Filmmaking/Acting advice and film reviews

[KarmaSutra]

Sweeney Todd: The demon barber of Fleet Street

Fvcking fabulous.

I had my reservations about the musical aspect but I was surprised with the vocal talent from the actors. Especially Alan Rickman. Love that guy because he's so deliciously vile in every evil role he's played. The set design and cinematography stole the show for me. It has that classic Tim Burton-esque tone throughout which I relish and also has a great score based on Sondheim's play.

It's graphic as hell with the throat slashings but that is minimal compared to the undertow of emotion the film carries throughout. It has an underlying sense of despair and doom 3/4 of the film then takes a turn for the dreadful.

Loved it. If Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter don't get Oscar nods I'll be shocked.

 

[KarmaSutra]

What'd you think about the No Country for Old Men ending, Karma?

I thought it gave us a peek into Tommy Lee Jones' character and wrapped the entire film full circle. You realize that the film is not about the chase for the money, Chighur's relentless hatred of himself or even about vengeance as a motivator. It's about redemption and, as an undercurrent, regret.

Beautiful film.

 

[Mr. Unique]

Bump for later read

 

[Aboleo]

No country for old men.​

I totally agree. I almost sh!t my pants when that transponder started going off outside the motel room door... Chigurh was creepy as hell. Sheriff Bell (played by Jones) was my favorite, however. It was the dialog of his character that made me really get into the book. Have you read it yet?

I can't wait til' they turn Cormac Mccarthy's 'The Road' into a movie...

...Chighur's relentless hatred of himself...

Could you elaborate on that please? I'd be interested to hear your point of view on this. It seemed to me that he hated everyone else, and that he thought of himself as invincible (until the end, anyways). In fact, he seemed almost ****y about his ability to kill people.

 

[KarmaSutra]

What does it take to actually get INTO the filming industry...?

First you need to have the WANT to get into the picture business. Then pinpoint which side you want to work. In front of or behind the camera.

How & where do you start looking for work...?

This, again, is dependent on what you want to do. Further information to come once you decide.

Is a "portfolio" required...?

Not necessarily a portfolio but a film reel if you want to shoot pictures or good headshots if you're looking to act. Remember that in the entertainment industry it's all about WHO you know rather than What you know. This is a truism.

Do you have to be able to portray any emotion that is required and how exactly do you MASTER portraying those emotions...?

Ahhh, so you want to be an actor. I'd suggest taking some acting classes from someone who is versed in one of the methodologies, Method Acting like the Strasburg Method or Stanivlosky's external acting teachings.

Can acting schools REALLY help you or are they worth the money...?

See above.

Some pointers on what can separate you from the rest of the people and make your presence known...would be helpful!.

Seriously the best thing yo ucan do is completely devote yourself to the craft and have a deep passion for it. This is what people who know notice.

 

[KarmaSutra]

Could you elaborate on that please? I'd be interested to hear your point of view on this. It seemed to me that he hated everyone else, and that he thought of himself as invincible (until the end, anyways). In fact, he seemed almost ****y about his ability to kill people.

What I mean is that Chighur so loathes his own being that it's easy to hate everyone else and this is why he can so readily disregard killing them. To him, killing someone is the same as tying his shoes because they hold no significance. He feels the same way towards his own lack of self knowing.

Is this more of a definition or do you need more?

 

[Aboleo]

What I mean is that Chighur so loathes his own being that it's easy to hate everyone else and this is why he can so readily disregard killing them. To him, killing someone is the same as tying his shoes because they hold no significance. He feels the same way towards his own lack of self knowing.

Is this more of a definition or do you need more?

No, thats fine. I was just interested in your take on the character. What makes him tick... you know?

 

[KarmaSutra]

No, thats fine. I was just interested in your take on the character. What makes him tick... you know?

Interstingly Meredith Vierra asked Javier Bardem that same question this morning on the Today show. His reply was that it was surprisingly easy to play that character so chillingly well because he didn't have to try.

Talk about method acting!

 

[Aboleo]

Hey, Sutra... Sorry if someone already asked you this, but what do you think of Ivana Chubbuck's acting method? I've been reading her book "The Power of the Actor" and so far it seems pretty effective.

I've also been reading "Methods of Disguise" by John Sample and "Disguise Techniques" by Edmond A. MacInaugh.

 

[Mr. Unique]

Im thinking about taking a shot at the filmmaking industry, unfortunatly I don't have the expensive equipment needed to make a movie. Right now all I have are my creative script ideas.

anyway, What did you guys think about "pans labrynth"? I saw it today, almost cried at the end.

I havent seen many classics or four star movies but my favorite movies are

American Beauty
American History X
Once upon a time in mexico
Million dollar baby
Gladiator
Carnosaur: primal species J/k

 

[KarmaSutra]

Hey, Sutra... Sorry if someone already asked you this, but what do you think of Ivana Chubbuck's acting method? I've been reading her book "The Power of the Actor" and so far it seems pretty effective.

I've also been reading "Methods of Disguise" by John Sample and "Disguise Techniques" by Edmond A. MacInaugh.

Chubbock's technique is a derivative of Sandy Meisner and Stanivlasky's acting school. Very good book because it lays out specific steps in workable order to achieve oneness with the character you're developing. These are different from Strasberg's Method mainly due to thier externalizing the character instead of internalizing the feeling of the character. There are different schools of thought on the process, neither of which are wrong or bad. They both get you to the same place hopefully.

I was able to peruse Methods of disguise and Disguise techniques and both deal with the art of external transformation; change the hair, make up, etc . . . in order to become someone else. The only issue I see is not having any reference for believing yourself the character you dress as.

 

[KarmaSutra]

Im thinking about taking a shot at the filmmaking industry, unfortunatly I don't have the expensive equipment needed to make a movie. Right now all I have are my creative script ideas.

anyway, What did you guys think about "pans labrynth"? I saw it today, almost cried at the end.

I havent seen many classics or four star movies but my favorite movies are

American Beauty
American History X
Once upon a time in mexico
Million dollar baby
Gladiator
Carnosaur: primal species J/k

I'll say that Pan's Labyrinth, as well as everything else Guillermo Del Toro puts to paper, is absolutely fantastic. Perfect structure, superb acting, set aesthetic is on spot and completely believable.

Blade II is the best vampire film ever made. Hellboy is wonderous to watch and rewatch but it's Pan's Labyrinth whichwill hold a place in my heart due to it's blunt humanity and the care he gives to his characters.

 

[KarmaSutra]

Juno

Diablo Cody wrote a doozie with this film. Ellen Page is a shining star in the new crop of young actresses. This chick has chops. Serious chops and if she doesn't walk away with the Oscar for Best Actress there are blind people with fat pockets sending in the ballots. She was one of the only good things about X Men 3. Her Kitty Pride was perfect.

J.K. Simmons, as always, is awesome. I've liked this guy since he was on Law and Order back in the day. The way he shares in Juno's pain as she goes through her pregnancy is poignant and moving.

Michael Cera is really coming along too. I'm afraid he's going to be labeled into his scared little kid role though.

I think what kept with me through all of it was Jason Bateman. This guy really surprised the fvck out of me. I'm still impressed with him in this role and I hope this opens new doors for him. He deserves it wholeheartedly.

All in all, this is the second best film I've seen in the past couple of years. I've watched it 12 times so far (I have a copy of the dvd screener) here at work and each time I find something fresh about it.

Do yourselves a favor and see this movie. It's perfect for watching with your spouse or prospective girlfriends.

 

[KarmaSutra]

You see Cloverfield yet, Karma? What's your take if you have?

I personally thought it was amazing. It's not easy to take a plot like "Monster attacks NYC. Breaks stuff." and make it a realistic, suspenseful, thoroughly entertaining tale. Not quite Oscar material or anything like that, but definitely not your typical January "dumping ground" type film.

What I loved most about it was the marketing. Pure brilliance. I think Blair Witch is the only other film to garner this magnitude of hype but Cloverfield pulled it off with a decent monster mash-'em-up movie.

Is it going to revolutionize the film biz like Pulp Fiction? No.

J.J. Abrams had best be ready to throw down if Lost isn't everything I expect it to be.

Alas though, that's another thread . . .

 

[ItsOnNow]

Film has always been a passion of mine since I was a kid. A few years ago,I seriously started thinking about it as a career. Writing,directing,possibly acting. Yet I haven't really pursued any of it yet.Whats a good way to get your foot in the door?

 

[KarmaSutra]

Film has always been a passion of mine since I was a kid. A few years ago,I seriously started thinking about it as a career. Writing,directing,possibly acting. Yet I haven't really pursued any of it yet.Whats a good way to get your foot in the door?

Asked and answered at least twice in this thread alone. Go back and read the posts and the following retorts brother.

 

[Mr. Unique]

Hey karma, is it neccessary to go to film school???

 

[KarmaSutra]

Hey karma, is it neccessary to go to film school???

Depends on what you want to do. Nothing is necessary but the contacts you make are invaluable. I was fortunate enough to have great rapport with my instructors (who are also filmmakers themselves and not mere theorists who've never delegated responsibility on a film set or touched a camera) and keep in touch with them to this day.

So, what do you want to do exactly?

 

[Mr. Unique]

Screen write, and shoot the entire movie.

 

[KarmaSutra]

Screen write, and shoot the entire movie.

You have absolutely no idea what an undertaking it truly is to shoot a movie. Writing it in proper format is a task unto itself but writing, producing, casting, acting, directing and then editing is not something for a newbie with no experience.

My advice is to get involved with a film crew as a gaffer or set help so you can get to know who does what and get to know the Director and ask his/her opinion on various duties.