Nominations to follow tommorrow……

1. THE TOURIST

2.  MORNING GLORY

3.  BLACK SWAN

4.  BURLESQUE

5.  THE FIGHTER

6.  BLUE VALENTINE

7.  TRUE GRIT

8.  127 HOURS

9.  RABBIT HOLE

9.  HOWL

10. NEVER LET ME GO

11. I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS

12. THOR

13. THE LAST CIRCUS

14. ORANGES AND SUNSHINE

15. SOURCE CODE

16. WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

17. MEEK’S CUTOFF

18. THE WAY BACK

19. THE EYE OF THE STORM

20. THE TREE OF LIFE

21. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS – PART 2

22. RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

23. GLEE – THE 3D CONCERT MOVIE

24. JANE EYRE

25. ONE DAY

26. THE HELP

27. X-MEN: FIRST CLASS

28. RANGO

29. CRAZY STUPID LOVE

30. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

31. CONTAGION

32. IN TIME

33. DRIVE

34. THE DEBT

35. BILL CUNNINGHAM – NEW YORK

37. THE IRON LADY

36. THE IDES OF MARCH

38.  BURNING MAN

39.  MONEYBALL

40.  BEGINNERS

41.  THE SKIN I LIVE IN

42.  MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL

43. WAR HORSE

44. MELANCHOLIA

45. THE ADVENTURES OF TIN TIN

46.  THE MUPPETS

47.  THE DESCENDANTS

48.  THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

49.  HUGO

50.  TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

The first preview of the off-Broadway revival of the cult flop musical based on the Stephen King novel and the Brian DePalma classic movie will be performed on Jan 31st – next Tuesday. The official Playbill cover has been released as well as some other publicity, including a performance of a new song performed by the characters Sue Snell and Tommy Ross. Here is a taste for you.

Marin Mazzie (Margaret White) and Molly Ranson (Carrie)

Broadway.com have gone behind the scenes so here is a sneak peek of what we might expect.  I have my spies in New York eager to tell me of the outcome, I just hope it is a hit and I will get to see it on my planned trip in May.

Check it out, click on the link

Academy Releases Oscar 2012 Trailer – The Vote on Variety.com.

Click on the link

Scenes reveal souls – Entertainment News, Oscar News, Media – Variety.

Based on the 1955 novel by Patrick Dennis the property was first adapted as a play in 1956 starring Rosalind Russell as the New York eccentric aunt (she went on to star in the 1958 film adaptation). In 1966 a musical adaptation with music & lyrics by Jerry Herman opened on Broadway starring Angela Lansbury in the title role, in 1974 a movie version of the musical was critically panned, Lucille Ball starred as Mame.

Rosalind Russell the original Aunty Mame.

Tilda Swinton is usually known for her serious and intense roles (I Am Love, We Need To Talk About Kevin), she won her Oscar for supporting actress in “Michael Clayton” another serious part. Her “I Am Love” director Luca Guadagnino is her collaborator once again (it is sure to look very stylish) they are in the early stages of development. It is a great role and I am sure the talented Tilda will make a great madcap Mame. I will be very interested to see who will be cast as her friend Vera Charles, played to the hilt by Coral Browne in the play and film version and Bea Arthur in the musical versions.

Coral Brown and Rosalind Russell in the 1958 film.

Period Film.

THE ARTIST.  Laurence Bennett

HUGO. Dante Ferretti

ANONYMOUS.  Sebastian Krawinkel

TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY.  Maria Djurkovic

THE HELP.  Mark Ricker

Ben Kingsley in a setting from “Hugo” production design by Dante Ferretti.

Fantasy Film.

HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PART 2.  Stuart Craig

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER.  Rick Heinrichs

THE ADVENTURES OF TIN TIN  (designer to be determined)

PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES.  John Myhre

COWBOYS & ALIENS.  Scott Chambliss

Gringott’s Wizardry Bank from Harry Potter – production designer Stuart Craig

Contemporary Film.

THE DESCENDANTS.  Jane Anne Stewart

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO.  Donald Graham Burt

DRIVE.  Beth Mickle

EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE .  K.K. Barrett

BRIDESMAIDS.  Jefferson Sage

A setting from the visually arresting “Drive” production designer Beth Mickle.

In the television categories of interest are some of Babs faves getting a mention.

One Hour Single Camera Series.

BOARDWALK EMPIRE (Episode 21).   Bill Groom

GAME OF THRONES  (A Golden Crown).  Gemma Jackson

AMERICAN HORROR STORY (Murder House).  Mark Worthington

THE PLAYBOY CLUB (The Scarlett Bunny).  Scott P. Murphy

PAN AM (Pilot).  Bob Shaw

The kitchen from the horror house – “American Horror Story”.

Telemovie or Miniseries.

MILDRED PIERCE.  Mark Friedberg

CINEMA VERITE.  Patti Podesta

TOO BIG TO FAIL.  Bob Shaw

THE HOUR.  Eve Stewart

BLING RING.  Robb Wilson King

Mildred Pierce “kitchen set” designer Mark Friedberg

A couple of favourites are in the mix – Dante Ferretti, Stuart Craig, Rick Heinrichs, Bob Shaw, Mark Friedberg. Very happy that Gemma Jackson has been noticed for “Game Of Thrones”, pleased also that “The Help” is on the list. Thrilled that “Drive” has been recognised. I haven’t seen all of the nominees but I will try and catch up before the announcement of the winners on Feb 4. It will be interesting to see how the Gloscars compare.

This years lifetime achievement award goes to Tony Walton responsible for many films amongst them “Murder On The Orient Express”, “The Wiz”, “The Boyfriend”, “Prince Of The City”. He was once married to Julie Andrews. Also to be honoured with a Cinematic Imagery Award are the team behind the Harry Potter franchise including Stuart Craig (Production Designer), Neil Lamont (Art Director) and Stephenie McMillan (Set Decorator).

EXCLUSIVE ! ! !

THE GLOSCARS  EYE NEW DATE CHANGES.

Babs has decided for the first time to extend the annual movie award wrap up – “The Gloscars” for another month. Usually the cinema year is marked from Jan 1 – Dec 31 but this can sometimes make the annual awards seem dated as some films are last years Oscar winners and therefore last years news. Australian cinema releases differ from the US. By extending for another month it means that some Oscar hopefuls can end up on the Gloscar list. So from now on the cinema year will commence on Feb 1 and end on Jan 31. Not that Babs should be influenced by the end of the year award season, its just that nobody wants to be old hat, and Babs does differ from Oscar results on many occasions.

The nominations and list of eligible films (those seen by Babs in a cinema) will be announced on Feb 1 and the winners announced a week later Feb 8.

It has been quite an ok year at the cinema with some worthy films and excellent performances – I wonder if you will agree with Babs.

Stay tuned.

Related articles

• On your marks…… (glenwj.wordpress.com)

Sadly my year at the theatre was meagre. If only I could have  squeezed in a trip to New York which had a bumper year, alas I did not.

But I did manage to see a few live presentations, musicals dominated, a couple of comedy gems and even a puppet show abroad!

Here they are.

SPRING AWAKENING.

Presented by The Young Australia Broadway Chorus at St Kilda’s National Theatre. An amateur production yes but this was a chance for me to see the Tony award winning Broadway musical live. Performed by a young cast exact of age to the characters they represent on stage – teenagers coming of age both mentally and most importantly sexually. Based on the play by German author Frank Wedekind which premiered to great controversy in 1906. A musical dealing with teen sexual awakening and with a rock score by Duncan Sheik and Steven Slater. A fine cast performed with all the energy and dedication to the piece that I am sure was witnessed on the great white way. A lot of young talent to be admired, I loved the piece and enjoyed this production – was glad to finally catch up.

MARY POPPINS.

This Cameron Mackintosh hit production featuring a fine hand picked Australian cast was a real delight. Everything worked! – the dancing, the scenery, the singing and the songs. Professional theatre at its best. Highlights being Verity Hunt-Ballard as the famous Nanny – bossy but with a heart of gold, and Debra Byrne as the bird lady who sang the famous “Feed The Birds” so moving and sublime of voice. A treat for kids and adults. I really enjoyed every moment, musical theatre doesn’t get much better than this.

XANADU.

The stage musical version of the infamous flop movie musical starring Olivia Newton John was a surprise hit on Broadway but a dismal failure down under. Presented under a Big Top tent at Melbourne’s Docklands it had horrendous sound problems and I suppose did look rather cheap. It was not a total write off thats for sure. I for one loved the book by Douglas Carter Beane and the energy of the hard working cast. I enjoyed it far more than many I guess? (it failed to tour round the country as planned) and I can tell you the reason why – Christie Whelan in the leading role of Kira – daughter of Greek god Zeus, all Aussie accent, leg warmers and roller skates. She is such a fine comedienne (her timing is exquisite) and has a rip roaring Broadway belting type voice. A standout in the MTC production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” and I am told the best thing in the recent revival of  ”The Important Of being Earnest”, upstaging Geoffrey Rush is no mean feat. Surely she will be cast in the new planned Australian production of the musical “Legally Blonde” but her talents deserve so much more than that. For me Xanadu presented to me a star what more do you need?

HAIRSPRAY.

A local production of the Broadway hit. What a disappointment. Under the direction of David Atkins and choreography from Jason Coleman it was promoted as a state of the art production with never seen before staging. I was appalled! The set consisting of computer lighting that conjured up animation that was both lame and horribly unoriginal. Fortunately for me I did see a production of the Broadway original in London and it was brilliant fun. Sadly the over the top hammy performances and unsubtle direction made this night in the theatre unbearable for me. I could go on and point out all the faults from both cast and creatives but I can’t be bothered – enough time spent on this turkey.

ROCK OF AGES.

A total reproduction of the Broadway hit musical that is a real guilty pleasure. Slick direction, slick design, choreography that excites and songs from the 80′s rock music cannon – yes it is another jukebox musical. I saw a final preview and it was rocking. The cast were clearly having a rip roaring time and the audience hooting and hollering were too. A silly storyline about the redevelopment of the famous Sunset Strip in Hollywood doesn’t have much chop, but the enthusiasm and clever direction worked a treat. Sadly it also failed to tour around the country as planned but a film version is due out mid year directed by Adam Shanckman (Hairspray) and featuring Tom Cruise in the scene stealing role of rocker Stacee Jaxx.

NEXT TO NORMAL.

This local production of the Broadway musical was presented by the Melbourne Theatre Company. It lacked the pathos and excitement that I experienced in the Broadway production of which I blogged about a while back . The set was over active and a total distraction and the cast led by Kay Kendall lacked the talent required to pull off this fantastic musical. Oh well we can’t always get it right.

PARADE.

I went along to see this high school production of another Broadway musical because it gave me the chance of seeing it live and complete. I have long been a fan of the Tony winning score by Jason Robert Brown so it was good to see it performed. An unusually grim choice for a school musical it tells the story of Leo Frank wrongfully accused and convicted of raping and murdering a young schoolgirl back in 1913 in America’s south. Frank was a successful Jewish businessman and the show deals with anti-semiticism and media sensationalism – still going on today! It was a flop when it was presented on Broadway back in 1998. With its grim subject matter it is hardly Broadway feel good fodder but its score is still highly regarded as one of Broadway’s finest. The schoolkids involved in this production did very well, some voices not up to scratch but others (particularly the lead boy) were quite impressive. Hats off to St Michael’s Grammar.

LOVE NEVER DIES.

This overhyped and underwhelming dud of a musical is only worth mentioning for the fine set and costume design by Gabriela Tylesova. Dull and boring even with so much movement going on. To distract one of all the shortcomings of the production perhaps?  You can catch it on DVD soon as it was filmed during its Melbourne run.

GREY GARDENS.

Fantastic casting and performances made this local production of the Broadway show based on the acclaimed documentary a real highlight of my theatrical year. I expect Pamela Rabe to win a few awards for her heartbreaking performance as Little Edie Beale. Nancye Hayes as Big Edie held her own too and is eagerly anticipated for her upcoming role as Miss Hannigan in the new revival of “Annie”.

LILY TOMLIN.

This is the second time I have managed to see Lily Tomlin in her live comedy act and she didn’t disappoint. A marvel at face manipulation and full of endless energy she had me laughing out loud and riveted as she took on all her favourite creations with their unique take on the modern world. I love Lily!

EDDIE IZZARD – STRIPPED.

My first time seeing Eddie Izzard live was a last minute decision and I am glad I made the right one. I laughed in wonder at his observations regarding the creation of the world. It really impresses me when performers of this calibre manage to entertain for almost 3 hours (including interval) on stage solo. It must be so exhausting. Izzard is a master at it.

SMOKE AND MIRRORS.

“Smoke And Mirrors” was another first for me. It was the first time I was to see the acclaimed performer iOTA perform live. After performances in “Hedwig And The Angry Inch” and as Frank-n-Furter in a revival of “The Rocky Horror Show” this was the show I caught up with his talents. Performed in the famed Spiegeltent at the Arts Centre. Part vaudeville, part fantasy, part circus act iOTA led a troupe of performers on a musical journey fantastical and funny, moving and magical. He didn’t disappoint, I’d check him out again sometime.

THANG LONG WATER PUPPET THEATRE -  HANOI

I went to see this water puppet show when I was holidaying in Hanoi, Vietnam. It was very touristy and a little tacky but it did have live performers, thankfully it was quite short too. I am glad I saw it as it is always good to soak up some local culture while abroad.

NT Live – FRANKENSTEIN

Filmmaker Danny Boyle’s production of Mary Shelley’s classic novel was very disappointing. I am sure that seeing it live may have been more electric but the ever imposing cameras of the NT Live presentations didn’t capture it. The performance I saw featured Benedict Cumberbatch as the monster and Johnny Lee Miller as his creator Victor Frankenstein. (they alternated the roles in the shows run) I felt that Cumberbatch gave way too much of a ‘gimp’ style performance that seemed so overblown in the confines of a cinema with close up camerawork. The rest of the cast had nothing much to offer and I must say I was bored by the banality of this particular adaptation.

NT Live – THE KITCHEN

I enjoyed this production much more than “Frankenstein”. The play by Arnold Wesker was first performed at the Royal Court in 1959 and is set in the kitchen of a very busy London restaurant. It tells of the trials and tribulations of its workers – the chefs, kitchen hands, waitresses et al. It had moments of great theatricality and choreography that was very creative. The miming of the cooking and the sequence in which full service was occurring was a highlight. Once again the imposing camerawork from the NT Live presentation hampered some of the better moments and didn’t help with some of the theatrical hammy performances (close-ups are not kind on a theatre actor reaching out to the back row). I do enjoy seeing these NT Live events but I wish they would hold back on the ‘clever’ camerwork and let us watch the show as if we were there in the front row, not riding on top the lens of the camera.

MY TELEVISION YEAR.

It has been a very busy year for Babs so there were far and few television programmes watched with regularity. Thankfully I have a DVR and with boxed set DVDs and friends abroad it has allowed me to catch up on some great TV viewing. Here are my faves and the reasons why I stay glued to the flat screen.

1. The new kid on the block – AMERICAN HORROR STORY.

The wondrous creators of ‘Glee’ and ‘Nip/Tuck’ – Brad Falchuck and Ryan Murphy are responsible for this campy take on the haunted house theme. A young family movie into a house in Los Angeles to repair some damage done due to daddy’s infidelity. Full of naughty housekeepers in garters or with glass eyes, a rubber gimp suit, creepy neighbours, ghosts past and present, a homo couple and references to the pitfalls of childbirth and children to boot! It is a real treat, crafty and creepy, a guilty pleasure – minus the guilt! Jessica Lange in her SAG and Golden Globe nominated role as southern neighbour Constance is the shows highlight amongst many. Renewed for a second season, this time with a different family, house and ghosts I can’t wait to be horrorfied again.

2. The silliest  stalwart – TRUE BLOOD Season 4.

Sooky (Anna Paquin) and her sexy suitors returned for more murderous mayhem and plenty of blood spilling. This time the foe was a coven of witches led by the formidable Fiona Shaw as the leader Marni. One highlight was when the superb Nelsan Ellis as, arguably the best character in the treasured show – Lafayette channels the spirit of Marni therefore imitating Fiona Shaw,  it was a hoot . Kristen Bauer van Straten as vampiress Pam had lines of dialogue to rival Sue Slyvester in ‘Glee”. It was sillier and bloodier then previous seasons but it still works for me. Bring on season 5 which will feature Christopher Meloni (Law & Order SVU, Oz) as a sexy superior vampire. What more beefcake?  :)

3. Never a pain – NURSE JACKIE Season 3.

Edie Falco, warts and all, returned as the most flawed character I can recall on the small screen. This season a new nurse entered the frame and he was right on Jackie’s case. She managed to dodge the bullets of last seasons revelation that she is indeed a pill popping addict using prescription drugs to avoid the pains of life in a big city hospital – juggling a dual life at home and at work, the final episode in which she pulled the two- faced whammy and asked her husband to get out of the house was a whopper. Falco leads this great ensemble with a riveting performance, Eve Best as the best friend continued to delight as do the rest of the staff of All Saints hospital in NYC all helping to make this series one of the best shows on TV right now. It shows no sign of losing its appeal making me want for another hit – am I an addict?

4. Medievil Mafiosa - GAME OF THRONES.

HBO – well those 3 capital letters they do make you stand up and take notice. New to the quality stable of series comes a show that is a real treat. It has been tagged  as a ‘The Sopranos” in Middle Earth but it is far more than that.

Filmed in Ireland and Malta the scenery is glorious and production values are of the highest order making this show flawless and allowing  you to immerse yourself  into the fantasy world that simply makes you believe. Fine acting from a mostly British/European cast and an Emmy winning performance by the little man of the moment Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent) this series follows many clans across many kingdoms who covet the throne to rule all. It took me a while to work out who was who and what the hell was going on at times, but it has individual scenes that were riveting and as a whole was entirely engrossing. Once I found my way around the clans of the Starks, the Lannisters, the Targaryens, and so on I was hooked.

Production design and costumes should be singled out along with seamless CGI that has you seeing and believing in this wondrous other world. The title sequence is superb as well.

Mention must be made of the final scene, I was absolutely stunned, it came from nowhere but once revealed I cannot recall a single image like it in recent times, it shook my world and will surely shake up the next eagerly awaited sophomore season of this great show.

5. Musical Mayhem – GLEE Season 2 and 3 (pt 1)

The musical maniacs of McKinley high school returned and whilst the episodes were very patchy and uneven, when it soared it was well worth the effort of persevering with this pioneering show. The episode in which virginity was lost between a heterosexual and homosexual couple of kids was a highlight, though not as controversial as they say, it cleverly used  the staging of the musical of West Side Story to great effect. Sue Sylvester had her usual quotas of clingers –  always a delight. I am looking forward to the new series ‘Smash” that follows in the musical footsteps of this favourite of mine.

6. Homegrown quality at last – THE SLAP

Perhaps setting a long overdue benchmark for quality television out of  Australia this controversial suburban soap opera had everyones tongues wagging. ‘Who’s side are you on?’ was the tagline – following the aftermath of a family BBQ in which a child was slapped by another adult, not his parents. Based on the acclaimed popular novel by Christos Tsiolkas each episode concentrated on a separate character as the saga continued. Covering many hot topic issues and featuring a multicultural cast the performances were first class, the writing gratefully accomplished and the production values at the top end of the scale. It was a welcome change on the local television scene. Kudos to cinematographer Andy Commis who created a cinematic canvas that is unusual for Aussie drama.

Please don’t die on us – THE BIG C season 2.

Laura Linney returned as Cathy with terminal cancer – at times she can be very self righteous and selfish but then she is dying so I guess all can be forgiven. This dramedy had some fine moments and some terrific guest stars – Hugh Dancy & Parker Posey. It was good to see the character of Andrea played by Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe (Precious) fully fleshed out this time. Unfortunately I missed a couple of eps midway but the final episode packed a sentimental but very powerful wallop, making me feel I had run an emotional marathon myself.

Honorable mentions to

MODERN FAMILY  - a great cast of characters both the adults and the kids, constantly funny, I don’t watch religiously but I am always pleased when I catch eps every now and again.

THE LOVE BOAT (reruns on 11) – I love catching up on the retro guest stars often Hollywood icons long dead and TV has beens.  Silly storlylines that keep me interested even though oh so cliched.

THE GOLDEN GIRLS (reruns on Gem) – A TV comedy classic with a great cast of elder actresses. Betty White is the last dame standing as sadly the other 3 cast members Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty are no longer with us. Perfect comic timing and wonderful retro references tickle my funny bone a plenty.

I was very pleased to read that that great Australian film “Animal Kingdom” is on the cards to be developed as a TV series for Showtime. I love this movie, one of the best Aussie flicks ever. I am thrilled that writer/director David Michod and producer par excellence Liz Watts are on board as executive producers, sure to maintain the films integrity.

The 2010 film – a crime drama focused on a family of criminals and their battle with the police and the innocents who got caught in the middle. It was a multiple award winner and scored a best supporting actress nomination Oscar for it’s matriarch – Jacki Weaver (robbed!!!!!)

I like the concept of a TV adaptation but it will be a challenge to recreate the mood of the original on a week by week  basis. I can’t wait to see who will land the role of the mamma of the clan. If they choose the right cast, writers and directors it is sure to be a winner. I do hope it comes to fruition. Fingers crossed.

The lovely Liz Watts, Animal Kingdom’s producer.

Related articles

• ‘Animal Kingdom’ Series in the Works for Showtime (hollywood.com)
• Showtime Turning ANIMAL KINGDOM Into a TV Series (collider.com)