What’ happened in Hollywood this week that deserves a second look? Steven Speilberg finally released the trailer for Lincoln staring Daniel Day Lewis. The Toronto International Film Festival comes to an end on Sunday and we will review what films did well at TIFF. Also, studios are scratching their heads as an award winning special effects company Digital Domain filed for bankruptcy. So here’s a quick overview of what we thought deserved a second take.
Essential Stories:
- Moviegoers Not Impressed with Lincoln Trailer
- Oscar Buzz from the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
- Oscar Winning Company Digital Domain Files for Bankruptcy
Moviegoers Not Impressed with Lincoln Trailer
While it’s hard to get an idea of how good a film is from a trailer. Some moviegoers weren’t impressed with the 1st. trailer, which debuted yesterday. Here are some viewer’s comments taken from YouTube and Deadline.com.
Ward Roberts from: YouTube
“jesus… calm down with the fade ins & outs. just let us look at something for a second.”
Jojojojo from: Deadline.com
“I love Spielberg and all. He’s a god. But this is one of the worst trailers I’ve ever seen. Did anyone else get a headache from all the fading?”
Take a look for yourself and see if you agree with them?
Oscar Buzz from the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
As the festival comes to a close on Sunday 9/16/2012, some films caught the eye of film critics who tossed around the Oscar word. According to Canada.com Ben Afflecks movie Argo is getting the most awards buzz at the festival. Second, The Master with Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymor Hoffman, third Anna Karenina with Keira Knightley and The Session starring Helen Hunt.[1] Are you surprised by this list of films getting Oscar Buzz?
Oscar Winning Company Digital Domain Filed for Bankruptcy
One of the most bazaar stories in Hollywood was the news of a very popular special effects company filing for bankruptcy. Many studios threatened to take their business elsewhere if they did not resolve their debts. So what happened? Most believed the company grew too fast and became overwhelmed. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. According to Deadline.com
“Hollywood studios will not be pulling the plug on projects at the financially troubled special-effects company after Digital Domain got some breathing room yesterday in bankruptcy court. Judge Brenden Shannon approved a fast-tracked auction of Digital Domain Media Group for September 21 and a debtor-in-possession order (read it here) that gives the almost-broke company immediate access to almost $12 million.”[2]
What are your thoughts?
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I would also count myself among moviegoers who weren’t too impressed with the Lincoln trailer. Steven Spielberg’s great filmography aside, the trailer didn’t live up to the powerful promotional shot of DDL in ‘Lincoln’ costume. For me, the trailer didn’t work for three reasons. First, DDL’s interpretation of Lincoln’s voice. It was paper-thin. I know that there are no viable recordings of Lincoln’s voice, but when I see photographs and illustrations Lincoln, or remember the things that this man has done for his country, I imagine a commanding voice with a commanding presence. I’m glad that Spielberg and DDL didn’t go for a grandiose or over-the-top voice, but it’s still distracting. However, my friend who also saw the trailer said that’s close to how Lincoln is supposed to sound, according to descriptions that were given of him by contemporaries. ‘A soft spoken man who had a commanding presence, and was an intellectually powerful and persuasive leader.’ Maybe I just don’t like DDL doing that voice. Second, all I see is DDL not not the character when he’s moving in the scenes or where there’s a straight head shot. No wonder they released a promotional shot from a profile angel. However, he is carrying the make-up well. Much better than DiCaprio did in J.Edgar (They had all that money and couldn’t spend it on FX Makeup). Third, it seemed like Lincoln is still being portrayed as the “Myth” and not the “Man”. With influential leaders, people already, for the most part, already know the story surrounding the myth, what’s more interesting is showing the human being with all their struggles, vulnerabilities, and infallibility.
Great review MNC4! Welcome back! I’m on my phone so I can’t hear diddly squat.
There are some other films from TIFF that I am excited to see. Of course hey have escaped me now. I’ll be back!
Ps. U too win 3 gajillion internet points for getting 3/4 of our film trivia. 🙂
Thanks Littlebells, I will spend my gazillion internet points wisely 😉
Some films from Tiff that I would be interested in seeing are:
1. What Maisie Knew
2. Stories We Tell
3. Passion
From the trailer of Anna Karenina, I’m not convinced with Kiera Knightley as the titled character. She’s good, but her performance reminds me too much of the one she gave in “The Duchess”. I think they should have went with a lesser known actress. I can’t even look at Aaron Johnson and Jude Law without laughing because all I see besides the bad beach and bald hair, are the actors not their characters. Also, Johnson doesn’t have that certain transmutable look which makes the audience believe that he’s from the time period.
Great review MC4. ITA the make-up for Lincoln looks 10x’s better than J.Edgar.