Hostiles Film Poem

Hostiles, a powerful Western, boasts memorable performances by Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike and Wes Studi. It motivated me to write the short poem below.

After bloodshed, battles and gore,

anger boils deep within one’s core.

True today as in our Old West

where everyone faced one big test.

Can trust be built with former foes?

An answer to that “Hostiles” knows.

Settler, Captain and solemn Chief

learn lessons while suffering grief

Kindness and strength pave ways to heal.

They open up hearts and help us feel.

This film may be one hard to see --

but it’s a great Western to me.

Oscar® Afterthoughts

Although bleary eyed after watching the entire 83rd Annual Academy Awards televised show last night, I can’t resist posting an early morning rant and rave about the proceedings. My hubby and I dressed for the occasion. I wore a robe by Chenille, but he refused to divulge his bizarre wardrobe designer. We have to admit Natalie Portman and Christian Bale put both of us to shame. Natalie with her gorgeous deep purple gown and matching string earrings; Christian with his elegant black tuxedo. We decided to bestow our “Cutest Award” to co-host James Franco, mostly because of his engaging smile, which he flashed as often as possible while bantering with his dazzling co-host Anne Hathaway, who’s best moment came with her one amusing song performance. Too bad Anne didn’t perform more musical numbers and that Hugh Jackman (be still my heart) refused to join her for a duet.

Speaking of music, my biggest complaint involves its de-emphasis at the Oscars. I agree with Randy Newman (composer of the Best Song winner, “We Belong Together” from Toy Story 3) when he asked how hard could it be to find a fifth song to nominate. Not hard at all in my book. “You Haven’t Heard the Last of Me” and “Bound to You” from Burlesque should have been nominated. The whole show would’ve benefitted by adding more singing and dancing -– and including fewer costume changes by Anne Hathaway, no matter how beautiful she looked in each one (except the funny brown duck outfit, of course).

Regarding the awards, there were no surprises. Although many fans expected
The Social Network to win Best Picture, The King’s Speech made an impressive stretch run during the past few weeks. Still, I can’t help being disappointed that my favorite 2010 film, The Fighter, didn’t end up winning that category. But I’m pleased about Christian Bale and Melissa Leo taking home the Best Supporting Actor statuettes for their brilliant work in that wonderful movie. Best Actress and Best Actor winners Natalie Portman (Black Swan) and Colin Firth (The King’s Speech) gave excellent acceptance speeches. It’s about time Firth was recognized for his acting talent, and Portman put her heart and soul into the difficult role she played.

While the 83rd Academy Awards may not have been the best Oscar show ever, it wasn’t the worst either. I found it more entertaining than last year, but I can’t help hoping Hugh Jackman will return soon as the singing/dancing/funny host his fans love so much.

Great Speech, Annette!

Amid so many crude remarks and rambling acceptance speeches at last night’s Golden Globes awards program, Annette Bening added a touch of class. During her remarks upon receiving recognition as Best Actress in a Comedy for The Kids Are All Right, Annette was poised, articulate and amusing. Congratulations, Annette, for your professionalism as well as for your well-deserved award.

Most of the awards were predictable this year, especially in the movie categories, but I was surprised about Paul Giamatti winning Best Actor in a Comedy for Barney’s Version. He won over Johnny Depp, who must have split the vote with ….. Johnny Depp. Depp was nominated in this category for both Alice in Wonderland and The Tourist. (Was the latter a comedy? Hmm.)

This year’s Golden Globes appeared like a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Oscars. Best film? The Social Network. Best actor in a drama? Colin Firth in The King’s Speech. Best actress in a drama? Natalie Portman in The Black Swan. Best supporting actor? Christian Bale in The Fighter. Best supporting actress? Melissa Leo in The Fighter. We’ll probably hear most of these same names called out during the Academy Awards presentation in February.

And speaking of dress rehearsal, my fashion awards for the evening go to Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta Jones, who both looked stunning in their gorgeous green gowns.

Oscar, Are You Listening?

If Christian Bale fails to receive an Academy Award nomination for his brilliant work in “Rescue Dawn,” it will be a big disappointment to me. Bale deserves recognition for his riveting performance in this outstanding film, which is based on a true story and deftly directed by Werner Herzog.

Bale portrays Dieter Dengler, a pilot whose plane is shot down over Laos during the beginning of the Vietnam War. After being captured and held prisoner, Dieter makes a daring escape through the jungle before being rescued. Showing great range of emotion here, Bale drew me into the terrifying situations his character faced, and I cared deeply about him.

Am I surprised at the quality of acting Bale displays in this movie? Absolutely not! He has impressed me with each performance, going all the way back to his childhood days in “Empire of the Sun,” my favorite Steven Spielberg movie. Bale may be known primarily for “Batman Begins,” but “Rescue Dawn” should bring him even greater acclaim.