It’s that time of the year, when the great and the good come out to praise and award their colleagues for the films they like. Loving my industry as I do, I try to see most of the films. In all honesty I think this year has been rather disappointing from the story point of view and I do not understand the the “over the top” shouting about the brilliance of some of the films. “Everything Everywhere All At Once” is garnering loads of praise and nominations. I have watched it three times now and honestly can’t say I loved it. I admire it, its originality, its performances. But the special effects and speed of the story left me confused and dazed. However some of my younger friends and colleagues think its the best film ever made. So what do I know? I think its a generational thing! So ….well done to the filmmakers for their originality and skill..it is definitely a departure.
Brendan Fraser
Brendan Fraser made a welcome return to screen and gave a beautiful performance in “The Whale”, but the fat suit and the prosthetics, almost made him almost unrecognizable He would and could have given the same performance without going overboard on his appearance. He is a good enough actor to convince us, that he is deeply unhappy, especially due to his bad relationship with his daughter – similar story to “Aftersun”, which film has been described as a masterpiece. Sadly I cannot agree with that comment about “Aftersun“and would really like to hear what you have to say! Please message me here!
I do like “The Banshees of inisherin “, it is sad and funny, dark and light, beautiful performances with magnificent scenery. Colin Farrell broke my heart. I am so glad to see him return to his full potential after a few lost ‘Hollywood” years and look forward to seeing his special quality and talent again soon in something new.
I have to say my favourite this year is “The Fabelmans”. I have been a long term fan of Steven Spielberg, he knows how to tell stories, superbly. Recently I was lucky enough to meet him at a London screening of the film (second viewing on my part), he was as down to earth and charming as expected and just said, ruefully “There was so much more to the story, but not enough time to include it…..the film would have been hours too long”!
Steven Spielberg congratulates Tom Cruise on single- handedly rescuing the film industry with the dedication and energy he put into ” Top Gun :Meverick”…he maybe right!
Current filmmakers, take note, all of the films this year are far too long ( not Mr Spielberg’s), which stretches the audience’s patience to the limit. Much of the good will is wasted by the inability of some filmmakers to know when not to indulge themselves and when to end!
Last word for now, all the of the best I have worked with Peter O’Toole, Katharine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins, Patrick McGoohan, Roger Moore, Patrick McNee, Leonard Nimoy… the list is so long, I can add them all, have always been grounded, and easy to get along with…professionals all. As I have said before…lucky me!
With Leonard Nimoy- “Mission Impossible”
You are lucky but also grateful and so, so talented. I’m sure each of those who worked with you considered themselves very lucky you were there to elevate the project with them.
I recall your playing the title roll of Lorna Doone in the 1963 BBCTV production which led me to reading RD Blackmore’s novel.
I have often wondered why after your period of working in America you did not return to higher profile work in the UK.
Thank you for writing. I am still working more in the UK now again…” The Haunting of Margam Castle” gave me a good part, it may still be on Netflix. And I have another film ” Get Lost” starring with Ella Travolta and James Cromwell due out soon. So I am still at it!