Scene Stealer
Scene Stealer | “Ed Wood” Bela Lugosi fights the Octopus
After talking about Tim Burton in detail on last night’s show (which will be available for download this week), I had to revisit my favorite film by the director, Ed Wood for this week’s Scene Stealer. There are many great scenes, but I landed on a classic. Proceed!
Scene Stealer | The Social Network “Opening”
Much has been said about David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin‘s The Social Network and rightfully so, it’s one of the most perfect films I’ve ever seen. Since purchasing the Blu-Ray I’ve consumed every special feature like an addict, with only the cast commentary left for my enjoyment. One of the more interesting aspects of the disc is the behind the scenes footage of director Fincher and writer Sorkin discussing elements of the script, and analyzing every detail of plot/character. One would think that the two such creatively strong minded people wouldn’t get along without butting heads, yet the result is on screen, and it’s beautiful to watch.
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Scene Stealer | “Magnolia” Seduce & Destroy
Much can be said of P.T. Anderson and his films. One could argue that he didn’t find his true voice until Punch-Drunk Love and that Hard Eight, Boogie Nights, and Magnolia are treading on the styles of great filmmakers that have come before. Although that point is valid, I would be inclined to say that Anderson is paying tribute to the men that inspired him (such as: Robert Altman, Sidney Lumet, Martin Scorsese, and Jonathan Demme) while also letting his unique voice shine through.
Out off his first three films, my personal favorite is Magnolia. Anderson weaves four movies worth of characters in and out of each others lives, creating a suburban epic. Each individual has there own take on the world they inhabit and a destiny driven by the person they are. As interesting as each character is, the ultimate standout is Tom Cruise as Frank T.J. Mackey. Read the rest of this entry »
The Lost World: Jurassic Park “Team InGen Arrives”
This Monday marked the passing of great character actor Pete Postlehwaite, and while many remember him from his work on the stage or in films like In the Name of the Father, most from my generation may think of him as one of the best aspects of Steven Spielberg’s lukewarm sequel The Lost World: Jurassic Park. The film itself has it’s moments including more snappy dialogue from Jeff Goldblum, another riveting “T-Rex in the rain” sequence, and the off-island third act…Just kidding about that last one.
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Scene Stealer | “I Heart Huckabees” How am I not myself?
Director David O. Russell recently wowed me to no end with the craftsmanship presented in his newest film, The Fighter. With an expert grasp on his story and characters, Russell was able to transport me to Lowell, Massachusetts in the early 90s and have me sympathize with people I normally wouldn’t like to spend time with.
Although The Fighter is probably Russell’s best work, I have been a fan since Flirting with Disaster and Three Kings (I have yet to see his directorial debut, Spanking the Monkey). After Three Kings, Russell took it upon himself to tackle the big question. Why? What does it all mean? I could never have expected the way in which he would cover the subject. An existential detective comedy? Little did I know, I Heart Huckabees would become one of my favorite comedies of the past decade. Read the rest of this entry »
Scene Stealer | The Abyss “Drowning Scene”
This week on Scene Stealer we go deep. How deep? Deep. How deep? It’s classified.
Scene Stealer | A Muppet Christmas Carol “It Feels Like Chistmas”
We here at Filmdogs would be remiss if we didn’t showcase at least one aspect of 1992 Holiday classic A Muppet Christmas Carol on the site this season. I personally believe it’s one of the best adaptations of Charles Dickens‘ timeless story, and it certainly features the man who was born to play Ebenezer Scrooge, Sir Michael Caine (that’s not an insult). Besides, what other version of the story has Gonzo narrating as Mr. Dickens himself? Brilliant casting. Read on to find out what sequence from the film made the Scene Stealer cut…
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Scene Stealer | “In the Name of the Father” The Medal
From 1989 to 1997 Daniel Day-Lewis and director Jim Sheridan crafted three films (My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father, and The Boxer) that would challenge viewers and showcase Day-Lewis’ unbelievable range as an actor.
In my opinion, In the Name of the Father is their quintessential collaboration and presents their finest attributes as artists. Continue on for a scene that holds some of the best acting of the last twenty years. Read the rest of this entry »
Scene Stealer | “American Psycho” Business Card Scene
I have to return some videotapes...
This week on Scene Stealer, I wanted to share a more comical scene from the film American Psycho. GO!
Scene Stealer | Thanksgiving in SPACE….
Ok, so this dinner scene from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country doesn’t really have anything to do with Thanksgiving. It does however feature plenty of awkward moments between former enemies The Federation, (Kirk and Company) and the Klingon Empire (the bastard’s that killed Kirk’s son). An impending peace treaty between the two groups may be a good reason to sit down to dinner, but it doesn’t mean that Kirk has to be polite. Throw in Christopher Plummer as the Shakespeare spouting villain General Chang (I guess Asian Klingon’s are Canadian) and you’re bound to have a little drama at the dinner table.
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