conjunction with the Times Center program, the Museum will also present theatrical screenings later in November of two of their films, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Brokeback Mountain... One of the keys to Lee’s accomplishments is his creative partnership with James Schamus, president of Focus Features, who has co-written and/or co-produced all of Lee’s films, since their first feature in 1992, Pushing Hands.' The film itself will be shown on November 25 at 6.30pm at the Riklis Theater, Museum of the Moving Image.
Heath Ledger in London
Heath has been filming in London recently and could be found just a day or two ago in a fascinating interview in the New York Times. Heath reveals that he is not sleeping much due to the emotional slog of playing the Joker who is a 'psychopathic, mass-murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy'. I know very little about Heath, but this interview reveals a chess player with huge amounts of energy, coiled and ready to spring, who plays with art, takes his music seriously, and who carries his world around with him, including his Joker journal. I would like to know this man better.
And finally
An interview with Jake's father Stephen was published today in the Hartford Courant, in which Stephen makes the extraordinary revelation that he grew up without films, seeing only three of them before he went to college. And yet he became a director; extraordinary. He swept the floors of cinemas so he could see the films for free. Stephen is joining Hartford's celebration of film this month by presenting four of his films for its film festival at Cinestudio, where he discovered his love and desire for film. There will also be a poetry reading.
I had a day in the company of Brokies today and it was wonderful - thank you, friends. Includes pictures from IHJ.
46 comments:
Oh wow, you are busy tonight WDW! Not that I'm complaining, I come here for Jake news and I get so much more besides, and it's all good.
The Ang Lee evening sounds wonderful, and I am both jealous that I'll miss it by about 2 weeks but incredibly excited for all those who will be there, including a group of wonderful Brokies from Ennisjack. I am sure it will be an unforgettable night.
I have read the Heath article from the NY Times and I think it's just so adorable as its not only an excellent article and interview, it describes Heath perfectly. Not that I know him personally or anything (I wish!), but from interviews I've seen and read of him before, this is how he is. And its nice to get some Heath goodness.
But to get back to Jake before you think I've forgotten why I'm here, I love the picture of Jake and his dad! And whilst Jake may have looked bored in that interview, I'm glad that interviews are still being shown to highlight the importance of the story and the quality of the film.
Hi Christie - thanks for the great comment :)
I'm so glad to hear that there will be Brokies there in the audience for Ang that is fantastic. What a night!
That Heath article gave me a flavour of Heath that I've been missing elsewhere and, it sounds silly, but he seemed recognisable from this interview, and fascinating.
I'll never get enough of new interviews emerging with Jake :)
I think he was rather tired than bored, still a good interview. Thanks for the updates!
WDW, I love your blog, BUT...you put too many things/subjects into one post. Sure there's Jake, the common denominator, but there are too many things you talk about. Where does one start to comment, on which subject? Does a person put all their responses into one long giant comment, or a ton of tiny separate ones? This isn't the first time its happened, its way too much, way too confusing. Sorry.
it sounds silly, but he seemed recognisable from this interview, and fascinating.
That doesn't sound silly at all WDW, that's why I love this interview...its very vividly written and gives you a flavour of who Heath is.
I think the Ang Lee night is going to be extremely special. Some of the people going went to an evening with Annie Proulx recently, and they got to tell her about the forum. I think DC members were there too.
I wonder what Jake's doing tonight? (just to bring this post back to Jake!).
Thanks for the comment Too Much and for the feedback. I'm sorry the posts are too confusing. The problem is that at times like these there are a lot of things going on - at other times there is very little. This is fundamentally a journal of what is current, to provide information. And much of it (such as a newspaper article, a video or an event) can be out of date after just a day or two. I leave things out most of the time unbelievable as that may seem!
It's always lovely when anyone takes the trouble to comment, I love to have a conversation here in the comments, but I don't expect anyone to respond to everything or anything. I welcome long or short comments, serious or silly. I'm sorry it's too much - I don't know what the alternative is - choose not to give some of the information? I suppose it is also up to the reader - I know that some people like all the bits and pieces here. If there's too much here then they don't have to read it.
At heart, this site is my own diary of Jake news which I have chosen to share with everyone. Sometimes it's busy, sometimes there's almost nothing.
I must say though that I have always been accused of talking too much :D
Hey Christie - I heard about the Annie night - sounds wonderful. I wish we could have a taste of that in the UK. I wonder what Jake's doing too. Maybe Brothers starts tomorrow?
Thanks WDW for some great stuff, today. You sound pretty perky, guess you caught alot of brownies, and had a good time. :)
I loved the commentary on Sense and Sensibility by Ang and James Shamus - they work wonderfully together! and shed light on each others gifts. I hadnt reaiized they worked so closely together.
and to think I thot I was a "film buff", when I was a kid, just because I could identify all of the character actors!
Jake certainly looks happy when he's on a red carpet, doesnt he? Id like to get to know the dark haired p.a. as well as Im getting to know his b.g. - it's the cleanest looking vid Ive seen, yet, from Rome, I think - must be heady for you to watch, WDW - if it is even for me!
I, too, enjoyed the Heath piece, getting to know more about him, although he's been in my peripheral vision and sometimes even more almost constantly since BBMt. Im a hungy hungry hippo for Im Not There!
Huh the beard is gone. Jake light. O gawd loving Jake is being on a constant rollar coaster of surprise. (joke/not joke.)
My apolgies for my absense WDW....Have to say, it was a nice surprise to see these new pics of Jake sans beard, and I can't say I miss the beard. Much rather see his entire face, LOL.
Enjoyed the 2 new vids, thanks WDW. I too think Jake was more tired than bored it seemed.
That would be a great evening to go to, to see Ang Lee talk and show scenes of Brokeback. Hope some of our NY WDW members get to go. Hmmm, Heath lives in NY, too bad he wouldn't make an appearance as well huh? Chances are, he might still be in London then perhaps.
I found the NY Times article on Heath late last night myself, and its a great one! Heath's in London still filming TDK, and he'll be back in London next month to start filming on his next new Terry Gilliam movie. This interview certainly does show many facets to Heath, who often can be a bit guarded.
Also enjoyed the Stephen interview as well, thanks WDW.
True, sometimes some of the posts are longer than others which makes it tricky what to respond to, but I'm sure all us Jake fans would agree that we want to hear any and all the latest news about Jake! So, WDW, keep on talking, LOL....
WDW, don't know if you happen to stumble upon some recent Maggie news....
Some of the latest news on IMDb about the filming of Brothers is that they have all the actors trailers set up near the soundstage studios at the college. As I think we know, they've already started shooting in New Mexico. An IMDb poster recently posted on Halloween said that they are doing the exterior shots for 2 weeks or so, before the actors start filming. Then the poster said that would mean Jake, Tobey and Natalie would start filming next Monday (wouldn't that maybe mean Jake would be filming tomorrow?!). You are probably correct WDW, in assuming filming would start tomorrow, LOL!
Oh WDW -
Just got back from seeing Rendition with my husband. He really liked it, and I was so affected by it this time, more than before, maybe because I saw it with him. I looked over at him during the film and he was engrossed in it. We had a discussion on the way home and I asked him why more people are not seeing such a good movie. He replied that he feels that most of the American public does not want another 9/11, and doesn't want to be reminded of what the government does to accomplish that. :(
He was so impressed by the non-American cast, especially Yigal Naor's character, and thought Jake and Meryl Streep did well, but he felt Jake's character needed to be developed more, he was curious to know more about his work, etc. He agreed that no one character dominated the story, truly an ensemble work, except perhaps Omar Metwally's and Yigal Naor's characters.
I noticed so much more this time Jake's subtlety in conveying Douglas' conflicting feelings, whether a twitch of a facial muscle when he first started having doubts and Farwal reminded him of the bombing campaigns which killed innocents, or when he grabbed Anwar by the throat and yelled at him to "explain the phone calls", only to stop with a look of shock at what he had done and what he could become, and the quick flash of gratefulness across Anwar's face when he was set free -even a lighter moment when Douglas joked with Said after Said's comment about his never having done this, and Douglas said "maybe I'll get to use my gun this time" and made a face. He's so good at communicating without words. Sorry to run on, but I didn't want to forget anything! What a great movie. :)
I read the Heath interview last night and found it to be fascinating. I see Heath as being very private, so I enjoyed reading about him. Wow, the Ang Lee event sounds wonderful, I'd love to be able to go. Let me see if I can.
Finally, Jake looks great with or without the beard. :)
Im so thrilled about the filming of Brothers in New Mexico! I lived near Santa Fe for seven count them seven months! Jake will like the Whole Foods place there, I used to sit out in the sunshine in the winter and munch on sushi. I hope they will be able to soak up some of the local culture. Jake! Please read Death of The Archbishop by Willa Cather! thanks for this update, Jantoinette!
So curious about how this story will be rendered!
Hi, Too Much. I think format and style of various sites is a matter of taste - some I find confusing but I'm a hungry hungry hippo (Im sorry this is childish, I'll cut it out. . .I am OUT OF BOOZE, that is my trouble these past few days.)
Hey Positively Pia - Yes a good day in good company :)
There is nothing like Jake on a red carpet! He is in his element and is absolutely stunning. I do find it hard sometimes to watch the red carpet videos because I remember being there and it takes away from it being a personal experience and I remember that moment when Jake first walks into view, which is a moment of pain and pleasure all rolled into one. But it does mean that I have lots of records of these moments so I'm very lucky.
I'm so keen on seeing I'm Not There too. I've not been so interested in some of Heath's past movies but I think the future ones could be very intriguing.
And I know what you mean by your last statement ;)
Good to see you Jantoinette - I guess I'll be keeping my eyes peeled as I walk round London next week! I'm being made to think this evening about posts being too long but, as you say, I thought people would prefer to get the info. I don't expect people to respond to all of it (or indeed any of it!). I could leave out some of the less relevant stories.
I heard that about Brothers and it does make me think that they're about ready to go - the sooner they start, the sooner they finish and we can see the film :)
WDW, it's never too much...I can process all this info especially when it comes to Jake. Also, remember that this is an active Jake time and there isn't always so many things to post so please...post away.
Love the pic of Jake and his dad...that's the image of an older jake for sure...love it...the same with that first pic you have of Jake on the right of your blog site, looks just like dad.
I'm warning you, Heath is very addictive, once he gets into your system, there's no turning back.
Hi Marina! We must have posted at the same time :)
So good to hear that you and your hubby took so much away from Rendition. I wish mine would see it but he doesn't care to see a film about torture - he sees it as praching to the converted and I suppose that's a problem with the film for some people. But that's a shame. There's so much more to it than that.
Your reflections on Jake's acting - the way that he conveys Douglas' disgust and frustration with what is happening - just by biting a lip or looking to the floor - you're just spot on. I think the first time it isn't so clear, but the second and third times, when you focus on what Jake can achieve, his acting is remarkable.
Hey CWG - thanks for that. There are times when there's so little coming on. I'm just enjoying everything that's going on while I can.
My interpretation of that CBS interview was also tiredness more than boredom, though I imagine there's always the element of tedium when doing a round of press and answering the same questions repeatedly. And I found Heath's interview very revealing as well. I don't have the time or energy to be a fan of anyone else in the intense way I follow Jake's doings, but it's nice that through his associations with others I develop a sincere appreciation of them in their own right. It's one of the many rewards of Gyllenhaalism!
I don't think you should worry about including too much in a single post. Anyone who feels overwhelmed by it is obviously welcome to treat each piece as its own or ignore some bits entirely. You provide a wonderful service with all the information here--don't change a thing. :)
Hi Cherita - I couldn't agree with these words more: I don't have the time or energy to be a fan of anyone else in the intense way I follow Jake's doings, but it's nice that through his associations with others I develop a sincere appreciation of them in their own right. It's one of the many rewards of Gyllenhaalism!
Absolutely. Jake has led me to appreciate so many gifted people but I simply don't have enough heart left to give now that I've given such a sizeable chunk of it to Jake.
And thanks for the feedback :D I want this site to be as complete a record as I can make it of Jake's career - sometimes that means it's going to be hard work. I'm inclined to think he's worth it.
A bit of non-Jake related news, I just saw The Bee Movie with my kids, very cute, I urge all to see it. Dare I see a non-Jake movie you ask? It's a difficult decision but I make it up with double Jake time ;)
Positively Pia - Your quite welcome! Too bad your not still living in Santa Fe huh?!
"I'm so keen on seeing I'm Not There too. I've not been so interested in some of Heath's past movies but I think the future ones could be very intriguing." -WDW-
I don't know if you would have been able to make it WDW, but I probably should have told you that I'm Not There was recently screened at the London Film Festival the end of last month, just over a week ago! My apologies, it sort of didn't occur to me to maybe tell you ahead of time. Heath did not attend the London premiere because it was his little girl's birthday. Just a heads up that INT will be in UK theatres on Dec. 21st.
Yeah, you'll have to be on Heath alert there in London, and as I mentioned, next month as well. If you see a guy wearing red rimmed sunglasses, it could be Heath, LOL.
WDW, regarding the length of your posts...WDW, don't fret, this is your blog and your vision first and foremost. I've noticed on some other fansites in my travels, that your just never going to please everyone. I'll admit, there are times I'm not able to keep up with all the posts here, BUT, I still want and enjoy seeing ALL the news on Jake--breaking news or not so breaking news. It's apparent that the majority of your WDW members on here (including myself, even though I may not be as active as some others) are happy how your giving us all the Jake news as is, so carry on please!
I love in his interview when he says "what you want and what you get are sometimes two very different things". He's such an old soul, full of incredible wisdom at the ripe age of 26.
Supposedly this new NY Times interview with Heath, was done in April/May when Heath was in London filming TDK, even though it's dated Nov. 4th.
Morning WDW,
There's never enough Jake news. Were they kidding? I come over and find that all kinds of wonderful activities are happening in my home city. Thank you again:)
And more thanks, for the video clip, of the Rome FF Rendition press conference. I finally got a chance to see just how cold it was that night. The crowd loved Reese's coat removal and expressed themselves with happiness and glee.
Jake is one young man who seems to always give sensible answers to his interviewers' questions. He's a very articulate intelligent 26 year old.
SPOILERS!!
WDW, please edit if necessary.
Twas my fourth visit to Rendition this evening. I went because the movie is damned interesting, and I want to support Jake's movies. It doesn't seem that he's getting much support, here in this country, among his fanbase.
Many web sites are up and running, because of an insane interest in his love life, but they care very little about his career.
It's a shame, I think, to claim him as a favorite actor and then not go to his movies; and to even go so far as to critique his talent in a negative manner, when he is better at 26 than most actors out there.
When I went to see Rendition today, the theater was approximately half full with generous seating, and I was able to sit mid-row center; was I happy.
IN the movie, the two young people's story, and Jake's is the glue that keeps this movie together.
Jake gives a subtle, and commanding performance, every bit as noteworthy as his performance in Zodiac, if not more.
He is perhaps too handsome--his looks distracted me in some scenes--but that's not his fault. * big big grin* It's not so bad to be gorgeous. He is going to have a huge career. It was mesmerizing, to observe the disgust and anger he felt because of what was happening in that tortue chamber, to see his emotions and anger suddenly flare on his face, for just a millisecond, then watch him dampen them.
In particular, one scene when the official who had just struck the prisoner offered him a glass of water, the disgust and coldness that came over his face and eyes, for just a moment, was frightening to watch.
I can't say enough, how happy I am that I have your blog to hang out, chat and learn about his many career moves.
nitenite:)
"Gyllenhaal in bed with Biel for 'Nailed'"
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i00627c6566fe8f5f3b0aa2ea5a779a15
^Sounds not unlike John Water's 'A Dirty Shame'.
Morning everyone :)
Hi Jantoinette Thanks for your comments - yes, I knew about I'm Not There at the London Film Festival but couldn't make it unfortunately.
Sass - thanks for your reaction to Rendition.
And morning CWG and Bmg - back later when I'm able to chat :)
Hi WDW,
Sorry, my enthusiastic comment above is spoilery, so please edit if you see fit. Also, I love your posts, the more information the better as far as I'm concerned, so keep it coming.
I forgot to mention that enjoyed reading about Jake's Dad's love of film - sweeping floors in order to see the films he loved so much, and then ultimately doing what he loved. Impressive! Hartford is within striking distance for me as well . . . ;)
Jake has shaved (for now) but he can grow a considerably long beard in less than two days so...we'll see...;)
And that video clip on the Rome Film Fest brings back so many memories...:)
Hi again,
I can't believe my eyes and I won't until I return from my doc visit and sign on here again...but Jake and Jessica Beal in a movie...WOW!
Jake and Jennifer in Nails?
Jake sure is making up for taking so much time off this past summer; he adds a new movie to his schedule every other day...and I'm overjoyed
xoxoxo
back soon:)
wow... Jake, Heath, Ang and Gyllenhaal Sr all in one post! that's certainly not good for my work productivity today :P
Envy of everyone who's at the Ang Lee and James Schmaus presentation.
And now I can't wait to watch Heath's Joker.
Great post and good work, lady :)
They've moved Rendition to a smaller auditorium where I liveand have cut the screening times back to two a day. This usually happens before they pull a film out. So I won't be surprised if Rendition disappears by next Friday.
The Shamus Ang Lee collaboration has really turned out an impressive body of work, hasn't it!
The NYT interview was lovely. Clearly, the writer is a huge fan! Thanks for that. At times I want to just give Heath a good shaking, bcz he is really a very attractive guy and he deliberately makes himself look...well...disgusting, at times. But then, I think he thinks it might discourage people from bothering him or thinking of him as a "celebrity?" Who knows!
OT, but not: If anyone has a chance, plz go to You Tube and put Lily Tomlin in search. There is a clip from the set of I Heart Huckabees. Someone kept the camera rolling when the director, David O. Russell, had a terrible temper tantrum...he is famous for them, apparently. Anyway, he literally went crazy on Lily and it is simply infuriating, IMO. It was not something done for the benefit of the camera. He has a bad reputation.
Just want to say, WDW, there's no such thing as too much Jake. Well, maybe sometimes for me, with my sad excuse for a brain but then I just save things for a rainy Jake-less day:) Please don't change a thing here- it ain't broke, don't fix it!!
Marina, I love Douglas's face too, when he says about using his gun! I'm grinning to myself now remembering it:D And the face he pulls in the "pie chart" scene, when Said says about "beat your woman every day" and Douglas's face is like "WTF?!" Jake's always been a master at expressing what his character is feeling without uttering a word, using his face to convey all kinds of emotions but that really comes across in Rendition more than ever before. I'm hoping to squeeze in one last viewing this week:)
BTW, I think your hubby is right about Americans not wanting to be reminded (or even be made aware in the first place) of what the Government is doing in their name. It reminds me of Lynne Cheney (Dick's wife) being interviewed by The Gorgeous Jon Stewart a couple of weeks ago, whn she said that the Bush administration deserved a lot of credit for the fact there had been no more terrorist attacks since 9/11. Jon pointed out that this wasn't strictly true and reminded Mrs Cheney of the London and Madrid bombings to which she replied, in a rather off-hand manner, that she was talking about attacks on American interests.As a Londoner with family and friends in Spain, I was shocked and appalled by her comments, as indeed were the studio audience and Jon himself.But to a lot of people I'm sure as long as it's not them, they don't particularly care. I'm not just pointing the finger at some Americans though cos I'm sure there would have been a much bigger outcry over here if Jean Charles De Menezes(the Brazilian man shot dead by police on a tube train cos they thought,wrongly as it turned out, he was a terrorist) had been British (or at least a white non-muslim Brit).And of course, the problem with extraordinary rendition is, as Douglas points out,even if you can ignore the moral issues, it simply doesn't work, however much the Powers That Be would have us believe it's justified *climbs down off soapbox*
Sorry to be so depressing:(
Good news about the beard!!! I love Jake whatever, but it's so nice to see that gorgeous face again:)
I've seen the snapshots at IHJ and here WDW, of Jake at the Clippers' game. The snapshots in the car,gave me the impression he was all serious, etc. and not very happy with the paps or something. I mean, I can see how someone might look at a photo and say, "Wow, he looks unhappy, etc." But then I went over to x17 and saw the video. For whatever reason, this video wasn't bad, as many we've seen. The paps were outside the center in public, not stalking. They were just there to see who they could see. "normal" pap behavior.(!)The main thing is, Jake was smiling and laughing. Like he tried not to, but he did. He was in a great mood. It was genuine, and kind of cute. So there's no way anyone should jump to conclusions about how Jake is feeling since we are usually operating on very limited info. I mean, it is obvious when he is really upset, but even then, we don't really know.
Oops! Can you delete my double post??? Sorry! (BTW: Very much agree with you TL!)
Hi TL, no, you are not depressing -I should correct that comment too -my hubby mentioned all - 9/11, the Madrid bombing and the London subway bombing, that people don't want to be reminded of that, and or even think about them in the first place, you are correct. He is very politically and historically minded. It is a global issue, so it is dismaying that Mrs. Cheney would only speak of it in terms of American interests. I absolutely love Rendition the more I see it.
most of my friends in US still haven't seen the excellent "United 93" , and they don't plan to watch it. So yeah, they really don't want to be reminded of such things. Even those who think the War on Terror is ridiculous find it too depressing to watch movies deal with such issues.
They are called "movies that no one wants to watch". let's see if the Tom Cruise one will make any difference.
Hey guys, please dont make generalizatons about "Americans"! "We" are working hard to wrest control from a very nasty administration, and much of the globe is participating in this nastiness.
Also, it is USAans who are making the controversal films in question.
Now I will go into a rant, regarding the films based on 9/ll
Would you want to see a film about your parents murder? Do Jews who have lost families choose to attent films that show what happened as much less terrible than what really happened? Most often films cannot help but trivialize and romanticize because reality is often bloodier and more terrible than anything that can be shown or tolerated on a screen.
On the other hand there are people in all countries who want to go about their merry way and neither know nor care about what goes on outside their village politic.
End of rant.
Got my liquor closet restocked! Yay! No more beans!
Hi everyone - made it back home in one piece despite the smoke of a million bonfires. Talking of which, have a good, safe Guy Fawkes Night with lots of mulled wine :D
I haven't caught any of this discussion yet, I will catch up with it shortly (I'm just putting another post up). But I just want to say that this is surely what the film rendition is all about - to promote discussion between people from all manner of nations about a practice and a policy that many of us knew little of before. And many of us have been (I hope only indirectly) touched by the events that led to this policy - I speak as someone who has witnessed bombings in London and Jerusalem. It is emotive - and all the time, there is Douglas wanting the rendition to work but realising that it can't.
So, all of you, rant away. I believe this is what Kelley Sane would have intended when he wrote the script.
And a big welcome to Winterbird :)
Hi Pia,
I will have to respectfully disagree. I don't see it, and hiding one's head in the sand is never an answer - generalization can go both ways. Further, I would venture to say that the reason we are saddled with the present administration is due to apathy and self-interest, our own fault. I wasn't speaking for everyone, obviously there are people who care, just not the majority IMO. I'm sure it is similar in other countries, but I can only speak for what I observe and hear around me in my own country. I also don't see the majority caring much about global warming and other such matters either. Noone would advocate murder and violence, yet these movies are the pinnacle of success at the box office, trivializing and romanticizing it certainly. Lots of films trivialize and romanticize lots of topics, and many give them the attention and respect they deserve. Nobody wants to see a film about torture that is really happening, but Saw IV is a huge hit? Please. What other reason could there be for this disparity but not wanting to know? Possibly for a film about 9/11, it may be too soon (it was for me, I'm sure United 93 was a fine film & someday I plan to see it) I could understand, but certainly a film about a shameful policy such as extraordinary rendition would not affect too many families directly, unless it was the family of the person taken. No, I take that back, I think these things do affect all of us, and we lose a bit of ourselves we choose to ignore.
There are many, many films about the various atrocities human beings leveled at one another over the centuries in the name of religion and greed - people do see, consider and appreciate them, but they have the benefit of time and distance, not the sting of a wound still raw.
A film is a point of view, the quality of that point of view is subjective. Don't get me wrong, the I love and care about my country very much, and the fact that we can question and bring hypocrisy to light for the betterment of it. I know we are lucky to have that right. Just my rant, er opinion too. ;)
And one more thing about Rendition - I wasn't sure how to say this, because I do think Douglas was the hero of the film, I still feel there was a bit of moral conscience wrestling there, even tho he felt it was because it wasn't working. The relief and satisfaction on his face and the "free man" he was himself at the end said it all. We did see also a person who, while I won't go so far as to say "ugly American" in his behavior, did seem to have a little bit of American superiority, a mistrust and not feel quite comfortable with a culture that was not his own. Youthful and inexperieced with what he was thrust into, he seemed to take his job more seriously as the film went on. This is why we wanted to see more -a very complex dilemma and growth for a character, all acted with subtlety and wonderfully done by Jake. I absolutely love this film.
Most often films cannot help but trivialize and romanticize because reality is often bloodier and more terrible than anything that can be shown or tolerated on a screen.
Re generalisation of the American public. I don't thin anyone here thinks all Americans stick their heads in the sand.
Even if some of the films trivialise the issue, it would be nice if more people actually go and see them - and then they can rant or praise. Start the discussion - that's what so many filmmakers who make these films want to achieve.
Thanks WDW for the welcome... and haha, you're a big fan of Kelley Sane!
Me a fan of Kelley Sane? Does the sun not rise in the sky each morning? Good to see you here Winterbird :D
Pia, I apologise, I should have said "some" Americans and not put you all in the same boat. I know many Americans who don't support Bush or his Government's policies. As usual I didn't put my brain into gear before shooting my er...fingers off! And as a Brit it would be hypocritical of me to say that anyway cos our Government isn't much better. In fact it's worse cos it's supposed to be a Labour Government and I helped vote them into power. So I'm sorry if I offended you Pia,or any other Americans here, I didn't mean to make sweeping generalisations.
Hey TL - Good to see you ;) Nothing wrong with having an aimated discussion. As you say, and as Jake said in the interview on the next post, Britain is part of all this too. *)
TL, you are not making sweeping generalizations, you merely pointed out something and you are entitled to your opinion, as are we all. How else can we bring about change if not by facing up to what may be wrong with our government? I'm not directing this to anyone in particular, just a general observation, but it bothers me when people just will not accept the truth, turn away or make excuses. I can't speak for anyone else, but there's no need to apologize to me as an American, I'm well aware. I don't think we as Americans are that sensitive that we can't have our feathers ruffled occasionally! And, I believe our wonderful friends and allies, the UK, is on record as not having this kind of policy, is it not? :)
Thanks WDW and Marina:) I was only apologising for lumping all Americans in with the Republican/Bush supporters though, I stand by what I said, but should have made it clear I was only talking about those Americans who support (often unquestioningly and without full knowledge of the facts) pratices such as extraordinary rendition or the Iraq and Afghanistan invasions.
I do see why films about 9/11 may be a bit too soon for the public (and not just in the US cos people of all nationalities were affected by 9/11) I was a little surprised myself that they were making films so soon after the events. And no, I haven't seen United 93 or 9/11.
But I think there's a difference with Rendition, because it's about the after-effects of 9/11 and whether the atrocities of that day justify bombing other countries to smithereens and creating anarchy or indeed throwing the rule book and human rights out the window and torturing innocent people on the basis they MIGHT be able to prevent a terrorist attack that way. How far are our Governments going to go in our name, and for what they would say is our own good,if we let them go unchallenged?
Btw, i don't think the UK practices extraordinary rendition but I have read tht planes carrying suspects have been allowed to stop off to refuel at British Army airbases so we can't claim to be innocent.
And now I really am going to get off my soapbox cos if there's anything worse than me ranting it's me ranting when I've had a drink!!
The vote totals from the Presidential Elections of 2000, 2004, and the Congressional elections in 2006, tell us tens of millions of Americans take great exception to the policies of the Bush administration. There are other things going on in America which are reflected in the way people go to the movies.
I wish I had a dollar for every time I've heard a person say they don't ever go to the movies anymore. Haven't been for several years. Even H'wood acknowledges that generally, box office has been in a gradual decline for several years.Theater owners are raising ticket prices, concession prices and offering fancy perks to attract audiences. Distributors are looking at shorter times btwn the opening of a film and the film's DVD release. I do feel with the United 93 film, the story is still too fresh in people's minds. So much of the pre-publicity for the movie involved the families of the victims on talk shows with the actors who played their loved ones re-telling what happened for the umpteenth time, that a lot of people just decided they already heard as much as they could stand to hear. I think Rendition will be a classic in its genre. It is a impeccable piece of story-telling. For Kelley Sane and Gavin Hood this is an achievement no one involved should ever regret.The marketing for it could have been done better. I think it will do well in foreign markets and with DVD sales. Once it reaches pay-per-view and premium cable, it will do very well. If it generates any awards buzz that will certainly help. Of course I feel let down that I didn't see a huge tidal wave of support for the film coupled with a sense of outrage. I'm older. Back in the day, we marched. We demonstrated. We got arrested. Of course,military service was compulsory back then. The pockets of people directly affected by the Bush policies is a very isolated group. Most Americans aren't directly affected in tangible ways. A lot of people just pray for November, 2008 to hurry up and get here. Guy Fawkes Day. Wasn't that celebrated in V for Vendetta????? Hmmmmm. And a happy Guy Fawkes day to you too!!! LOL!
Hi WDW,
I know you're asleep but I want you to wake up and party:) I couldn't make it back again until now, but I'm thrilled to find such an abundance of movie/ Jake information. I absolutely loved I heart Huckabees. Who knew the director, would be similar to one of those crazy nut-bag surgeons, who screams when a surgical tech hands him a not anticipated instrument, and then throws the instrument, across the sterile field, barely missing an OR staff member.
Here's hoping, if Jake does work with this person, he will maintain his cool, a la Dustin Hoffman.
Guy Fawkes day is my next research project. The movie Vendetta and several mentions of that day by you, have made me curious, so off I go to Wikipedia, or some other reference.
It's fun to see Jake happy and without a beard. He has such a beautiful jawline. Though I did feel a little guilty watching the pap video, when I heard the Gyllengiggle, I relaxed.
I forced myself to go see United 93 and cried through much of it with the audience. My audience is a NYC one, and some have experienced personally, the horror of that day.
I can't imagine witnessing bombings as you have,
My brother escaped injury and or death on 9/11, by a change of his delivery route schedule. He was supposed to be at the South tower delivery dock that Tuesday morning @ 8:45 AM, as he had been every Tuesday morning for years. But that morning, his boss told him deliver some goods to a new account on the Lower East Side, and go to World Trade at 1:00 PM. At 1:00 PM, the World Trade Towers were gone.
It took him a long time to admit to himself and to our family,that he might have been hurt or worse that morning if he hadn't had a schedule change. He will not go to see any world trade movies...same with Iraq movies.
I think for some Americans, the pain is almost unbearable, especially those with family and friends on the front lines, so they can't see any movies showing features of the war or that day, yet.
I'll end my post with a Lilly Tomlin ihearthuckabees, YOutube link of that unimaginable tirade by that director. I had not heard anything about this director, so thanks again for so much information.
Director David O. Russell flips out!
Thanks for these great comments - sorry I wasn't around Sass, I'll be back later. Have a great Tuesday :D
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