That's how I feel about the information presented to support the idea that it's harder to create from scratch. I see what you're saying, and I disagree. If you have an original character (and an imagination) you can create whatever you want. You have no restrictions other than the text. You can make them sound or look or be however you want.

If you have the restrictions of a real person's voice, movement, etc, you don't have the freedom to make an easier choice, or ANY choice, in those terms. But you do have to give a layered performance with emotional responses and so on on top of all of those constrictions. In my mind (and in my acting/directing experience) this is harder.

I'd never ignore you sweetie darling..... How could one? ;) ;) ;)

I did. Over dinner I mentioned what had bugged me about the film - that it did not show both sides as equally antagonistic towards each other. As my parents lived in Israel for years, I can hardly say I have an objective view on Mid East doings, but I was hoping for at least a "fair" portrayal, even if the movie was silly. I can't possibly take it seriously enough to think it was "propaganda", however.

Anyway - I thought it was funny, but nowhere near as inventive as the other films. I'd choose any of the others over that one for the Oscar. IMHO, the win was politically motivated. Bah.

Regarding portraying real people, and remakes....most of the movies that win Best Pic are serious, long, and dry.....and that sucks most of all ;) I mean, I've seen so few of them because I really am not a fan of the "horribly depressing" genre.

Oh - and I loved the Jack Black/Will Farrell/John C Reilly bit. They're right, comedians never get a fair shake at the Oscars. :)

There was a commentary in the LA Times about how Eddie Murphy should've been nominated for Norbit, or rather should be next year.

I think a good dumbing down is what the Oscars needs.

Cate Blanchette is another actress who, imo, melts into every role.


Oh, and as more of the show comes back to me, I wanted to register a bit of appreciation for the Screenwriting Montage. I especially got a kick of out Jack Nicholson's bit from The Shining (but mostly because I had just watched it with zapppop earlier in the week ... he had never seen it before!)

Oh, I missed that since I didn't even stay for the whole Departed speech (didn't see the film, no Matt Damon=I didn't care). Thanks for the info.

Not to repeat anything already said about this, but most stories are "remakes" to some extent. It is the new interpretation for a new generation that makes or breaks them. Maybe they should have two best picture categories like they do for screenplays - original and adapted. I agree with those who said it is the lost-in-the-moment, entertainment value that makes a film good.

Haha, Ubergeek said "he's from Fast Times" when Forrest won! Alex beat me to the list. Thanks, A!

or Sean Patrick Flannery and Ralph Fiennes (hubba hubba)

Ummmm, yea. That was I who was yelling "propaganda" at dinner. But, I was referring to Binto's Big Idea and not West Bank Story. West Bank was funny, Hot Shots, SNL style. Binto was pure propaganda trying to hide behind a heartmeltingly adorable little girl. The father's proposal was funny and clever. Even the children at school was sweet. But the play ruined it all. Could they beat us over the head any more with the idea the girls need to go to school? Geez! PROPAGANDA!!

Did he like it?

Yes, very much.



And he's very much into catching up on movies that are constantly pop-culturally quoted.

Next week ... likely Young Frankenstein.

I don't know about Norbit, but he deserved a nomination/award for The Nutty Professor, as did Jim Carrey for Liar, Liar, Steve Martin for Roxanne, etc.

Dying is easy. Comedy is hard.

He'll be ahead of his mom watching that one.