Saw 'The Grand Budapest Hotel’ on cable over the weekend. Not that funny and I was sure it was on cable do to low gross box office. 'Into The Woods' was much better.
1
Typical of the globes. Nominate what you think Oscar will nominate based on some critics groups and by the way, if it's a great performance and not a BIG name, ignore it altogether. It's interesting that only the NSOFC, and the NYFC generally look at actual acting performances. I'm still scratching my head over hour how Mr.Turner was ignored. Timothy Spiral
Spall, gave the performance of the year, and totally ignored. Shame. That's what happens when you're so real until you don't appear to be acting. These days, if you don't okay a cripple, you won't win.
Spall, gave the performance of the year, and totally ignored. Shame. That's what happens when you're so real until you don't appear to be acting. These days, if you don't okay a cripple, you won't win.
1
I wish Edge of Tomorrow got more recognition. Such a good movie. Like Groundhog Day, but an action thriller.
1
"an acclaimed performance in a movie FEW had seen - something of a theme for the year." and I would add: unfortunately, for the last few years.
2
I am genuinely surprised that "Masters of Sex" didn't get any noms Micheal Sheen's character development in the 2nd season was phenomenal to watch. It was criminal to not nominate him.
1
Let's face it the Golden globes and Emmys and Oscars are only what the ONE PERCENT watch or can afford. How much can the average person spend on TV networks like Netflix etc. Not one show that was mentioned do I watch so I didn't watch the show like other years. Get real. How can a show be the best when only a handful of people can watch. I did watch Fargo, but I don't think it was the best. As for Kevin Spacey and his show, I don't know. I never saw it and don't know anyone who has. The One Percent should have their own network and they can preen and dance and gush to each other while the rest of us actually work for a living.
"How much can the average person spend on TV networks like Netflix etc."
Netflix costs much less than my Time Warner basic cable bill. Just because you don't know anyone who doesn't watch "House of Cards" that means it shouldn't win awards?
Netflix costs much less than my Time Warner basic cable bill. Just because you don't know anyone who doesn't watch "House of Cards" that means it shouldn't win awards?
5
Huh? I haven't been able to afford cable in years, but I can manage the 7 bucks a month for Netflix and quite enjoyed House of Cards. Bravo, Mr. Spacey.
1
Spacey is fabulous in House of Cards (isn't he always?) as is Robin Wright.
That you haven't seen it, it's your loss.
That you haven't seen it, it's your loss.
1
The Affair..poorly written, weakly acted (due to the poor writing?), boring plot, dull; and yet (is it just me?) I watched every episode! Maybe that's why it won
4
Did you see/like "In Treatment"? I loved it.
Maybe that is why you stayed w/ it? I thought "Affair" was HUGE disappointment--just awful.
Also, remember these were the Golden Globes--not legit/serious awards.
Maybe that is why you stayed w/ it? I thought "Affair" was HUGE disappointment--just awful.
Also, remember these were the Golden Globes--not legit/serious awards.
3
Saw "Big Eyes" and thought it was cute :)
Maybe expected something different or more from director Tim Burton :(
Maybe expected something different or more from director Tim Burton :(
In the case of "American Hustle," the Oscars got it right, and the Globes got it wrong. Hustle was the most overrated movie of the year.
4
I am wondering why you don't think that the name of the composer who won for his score for "the Theory of Everything" is worthy of mention. You list the names of all the other honorees you discuss. His name is Jóhann Jóhannsson. The movie did not score itself.
12
Clearly "The Affair" has hit a larger number of nerve centers...
Make me wonder what may be going on under the surface of those who dislike it so vehemently...
Make me wonder what may be going on under the surface of those who dislike it so vehemently...
Vehemently ? You give the show too much credit. Believe me, it fails to foster hatred in equal part to its failure to foster affection. It compares well with day old oatmeal.
3
Eirik Knutzen, was a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. He represented Norway. Each year Eirik filled out his ballot for the "best of" in each category listed. I worked for him for years.
Considering how influential HFPA has become on the Academy Awards nominations, I asked Eirik, now deceased, how many people actually were allowed to vote. He said it was a members only franchise.
This year the 89 members of HFPA made the decisive votes that will influence the nominations for many other award shows, the media pros and cons about the nominated talent, the hiring of that talent in the future, and finally the viewing tastes of the American public with regards to the winners versus the losers.
Eighty-nine people. Amazing.
Considering how influential HFPA has become on the Academy Awards nominations, I asked Eirik, now deceased, how many people actually were allowed to vote. He said it was a members only franchise.
This year the 89 members of HFPA made the decisive votes that will influence the nominations for many other award shows, the media pros and cons about the nominated talent, the hiring of that talent in the future, and finally the viewing tastes of the American public with regards to the winners versus the losers.
Eighty-nine people. Amazing.
5
I grew up without a TV, so movies were an important part of my life as a child, and are one of the things I still enjoy most. I watch the award shows in hopes of seeing talented artists rewarded, I don't really care much about what the celebrities are wearing, etc.
I too am continually frustrated with the dreck the studios release because I am most interested in movies that are about people, not noise filled, special effects infused "entertainment" with no narrative or character development. I realize I'm in the minority, so I do my best to seek out independent movies and am lucky to live in a big city where they're accessible.
A few that come to mind that I think standout from this year and in general:
Whiplash: Damien Chazelle
Foxcatcher: Bennett Miller
Under the Skin: Jonathan Glazer
Capote: Bennett Miller
Caché: Michael Haneke
The Ghost Writer: Roman Polanski
The Thin Red Line: Terrence Malick
The Lives of Others: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
The Informant: Steven Soderbergh
Empire of the Sun: Steven Spielberg
A Simple Plan: Sam Raimi
Blue Velvet: David Lynch
Ratatouille: Brad Bird
Million Dollar Baby: Clint Eastwood
After Life: Hirokazu Koreeda
I too am continually frustrated with the dreck the studios release because I am most interested in movies that are about people, not noise filled, special effects infused "entertainment" with no narrative or character development. I realize I'm in the minority, so I do my best to seek out independent movies and am lucky to live in a big city where they're accessible.
A few that come to mind that I think standout from this year and in general:
Whiplash: Damien Chazelle
Foxcatcher: Bennett Miller
Under the Skin: Jonathan Glazer
Capote: Bennett Miller
Caché: Michael Haneke
The Ghost Writer: Roman Polanski
The Thin Red Line: Terrence Malick
The Lives of Others: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
The Informant: Steven Soderbergh
Empire of the Sun: Steven Spielberg
A Simple Plan: Sam Raimi
Blue Velvet: David Lynch
Ratatouille: Brad Bird
Million Dollar Baby: Clint Eastwood
After Life: Hirokazu Koreeda
2
Here's hoping Hollywood doesn't read your list and attempt to remake the perfection that is the exquisite After Life.
May I add Once Were Warriors (Lee Tamahori) to your list?
May I add Once Were Warriors (Lee Tamahori) to your list?
2
Disappointed that Downton Abbey did not win. In my opinion, it is the best series on T.V., acting and and writing.
2
It as certainly better, by miles, than the second rate soap opera 'The Affair' which won. Laughable winner.
7
I'm watching the Golden Globe Awards. Appreciating the fashion and the warm regards for jobs well done. For the most part the show, and it is a SHOW, left me with a "How much does this really matter?",queasy kinda feeling. One huge "Hooray for us!". "Us" being Hollywood royalty and their next generation replacements.
Film is Art. Reflecting time present, past and future etc. Profound and enlightening at times. We are entertained and dazzled. It certainly doesn't reflect the reality of most people in the world.
I for one would be far more impressed by the Platinum Planet Award for most inspiring educator in a poverty stricken neighborhood. Or the outstanding supportive law enforcement agency in a city of 100,000 or less.
That would be a waste of commercial television time and the ratings would mean financial set backs for the executives who laugh about the Social Security they are looking forward to.
I'm finished thinking for tonight. It's time to watch the new season of the Bachelor on DVR.
Film is Art. Reflecting time present, past and future etc. Profound and enlightening at times. We are entertained and dazzled. It certainly doesn't reflect the reality of most people in the world.
I for one would be far more impressed by the Platinum Planet Award for most inspiring educator in a poverty stricken neighborhood. Or the outstanding supportive law enforcement agency in a city of 100,000 or less.
That would be a waste of commercial television time and the ratings would mean financial set backs for the executives who laugh about the Social Security they are looking forward to.
I'm finished thinking for tonight. It's time to watch the new season of the Bachelor on DVR.
1
It was good to see Eddie Redmayne receive the Golden Globe for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in 'Theory of Everything'. The actor brought sensitivity, insight into the complex mind of the genius and his human frailties.
Often the biopics are far short of real person but not with Redmayne's introspective view into Hawking's world.
Often the biopics are far short of real person but not with Redmayne's introspective view into Hawking's world.
3
I would agree mostly, but the easiest way to win an Oscar or a Golden Globe is to depict well a character (preferably a real person) who has had a terrible disease or mental or physical impediment.
3
Clooney's highlights reel and acceptance speech left me with the impression that he is contemplating a political career. Choice of spouse doesn't hurt either.
4
I am waiting to hear more about what wasn't there. It looks as though Chris Rock was invited at the last minute to be a presenter and Prince was asked after that. Having watched Top Five and started paying more attention to this town and its industry I saw this annual event in a different light.
3
There were Tina Fey and Amy Poehler so I watched a few minutes then went back to reading. I love film, but recent films have been all too forgettable.
4
Maybe one sign of advancing age is a complete loss of interest in watching award shows. Then again, maybe disinterest follows a gradual decline in the overall quality of film/TV and in award presentations in particular. It's hard to figure out. But if given a choice one of the latter reasons would be preferable.
9
Decline of film? Probably. Decline of TV? Not at all. Shows made for television are far superior to those in the past, when only three networks dominated and there was little real substance.
2
I don't know about movies but the quality of TV is the best it has ever been, and that includes broadcast TV. Maybe you're not watching the shows that are getting the awards. That's my predicament and why I don't watch most award shows.
1
If you watched the Golden Globe awards last night with the hilarious Tina Fey you will have noted that the Big winners were movies that depicted Understanding of the Gay Community and Understanding the Black Community.
It's just a matter of time before the public receives the new version of "Women can now vote"... The answer then is in other generations and time....
Got more time than money!
It's just a matter of time before the public receives the new version of "Women can now vote"... The answer then is in other generations and time....
Got more time than money!
5
Understanding the Black Community, Selma, only won for best original song....no other *other* won......
1
I disagree with some of the other comments regarding "Boyhood." First, it isn't the status quo -- it's a smaller production with a really original idea for filming. Second, sure the plot is different as well, but that's the point: it tries to mark the passage of time. Characters don't go through one major event that shape them or change them, but rather it is many smaller moments over 12 years. And this is what growing up is really like, our parents, our friends, our siblings, our teachers help make us who we are. I thought it was beautifully simple.
27
LOVED Boyhood. It's sad that so many apparently "digital natives" thought it wasn't "about anything" and was "boring". I guess these days most people are unable to be introspective and appreciate a movie without the pace of a superhero franchise movie -- and without violence, gore and CG. Boyhood was lovely; moving and uplifting. But I also didn't watch the Globes so I guess I'm not the demographic...
21
Boyhood in no way had to fall into a formula or have frenetic pacing to interest me. Some of my favorite films have a similar pacing. However, it did have to appeal to more than a faint sense of nostalgia.
A viewer's "introspection" as you put it must be IGNITED by a film. It doesn't come about in a forced manner. It happens naturally, aroused by a filmmaker's skilled hand. For me, Boyhood didn't even come close to achieving this. Maybe it did for you.
A viewer's "introspection" as you put it must be IGNITED by a film. It doesn't come about in a forced manner. It happens naturally, aroused by a filmmaker's skilled hand. For me, Boyhood didn't even come close to achieving this. Maybe it did for you.
3
I'm not sure how you determine that Gina Rodriguez "brought no obvious social crises to the stage." Her message might not have addressed a crisis, per se, but certainly a social ill--the underrepresentation of Latinas on TV, when she said her award represents "a culture that wants to see themselves as heroes." It was a lovely, heartfelt statement from an unpretentious young woman. She might not have had the bombast of the some of the male speechifiers, but she certainly had the guts.
20
I wanted to like Boyhood. It is certainly an ambitious film. But, in the end, it falls FAR short of anything worthy of an award of this caliber.
10
Birdman had good score and acting...did not enjoy the movie. Loved The Grand Budapest Hotel. Very entertaining. Big Eyes was boring. Still Alice was not even nominated. Really enjoyed the Judge, but enjoyable movies don't win awards. No longer watch TV.
2
The disparaging comments about Boyhood made me realize why there is a demand for big-budget Hollywood blockbuster fluff and a lack of intellectual cinema in this country.
I didn't see the awards show, but judging by the article and the photos there is a huge disparity between what Hollywood says it wants (equality) and the amount of money spent on clothing and other superfluous fare.
I didn't see the awards show, but judging by the article and the photos there is a huge disparity between what Hollywood says it wants (equality) and the amount of money spent on clothing and other superfluous fare.
6
This has nothing to do with glut of blockbusters in the cinema. Boyhood just wasn't THAT great of a film. It was an OK film with a number of issues. For me (and apparently many others), this was not the stand-out drama of the year. There were others in this group of nominees (Selma comes to mind) and many more outside of this group that were better.
6
There's plenty of intellectual stuff. It makes little money, gets shuffled off to video and wins awards at vapid circular backslapping ceremonies. Hey, it's out there. What do you want?
I personally would want there to be more available - even on video (and to stream). Sometimes I come across, for example, a director whose work I look up, find, and want to see more of, and it isn't available - especially if they are foreign films.
If there were more of an audience for smaller, slower-paced, cerebral films, I think more would be available to view.
If there were more of an audience for smaller, slower-paced, cerebral films, I think more would be available to view.
1
Worst bit of the evening may have been Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. They bombed. Simply not funny.
12
Yea, with a close second by Margaret Cho's oh-so-unfunny Korean dictator shtick. That lasted 30 seconds longer than it should have, and then didn't know when to leave.
1
American film and tv are pretty bad. Importing the superior acting ability of Damian West and Ruth Wilson is the only thing that saved The Affair from drowning in its overwhelming mediocrity.
5
That would be Dominic West who first caught our attention stateside in the superb, but neglected at awards season, The Wire.
And speaking of omissions, no recognition for True Detective?
And speaking of omissions, no recognition for True Detective?
7
I agree that 'Boyhood' was underwhelming and too long. Why wasn't 'Wild' nominated... it moved me to tears?
5
Hard to believe that "The Affair" won anything. It's dreadful.
22
"Selma" suffered from being an obvious product of the awards-bait strategy: make a film about a subject matter no one can deny is important, for which no one can ever deny more attention is never too much, and most glaringly manipulative, release it in November/December to try to fabricate an upswing in attention during the awards nomination and voting window.
Because of the late release, many of the voters for Golden Globes and Academy Awards watched the film on distributed DVDs at home or at small special screenings.
Because of the late release, many of the voters for Golden Globes and Academy Awards watched the film on distributed DVDs at home or at small special screenings.
5
Have you actually seen "Selma"? It really does deserve all the acclaim it's received, not so much on account of its subject matter but rather because of the intelligence of its execution.
27
I thought the same thing - until I saw "Selma." There were scenes that literally made me jump out of my chair in shock, scenes that reduced me to tears. "Selma" cast a new light on a particular moment in the struggle for civil rights without making its characters out to be perfect or saintly. It is a very relevant film with so many issues going on in today's world.
9
I was surprised that Boyhood won. It was a so-so movie with no substance. The concept of filming movie over 12 years was good, but they had problems delivered it. The whole movie could have been about the mother and that would probably be more interesting. All in all, I am disappointed with the announcements including the best actor.
7
Very disappointing negative responses in these comments. I chalk them up to people who either take themselves far too seriously in the snob appeal category or in the sore loser category, or people who haven't learned to watch these awards shows for the actual creative "entertainment" value, not rocket science, they are. If you can't say anything good or pleasant or creatively critical , why say (write) anything all. How sad.
That said, I did enjoy watching even as not all of my choices won. But in the end, what I considered the best and most creative of the film categories did win out over some real clunkers. "Budapest Hotel" for it's wonderfully creative, original screenplay, wit and acting, and Linklater's most unusually crafted "Boyhood" which finally gave a look at the challenges of single parenthood the introspective cinematic pedestal it has long deserved.
That said, I did enjoy watching even as not all of my choices won. But in the end, what I considered the best and most creative of the film categories did win out over some real clunkers. "Budapest Hotel" for it's wonderfully creative, original screenplay, wit and acting, and Linklater's most unusually crafted "Boyhood" which finally gave a look at the challenges of single parenthood the introspective cinematic pedestal it has long deserved.
36
"Budapest Hotel" for its derivative, pallid screenplay and obsession with its own cleverness, you mean. You'll find its origins in the early works of Europeans such as Milos Forman.
3
It is a "pretty" film but I could not wait for it to be over, and I didn't.
3
The Affair was a pretty good show. I am glad that it won something. Can' t wait for next season.
7
So much "serious" stuff nowadays is just critic fodder. "The Affair" is ordinary stuff with all the cliches turned up to 11 and extra sex. I'm beginning to think that all the level-headed reviewers have fled the scene leaving only the ones with twisty minds who can get into this kind of garbage.
16
The audiences for these programs are getting smaller and smaller because they only represent whites. It would be the same if everyone presenting and everyone allowed to win was African-American. There have been calls for diversity for years to no avail. Now, three quarters of the word just chooses to look at other programs or cut the television off. The fact that only one group is still represented will, of course, one day be the death of these award shows. No interest. Therefore, no advertisers.
4
I agree in part but how do you account for the wins that were clearly not "white"? Tokenism?
I simply cannot believe The Affair and the leading actress won. Even your recapper thought it was pretty awful. And what's with a truly mediocre cast of Brits trying to be Americans?
30
Well obviously a majority of the foreign press appreciated the quality of the show, the sensitivity of the scriptwriting, and its haunting performances, despite what you and the "recapper" believe. I think its a show that examines life for people who have lived it; that may not apply to all viewers.
5
The cast was fine; the writing was weak.
5
Only 2 of the cast are British.
And never gave themselves away as British.
"Awful" and "mediocre" are in the eye of the beholder.
And never gave themselves away as British.
"Awful" and "mediocre" are in the eye of the beholder.
Mostly the same old stuff. I like Tina and Amy, but is it too much for the HFPA to consider other comediennes to host? How about some diversity? I am still baffled that Mindy Kaling was not nominated for her show, certainly one of the better "sitcoms" on mainstream TV. Its funny because Hollywood is supposed to be the progressive beacon for our culture and yet it can be as backward as some parts of America, just dressed differently.
12
>
I saw Boyhood. I was underwhelmed, but did appreciate how they made it.
Hollywood seems to be having trouble making great movies.
I saw Boyhood. I was underwhelmed, but did appreciate how they made it.
Hollywood seems to be having trouble making great movies.
28
Right, Hollywood can't, and hasn't since "Raging Bull." But here are great American movies, and recently. For many, the greatest in the last half-century: "Tree of Life".
2
The people on award councils and committees are all pretentious about films. Exactly what you said, boyhood was cool simply because it has never been done before, but that doesn't make it worthy of winning awards, it isn't like a cinematic revolution. Same thing happened with "The Artist" winning best picture, it just does not make sense when movies have evolved to be so much more. Watch in 20 years someone will remake a poorly made 70s show with similar techniques to that era(poorer cameras) and people will faun over it.
2
Hollywood has no trouble producing great movies. They are just regarded as popular commercial trash.
This review seems rather petty and mean-spirited. I enjoyed much of the show, chichi moved briskly and quite funnily, in the capable hands of Fey and Poehler. The HFPA highlighted films and series that had not been noticed, and will be now, going forward.
10
Boyhood is a special and rewarding experience. Grand Budapest was good hollywood entertainment with skillful actors. Never heard of or seen "Transparent" or "The Affair". The industry continues to aggrandize itself, convinced the world cares about what they care about. Nice illusion to have when you can afford it, but deadly to self-understanding.
10
I'd faint too if Jane Fonda asked me for a date.
22
Glad Michael Keaton won. He's the only reason I watched the show.
12
Happy for Amy Adams, but puzzled, Big Eyes was NOT a comedy by any stretch of the imagination.
21
Once again, ho hum!!!!!!!!
4
I watch only foreign films. American movies are over. Grand Budapest was the worst movies that I have ever watched - or not watched. It was a movie made
by insiders for insiders.
by insiders for insiders.
2
Boyhood was a movie about nothing. No plot, no creativity, no depth of characters, no humor. Perfect for the new Hollywood.
32
"Depth of characters" is exactly what's great about "Boyhood." But it takes a depth of character in the viewer to appreciate it on screen.
24
Go watch The Godfather and talk to me about character development. They followed a kid for 12 years and still found nothing.
4
I thought Boyhood was a movie about each character's experience of being both vulnerable to the world, and only partially aware of and able to interpret what others really want or need. Isn't that how we all live our lives?
2
tina fey & amy poehler not withstanding, last night’s golden globes became another example of hollywood’s accolades to those in power, i.e., privileged white men. women were seen mainly as fluffy accoutrements, in their long gowns & various artificial enhancements. just once, i’d like to view an awards’ show that was more reflective of our multi-cultural american public.
14
Hmmmm, no mention of the Cosby references - they were pretty pointed and provided one of the more uncomfortable if spot on joke threads of the evening.
27
That mock Korean General bit was hilarious!
Maybe next year they can bring out some folks in blackface eating watermelon.
Seems freedom of speech and racism have no meaning when it comes to demeaning Asians.
Wake up, people!
Maybe next year they can bring out some folks in blackface eating watermelon.
Seems freedom of speech and racism have no meaning when it comes to demeaning Asians.
Wake up, people!
20
Call it anything but funny. I felt all kinds of sad for Margaret Cho.
2
'Boyhood'? Best picture? Maybe the most boring way too long movie ever made. Twelve years in the making-seemed like twelve years in the watching. The young woman in the photo seems to feel the same way.
20
Wonderful, another self-aggrandizing affair a la the academy awards. These "actors" congratulate each other and give each other awards much like the tiny tots soccer game where everyone gets a trophy. Do something pertinent and real for a change.
7
There ought to be an additional award for "The Affair"--a special Golden Globe for the Worst Production Ever to Win an Award.
10
did you mean me? Yeah - don't watch so much garbage on TV, get out more often, smell the air, look at the flowers, turn off limbaugh, fox and the drudge report. It will be amazing how your perspective of the world will change.
1