"Then She Found Me"

Actress/Director Helen Hunt

Award-winning actress Helen Hunt makes her feature directing debut with, "Then She Found Me," adapted from the best-selling Elinor Lipman novel about an adopted woman who wants to have her own child.

At first, I had some problems getting into it. The opening sequences felt rushed and contrived. Before April has a chance to deal with one tragedy, another one takes it's place. Writer/Director Helen Hunt seems to rush through some life altering events without allowing her character to learn the inherit lessons.

April has an urgent need to have her own baby to experience that special bond that she never felt as an adopted child. That's when her shallow, self-centered husband (Matthew Broderick) chooses to leave her.

Before she has time to digest that her husband is gone, she meets a man who just might be her soul mate - the father of one of her students. The film seems to be saying that love doesn't come in a neat little package (a bundle of joy) or even at a good time. Love is messy - full of human weakness and flaws. In this case, the package comes with a lot of extra baggage. Colin Firth is vulnerable and sexy as the recently dumped father of two who bumbles his way through the initial stages of this potentially important relationship. Helen Hunt gives an honest, nuanced performance as the confused and conflicted April. Kudos to Ms. Hunt for creating the most romantic relationship I've seen in a very long time.

To further complicate matters, April's birth mother (Bette Midler) turns up to show how really flawed love can be. This is your typical sitcom fare with Midler playing it predictively over the top. However, despite the best jokes being thrown away in the trailer, the Divine Miss M got some good laughs. And there are some touching moments of genuine bonding between the two women.

I also appreciate how the film touches on the spiritual side of being Jewish - not just having the characters perform rituals for the sake of tradition.

Sometimes good art, like life and love, can be flawed. I found this to be the case with THEN SHE FOUND ME. I'm looking forward to seeing it again. If you've been longing for a truly romantic comedy, go see THEN SHE FOUND ME as soon as possible and bring your friends. Lets send a message to Ms. Hunt to keep up the good work!

Movie Blessings!
Jana Segal
www.reelinspiration.blogspot.com

"The Visitor"

"The Visitor," a film by Tom McCarthy (The Station Agent), is about how an act of kindness can enrich the life of the giver. This is a quiet film about a quiet man. Sixty-two year old economics professor Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins from Six Feet Under) is pretending to work at teaching and writing as he sleep walks through life.

While in New York for a conference, he discovers a couple living in his apartment - victims of a real estate scam. It soon becomes clear that the Syrian musician Tarak (Haaz Sleiman) and his Senegalese girlfriend Zainab (Dani Gurira) have no other place to stay. Walter reluctantly opens his home to them. This unplanned act of kindness changes his life in ways he never expected. Out of gratitude, Tarak introduces Walter to the exuberant world of African drumming. Their shared passion bridges cultural and age gaps connecting the two men. When Tarak is unfairly arrested as an undocumented citizen and held for deportation, Walter is compelled to help this near stranger. Walter finds a purpose and passion in his life that was sorely missing."Kindness as it's own reward" is an important theme for our times. In our busy, self contained world it's easy to forget how good it feels to help another person. I'm grateful to Director Tom McCarthy for reminding me.

Movie Blessings!
Jana Segal
http://reelinspiration.blogspot.com/

Reel Inspiration's mission is to encourage and promote the production and theatrical success of diverse films with entertaining, powerful stories that uplift, challenge, give hope or inspire the human consciousness.

"Caramel"

Guest reviewer:
Angeline R. Hazime

Tonight I watched an independent film at the Loft Cinema in Tucson, AZ, titled "Caramel." This romantic comedy was Lebanon's official submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 80th Annual Academy Awards. It is the story of several Lebanese woman living their daily lives in Beirut while running a beauty shop. It appeared at first to represent their love lives, but for me it was so much more than that. The title "Caramel" is symbolic of something deeper; something inside the women's souls even. Caramel is smooth and tasty, and rich and sweet, yet it can be so sticky and hard to chew. It is used for waxing; the desired way to remove hair from the body in Lebanon - not just for women but for the men. Actually, I am pleased with the title because waxing in Arabic, especially Lebanese culture, is so central. My Lebanese husband did it on average once a week to his face. In this film the process of the waxing with caramel really is used in key points to represent the way it can be smooth and inviting, even warm... For me it represented these ladies desire for love and acceptance; acceptance of themselves. And then there is the moment of when the caramel goes on and it gets painful and aggressive. I believe the writer/ director Nadine Labaki's point is that love and self identity can be just as painful and aggressive.

I also enjoyed how Lebanese culture was shown in the film. All the dynamics of the different people, and also how Christians and Muslims do actually get a long in Beirut. It isn't all what the American Media makes it out to be over there. The use of the beauty shop and the different subplots was so enthralling for me. Yes, I understood much of what was going on for I personally have been exposed to Lebanese culture being that I am from the Detroit area in Michigan, but I feel anyone would appreciate this opportunity to get a window into to not just the Lebanese people, but to a side of Middle Eastern culture. It is far from the caves of Afghanistan.

It is a foreign film, so the paradigm is going to be much more different than what Americans are use to. I loved the ending and I knew its point, but that is all I will say for the ending. I don't want to give it away. I will say though that one must give into the flow of Caramel and follow the smoothness and the ripping effect in one, and you will get it.

"LA MISMA LUNA" Breaks Box Office Records!

Fox Searchlight and the Weinstein Co. had the most to brag about the box office this past weekend, as their Under the Same Moon broke the record for the biggest opening of a Spanish language film in the U.S., grossing 2.6 million from 266 locations. Studios noted that it did well in heavily Latino markets and at art house theaters. Per play average was $9,774 and the cumulative gross since Wednesday is $3.3 million.

LA MISMA LUNA also opened over the weekend in Mexico, where it had the highest opening of a Mexican film in Mexico for 2007/2008.
(Excerpt from NALIP March newsletter)

Congratulations writer Liquiah Villalobos and director Patricia Riggen!

"Under the Same Moon" (La Misma Luna)

In Tucson, the debate of what to do about illegal immigration is a heated one with hard questions and no easy answers. Under the Same Moon (La Misma Luna) doesn't attempt to give the answers but does it's best to humanize the issue. Even the title suggests that we are all "under the same moon."

Writer Liquiah Villalobos and director Patricia Riggen present the rarely told story of the child who is left behind when a parent leaves Mexico to work in America. "Under the Same Moon," tells parallel stories of mother and son. In the opening sequence they appear to be in the same household as they perform similar chores while waiting to be reunited. Nine-year-old Carlitos (Adrian Alonso ) can't wait until Sunday for his mother's weekly call at the town pay phone. His mother, Rosario, (Kate de Castillo) is in East L.A. working to provide a "better life" for him. Carlitos doesn't understand how it can be a better life without his mother. He needs her now. So when his grandmother unexpectedly dies,Carlitos sneaks across the border to find her.

The parallels continue as Carlitos experiences first hand the same hardships and dangers his mother had to endure crossing the border and working illegally. While he is struggling to get to her in America, she is preparing to return to Mexico to be with him. Carlitos looks at the moon when he's lonely because he's been told that she is looking at it too. Their connection is that strong.

Some reviewers have a problem with this precocious nine year old whose innocent devotion brings out the decency in folks. Perhaps it would be more real if he got tired and irritable sometimes. But this is a movie that believes in the goodness in people and the connection between a son and his mom. If you still believe in the goodness in people that connects us all, don't miss, "Under the Same Moon."

Movie Blessings!
Jana Segal
www.reelinspiration.blogspot.com/

"The Band's Visit"

The Egyptian Police Band arrives in Israel to perform at the Arab Cultural Center in Peta Tikva. When their ride doesn't show up, they manage to catch the last bus of the day despite the language barrier. The bus drops them off in the desolate town of Betah Tikva. But the differences in the two towns is much greater than the first letter of their names. The progressive notion of music bridging cultural divides hasn't reached this abandoned development of Betah Tikva. The bored local cafe owner laments, "There is no Arab culture, no Israeli culture, no culture at all."

The surreal sight of the Arab Police Band in their pressed, sky blue uniforms is a welcome diversion from the monotony of this dead town. So, Dina, the cafe owner (Ronit Elkabert) offers lodging in her home and recruits her neighbors as unlikely good Samaritans. Unemployed Itzik brings some of the band members home to crash his distant wife's pathetic attempt at a birthday celebration. There is obvious tension between the Arabs and Jews who speak their own language among themselves. They speak in a compromise language, English, to communicate to each other. When language fails them, they attempt to connect through music with a weird, impromptu sing-a-long. The clarinet player shares his unfinished concerto. He gains new insight into his creative process from this family that has also stalled. The rejected husband offers him understanding and inspiration, "Perhaps your concerto is about a baby sleeping in the next room and tons of loneliness." It is the expression of solitude that brings them together.

Dina, who has been in one shallow affair after another, seems desperate for any kind of human connection. She must deal with cultural differences in male/female relationships when she tries to tease the emotionally stunted band leader, Colonel Tewfiq Zakria, (Sasson Gabai) out of his shell. He tries to share his love of music but it is so overwhelming that he must resort to sharing his love of fishing instead.

Meanwhile, the superficial heartthrob, Kaled, (Salah Bakri) uses the power of music to pick up women by crooning a Chet Baker tune. Always out for a good time, he invites himself along on an already awkward double date to a disco roller rink. What develops is a touching moment of human kindness and one of the funniest moments in the film.

Despite it's satirical surface, "The Band's Visit," is really a sweet, lighthearted film about people connecting, not politics. It is about breaking down the walls that separate us. It's about hope.

Movie Blessings!
Jana Segal
www.reelinspiration.blogspot.com

"Starting Out in the Evening"

Friday night I saw acclaimed writer/director Andrew Wagner (The Talent Given Us, Starting Out in the Evening) at the Loft Theater in Tucson. When asked how he keeps going (after the disappointments of the awards season), Andrew replied that he is in it for the journey. He gave a stirring speech encouraging an appreciative audience to follow their bliss too. It is clear that his love of writing influenced his film, "Starting out in the Evening."

This multi-level drama is a real treat for literature lovers and writers or anyone who loves smart adult dramas. Andrew explores a world of literature that has all but vanished as the once celebrated author Leonard Schiller (Frank Langella) bangs out one last novel on his outdated typewriter. After a close call with a stroke, Schiller urgently struggles to complete the novel he has been working on for a decade. He is challenged to "shake things up" when an ambitious grad student (Lauren Ambrose) badgers him into doing a series of interviews for her thesis on his life's work. She seduces him with the offer of a revised career and renewed acclaim. She forces him to face the consequences that his "single minded devotion to writing" had on his family life and even his writing.

The subplot supports the theme of balancing the pursuit of a dream with living life. Leonard's forty year old daughter, Ariel, (Lilli Taylor) has suppressed her own dream (of having a child) to support her lover's dream. Leonard chastises his daughter for settling for a man who places her second after his dreams. Ariel finds it hypocritical since Leonard's writing always came first over everything including his wife. But Leonard wants more for his daughter.
The dignified Frank Langella gives a courageous performance that would have garnered him an Oscar nomination in less competitive years. And Lilli Taylor literally glows in her role as his daughter.

As a writer, I appreciate how the film explores that precarious balance between having a life with the isolation writing requires and the passion that keeps us going. OK. It's a lot deeper than that, but I don't want to give it all away. I'll let you figure it out. That's half the fun.

If you love deep adult dramas don't miss seeing, "Starting out in the Evening," starting this evening.

Movie Blessings,
Jana Segal
www.reelinspiration.blogspot.com/

Oscar Honors Women Filmmakers

This year we saw giant strides made by women filmmakers at the Oscars. It was good to see women finally telling their stories and getting acclaim for it.

Persepolis, adapted and directed by Marjane Satrapi (and Vincent Paronnaud) from her graphic novel was nominated for Best Animated Feature. Marjane removes the veil so we can really get to know the precocious Iranian girl living during the Iranian revolution. Through this poignant and often hilarious film, writer/co-director Marjane Satrapi hopes to create understanding of what the Iranian people have undergone.

“I believe that an entire nation should not be judged by the wrongdoings of a few extremists,” Satrapi says. “I also don’t want those Iranians who lost their lives in prisons defending freedom, who died in the war against Iraq, who suffered under various repressive regimes, or who were forced to leave their families and flee their homeland to be forgotten.”

We watched as women accepted Oscars for:
Best Documentary Short Subject "Freeheld" - Cynthia Wade and Vanessa Roth
Best Animated Short Film "Peter & the Wolf" - Suzie Templeton (and Hugh Welchman)

For the first time in Oscar history, four women were nominated in the screenwriting categories: Nancy Oliver was nominated for her highly original feel good comedy, Lars and the Real Girl. Congratulations to Diablo Cody (pictured above) for winning Best Original Screenplay for her quotable dialogue and for her honest portrayal of a teenage girl (which also garnered Ellen Page a Best Actress nomination) in Juno. Two of these nominated writers also realized their vision as director. They created fully drawn, truthful characters that paid off in nominations for their leading ladies. Young writer/director Sarah Polley was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for Away from Her while her lead actress, Julie Christie, was nominated for best actress. Writer/Director Tamara Jenkins was nominated for the bitingly real screenplay, The Savages. Her lead actress Laura Linney was nominated for Best Actress.

Congratulations to all these talented filmmakers! I hope that these powerful women inspire and empower a new generation of women filmmakers to express their stories on film.
Thanks,
Jana Segal
http://reelinspiration.blogspot.com/

LUNAFEST 2008

Tuesday, March 4th at 7:00 p.m.

Presented by The University of Arizona's Women's Studies Department

LUNAFEST 2008 lands at The Loft!

Get ready for an entertaining and enlightening evening of short films made by, for, and about women. This annual, nationally-touring film festival brings the best short films from around the world (all made by women) together for one special night of cinematic excitement.

This year's films, which have won industry awards and film festival audience accolades, run the gamut from quirky animation to touching documentaries, and explore such topics as social and cultural diversity, the joys and challenges of mother and child relationships, and the bending (and sometimes breaking) of traditional gender roles. Incredibly diverse in both style and subject matter, these gems are united by a common thread of exceptional storytelling by…for…about women.

Visit the LUNAFEST website: http://lunafest.org/

"Michael Clayton"

I thought I'd give you one more inspiring film to catch before the Oscars Sunday night: best picture nominee "Michael Clayton."

There are always those films that miss my radar when they first come out. The trailer made "Michael Clayton" out to be just another downbeat legal thriller. Luckily, a fellow movie lover recommended it as the best movie of the year so I saw it Monday and again yesterday. I enjoyed this well written adult drama even better the second time around. I apologize for not reviewing this extraordinary film sooner. But you can still catch it at the second run theaters.
George Clooney gives an Oscar caliber performance as the world weary "fixer" in a law firm that is defending their biggest client U/North against a multi-million dollar settlement of a class action suit regarding their toxic weed killer. Michael's personal ethics are tested when his friend, the brilliant but guilt-ridden lead attorney Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson) snaps, and Michael is called to clean up his mess.

We've seen this obvious (and tired) theme of corporate corruption before. But this movie has more to say. It brings up the question of who is really crazy: the bi-polar attorney who believes he has been called on a quest of redemption to stop the evil corporation or the U/North corporation who is willing to literally kill people in order put the firm and it's stockholders in the "most financially advantageous position." As a society, have we become so jaded that we see someone who doesn't have a financial motivation to help others as crazy? Don't miss this inspiring story of moral responsibility and redemption.

Tom Wilkinson, who also gave an Oscar nominated performance in "In the Bedroom" gives a strong, Oscar worthy performance here. Though Javier Bardem is considered the favorite to win best supporting actor for his work in “No Country for Old Men, ” in my opinion Tom Wilkinson gives a much more dynamic performance. Tilda Swinton, who plays the cold, controlled U/North litigator, is also nominated for best supporting actress. But I prefer Cate Blanchett in "I'm Not There" or Rudy Dee in "American Gangster" (for her life's work) or young Saoirse Rona in "Atonement."

OSCAR UPDATE:
So of course, Tilda Swinton won the only statue for Michael Clayton. And thank Heavens she did. She gave an entertaining speech, teasing fellow nominee George Clooney and appropriately giving credit to writer/director Tony Gilroy.

So this gives you one more "Reel Inspiration film" to root for during the Oscars Sunday. For a complete list of nominees, scroll down to 2007 Academy Award Nominees.

Movie Blessings!
Jana Segal
www.reelinspiration.blogspot.com

"Persepolis"

I recently saw the powerful, Oscar nominated animated feature, "Persepolis" (98 minutes) at the Loft Theater in Tucson. Persepolis is definitely a love project. Marjane Satrapi, along with co-director Vincent Paronnaud, adapted her graphic novels based on her life story. "Persepolis," was painstakingly drawn the old fashion way with pencil and ink to create more expression in the characters. It is done in (mostly) black and white, two-dimensional animation. But there is nothing black and white or two-dimensional about this story of an Iranian girl growing up during the Islamic Revolution.

The movie begins with the fall of the Shah. Often, when we think of that regime, we think of the tyranny of the Shah and all the people he executed. But at this time, Iran was also very modern and westernized. Many Iranians enjoyed some degree of personal freedom. Eventually that freedom is completely taken away by the religious extremists. We experience this world through the eyes of the precocious Marjane - a well drawn character with her own weaknesses and childish perspectives. Along with Marjane, we get a history lesson about Iran and the Islamic Revolution from her father and uncle. Imaginative (and sometimes humorous) visuals add context to their narration. Young Marjane learns some hard lessons as the uncle she idealizes is imprisoned for fighting for freedom. Teenage Marjane must cover her hair and hide her love of Punk from the "social guardians". When she speaks out, her parents fear for her life and send her away to school in Austria. In this strange new country, she must deal with the challenges of becoming an adult, culture shock, and prejudice. Marjane becomes homesick for an Iran that is no long there.

Through this poignant and often hilarious film, writer/co-director Marjane Satrapi hopes to create understanding of what the Iranian people have undergone (see her statement below) and ensure that those who fought and died for freedom are not forgotten.

OSCAR UPDATE: Persepolis, written and directed by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud. was nominated for Best Animated Feature.

Movie Blessings,
Jana Segal
http://reelinspiration.blogspot.com/Background from official website:

Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novels Persepolis: the Story of a Childhood (Pantheon, 2003, English version) and Persepolis 2: the Story of a Return (Pantheon, 2004, English version) won widespread acclaim in France, now her home, and around the world. Now, she has co-directed, with Vincent Paronnaud, the animated film version of her memoir.

The title PERSEPOLIS comes from the Persian capital founded in the 6th century BC by Darius I, later destroyed by Alexander the Great. It’s a reminder that there’s an old and grand civilization, besieged by waves of invaders but carrying on through milennia, that is much deeper and more complex than the current-day view of Iran as a monoculture of fundamentalism, fanaticism, and terrorism.

“I believe that an entire nation should not be judged by the wrongdoings of a few extremists,” Satrapi says. “I also don’t want those Iranians who lost their lives in prisons defending freedom, who died in the war against Iraq, who suffered under various repressive regimes, or who were forced to leave their families and flee their homeland to be forgotten.”

2008 Academy Award Nominations and Oscar Update

The 2007 Academy Awards were last night! (February 24th) This has been a great year for films. In fact, there were so many good films, that some films and actors that may have won on previous years weren't even nominated. But the nominated films are outstanding! Not a dud in the bunch. As expected, No Company for Old Men and There Will be Blood got the most nods with eight nominations each and Michael Clayton (Yeah!) coming in at seven nods.

OSCAR UPDATE: No Country for Old Men swept the Oscars with Javier Bardem winning best supporting actor (no surprise there) and writer/directors Joel Coen and Ethan Coen winning best adapted screenplay, best directing, and best picture. Daniel Day-Lewis gave a theatrical acceptance speech for Best Actor for, There Will Be Blood. And Robert Elswit gave There Will Be Blood it's second Oscar for Cinematography.

Michael Clayton is nominated for (and deserves to win) Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay for it's powerful, dynamic story about moral responsibility and redemption written and directed by Tony Gilroy. There are also some Oscar caliber performances: George Clooney (Best Actor),Tilda Swinton (Best Supporting Actress) and the outstanding Tom Wilkinson for Best Supporting Actor.

OSCAR UPDATE: Tilda Swinton represented Michael Clayton by winning their only Oscar. She appropriately gave credit to her talented writer/director Tony Gilroy.

I'm thrilled that The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (review below) was nominated for so many awards including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Directing, Best Cinematography and Best Editing! Seems to me that it should have been nominated for Best Picture too. (I would have picked it as number one on my "2007 Best Films" list but it came to Tucson too late. Oh, well...)

But there were some other pleasant surprises too. This was the year for women screenwriters and screenwriter/directors! Just check out all the nominations for Juno -- including Best Directing (Jason Reitman), Best Actress (Ellen Page), best screenplay, and best picture! Lars and the Real Girl was also nominated for best screenplay! Two comedies nominated for best screenplay and both written by women - unheard of! Hurray for Diablo Cody (Juno) and Nancy Oliver (Lars and the Real Girl)! Away from Her got a nomination for best adapted Screenplay and Best Actress (Julie Christie)! Kudos to writer/director Sarah Polley! The Savages was also nominated for best actress (Laura Linney) and best screenplay. Congrats writer/director Tamara Jenkins! Four screenwriting nods to women! Not to mention the best animated feature nominee writer/director Marjane Satrapi for Persepolis!

OSCAR UPDATE: Diablo Cody gave a moving acceptance speech where she thanked her amazing director (Jason Reitman), lead actress (Ellen Page), and her mom for "accepting me just the way I am."

Marion Cotillard deserved her Best Actress award for her transformational acting in La Vie en Rose.

Other RI reviewed films that were nominated are: “Raise It Up” from August Rush and "Falling Slowly” from Once were nominated for Best Song. The Kite Runner and Michael Clayton were nominated for Best original score! "

OSCAR UPDATE: The performers/writers of the winning song,Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, gave stirring speeches about how much it meant for them and independent musicians to win this award for their $100,000. little film.

I've highlighted the films that Reel Inspiration has promoted just in case you'd like to root for those. You can bet your sweet jujubees I will be!

OSCAR UPDATE:
There were several disappointments for me. I really thought that The Diving Bell and the Butterfly deserved best cinematography and editing. And I hoped against hope that Tom Wilkinson would win best supporting actor for his dynamic work in Michael Clayton. Also, Persepolis was definitely slighted by big studio production “Ratatouille.”

I'm delighted for our three wins - especially that Diablo Cody won for her honest and witty script, Juno and that Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova won for their song, "Falling Slowly." Great job!

Movie Blessings!
Jana Segal
Reel Inspiration

OSCAR NOMINATIONS:
(Winners in Gold)

Performance by an actor in a leading role
George Clooney in “Michael Clayton”
Daniel Day-Lewis in “There Will Be Blood”
Johnny Depp in “Sweeney Todd...”
Tommy Lee Jones in “In the Valley of Elah”
Viggo Mortensen in “Eastern Promises”

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Casey Affleck in “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”
Javier Bardem in “No Country for Old Men”
Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Charlie Wilson’s War”
Hal Holbrook in “Into the Wild”
Tom Wilkinson in “Michael Clayton”

Performance by an actress in a leading role
Cate Blanchett in “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”
Julie Christie in “Away from Her”
Marion Cotillard in “La Vie en Rose”
Laura Linney in “The Savages”
Ellen Page in “Juno”

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Cate Blanchett in “I’m Not There”
Ruby Dee in “American Gangster”
Saoirse Ronan in “Atonement”
Amy Ryan in “Gone Baby Gone”
Tilda Swinton in “Michael Clayton”

Best animated feature film of the year
“Persepolis” (Sony Pictures Classics) Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud
“Ratatouille” (Walt Disney) Brad Bird
“Surf's Up” (Sony Pictures Releasing) Ash Brannon and Chris Buck

Achievement in art direction
“American Gangster” Art Direction: Arthur Max; Set Decoration: Beth A. Rubino
“Atonement” : Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
“The Golden Compass” Art Direction: Dennis Gassner; Set Decoration: Anna Pinnock
“Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” Art Direction: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo
“There Will Be Blood” Art Direction: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Jim Erickson

Achievement in cinematography
“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” Roger Deakins
“Atonement” Seamus McGarvey
“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” Janusz Kaminski
“No Country for Old Men” Roger Deakins
“There Will Be Blood” Robert Elswit

Achievement in costume design
“Across the Universe” Albert Wolsky
“Atonement” Jacqueline Durran
“Elizabeth: The Golden Age” Alexandra Byrne
“La Vie en Rose” Marit Allen
“Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” Colleen Atwood

Achievement in directing
“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” Julian Schnabel
“Juno” Jason Reitman
“Michael Clayton” Tony Gilroy
“No Country for Old Men” Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
“There Will Be Blood” Paul Thomas Anderson

Best documentary feature
“No End in Sight” (Magnolia Pictures): A Representational Pictures Production: Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
“Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience” (The Documentary Group): A Documentary Group Production : Richard E. Robbins
“Sicko” (Lionsgate and The Weinstein Company): A Dog Eat Dog Films Production: Michael Moore and Meghan O’Hara
“Taxi to the Dark Side” (THINKFilm): An X-Ray Production: Alex Gibney and Eva Orner
“War/Dance” (THINKFilm): A Shine Global and Fine Films Production: Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine

Achievement in film editing
“The Bourne Ultimatum” Christopher Rouse
“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” Juliette Welfling
“Into the Wild” Jay Cassidy
“No Country for Old Men” Roderick Jaynes
“There Will Be Blood” Dylan Tichenor

Best foreign language film of the year
“Beaufort” A Metro Communications, Movie Plus Production
Israel
“The Counterfeiters” An Aichholzer Filmproduktion, Magnolia Filmproduktion Production
Austria
“Katyń” An Akson Studio Production
Poland
“Mongol” A Eurasia Film Production
Kazakhstan
“12” A Three T Production
Russia

Achievement in makeup
“La Vie en Rose” Didier Lavergne and Jan Archibald
“Norbit” Rick Baker and Kazuhiro Tsuji
“Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” Ve Neill and Martin Samuel

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
“Atonement” Dario Marianelli
“The Kite Runner” Alberto Iglesias
“Michael Clayton” James Newton Howard
“Ratatouille” Michael Giacchino
“3:10 to Yuma” Marco Beltrami

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
“Falling Slowly” from “Once” Music and Lyric by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Happy Working Song” from “Enchanted” Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz
“Raise It Up” from “August Rush” (Warner Bros.): Nominees to be determined
“So Close” from “Enchanted” Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz
“That’s How You Know” from “Enchanted” Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz

Best motion picture of the year
“Atonement” (Focus Features) : A Working Title Production ; Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Paul Webster, Producers
“Juno” (Fox Searchlight): A Dancing Elk Pictures, LLC Production; Lianne Halfon, Mason Novick and Russell Smith, Producers
“Michael Clayton” (Warner Bros.): A Clayton Productions, LLC Production; Sydney Pollack, Jennifer Fox and Kerry Orent, Producers
“No Country for Old Men” (Miramax and Paramount Vantage): A Scott Rudin/Mike Zoss Production; Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers
“There Will Be Blood” (Paramount Vantage and Miramax): A JoAnne Sellar/Ghoulardi Film Company Production; JoAnne Sellar, Paul Thomas Anderson and Daniel Lupi, Producers

Achievement in sound editing
“The Bourne Ultimatum” Karen Baker Landers and Per Hallberg
“No Country for Old Men” Skip Lievsay
“Ratatouille” Randy Thom and Michael Silvers
“There Will Be Blood” Matthew Wood
“Transformers” Ethan Van der Ryn and Mike Hopkins

Achievement in sound mixing
“The Bourne Ultimatum” Scott Millan, David Parker and Kirk Francis
“No Country for Old Men” Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter Kurland
“Ratatouille” Randy Thom, Michael Semanick and Doc Kane
“3:10 to Yuma” Paul Massey, David Giammarco and Jim Stuebe
“Transformers” Kevin O’Connell, Greg P. Russell and Peter J. Devlin

Achievement in visual effects
“The Golden Compass” Michael Fink, Bill Westenhofer, Ben Morris and Trevor Wood
“Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” John Knoll, Hal Hickel, Charles Gibson and John Frazier
“Transformers” Scott Farrar, Scott Benza, Russell Earl and John Frazier

Adapted screenplay
“Atonement” Screenplay by Christopher Hampton
“Away from Her” Written by Sarah Polley
“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” Screenplay by Ronald Harwood
“No Country for Old Men” Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
“There Will Be Blood” Written for the screen by Paul Thomas Anderson

Original screenplay
“Juno” Written by Diablo Cody
“Lars and the Real Girl” Written by Nancy Oliver
“Michael Clayton” Written by Tony Gilroy
“Ratatouille” Screenplay by Brad Bird; Story by Jan Pinkava, Jim Capobianco, Brad Bird
“The Savages” Written by Tamara Jenkins

REEL INSPIRATION CONTEST FINALISTS UPDATE

Two RI contest finalists' films, "The Runners" and "Not 2B Toyed With," were screened Saturday, February 9 at the TucsonFilm.com Shorts Fest

Justin Mashouf was a 2004 RI Film Contest Finalist for his moving film, "Morning Submission. Morning Submission" is a lovely short film about why Moslems pray. Justin spoke at several Reel Inspiration screenings and on Arizona Illustrated. He expressed how important it was to him to share his film to create greater understanding. It is moments like this that make organizing the RI contests really worth it. Justin is still making films that promote understanding. Justin and JorDan Fuller's film, "The Runners," was screened at the Santa Fe Film Festival, the Lone Star International Film Festival, and the Tucson Film and Music Festival, among others. "The Runners," is the story of a Mexican man who crosses the border illegally, marries an American woman, and finds out that the American dream is harder than it seems. Congrats Justin and JorDan!

Congratulations to Not 2B Toyed With Filmmakers Hal Melfi, Tina Huerta, and Steve Bayless for being included in the FilmTucson.com Shorts Fest!

Since Reel Inspiration's Pura Inspiracion Film Contest, "Not 2B Toyed With," has been screened nationally and abroad including England, France, Canada, Denmark, and our own Arizona International Film Festival and RI's screening at the Oro Valley Arts Fest.

"Not 2B Toyed With," is the story of an obsessive Star Wars toy collector who is about to discover the "power of the dark side" when his nephew invades his perfectly packaged world. 

2007 Best Narrative Short: West Bank Story

Short musical comedy "West Bank Story"
with Academy Award Winning Writer/Director Ari Sandel.

A musical comedy set in the fast-paced, fast-food world of competing falafel stands in the West Bank... David, an Israeli soldier, falls in love with the beautiful Palestinian cashier, Fatima, despite the animosity between their families' dueling restaurants. Can the couple's love withstand a 2000 year old conflict and their families' desire to control the future of the chic pea in the Middle East?

West Bank Story won the 2007 Academy Award for the Best Live Action Short Film. It takes a humorous yet hopeful look at the Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank and has received an overwhelming response from Arab and Jewish audiences. Ari Sandel has traveled extensively and is very involved with various political organizations promoting peace.

West Bank Story - the whole short!http://www.westbankstory.com/

2008 Oscar Nominated Short Films

The nominees for Best Animated Short Film of 2006 are:
I MET THE WALRUS (Canada), MADAME TUTLI-PUTLI (Canada), MEME LES PIGEONS VONT AU PARADIS, (Even Pigeons Go to Heaven) (France), MOYA LYUBOV (Russia), and PETER AND THE WOLF (United Kingdom and Poland).

The nominees for Best Live-Action Short Film of 2006 are:
AT NIGHT (Denmark), IL SUPPLENTE (Italy), LE MOZART DES PICKPOCKETS (France), TANGHI ARGENTINI (Belgium) and THE TONTO WOMAN (United Kingdom).

It was fun seeing most of these films with an audience at the Loft's screening. Couldn't quite make it through the whole three and a half hours. ZZZZZ Though I did make it through all the wonderful animated films. It was so much easier to see the humor in John Lennon's stream of consciousness ramblings in I MET WALRUS with a good audience. Also, Peter and the Wolf got some laughs. I thought the funniest was the French film, Even Pigeons Go to Heaven.

OSCAR UPDATE:
'Peter & the Wolf' won Best Animated Short Film.

Like I said, I didn't get through all the very looooooooong live action films. But one I saw and very much enjoyed was the very sweet Belgium Tango comedy, TANGHI ARGENTINI. It was a nice change to have the humor come from a kind place. According one LA Weekly reviewer (see link below) this film, along with the French short, LE MOZART DES PICKPOCKETS, were favorites with festival judges.

OSCAR UPDATE:
'Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)' won Best Live Action Short.

I hope that is some help with your Oscar polls. I plan to stay awake for most of the Oscar presentations! You?

Movie Blessings,
Jana Segal
Reel Inspiration

For a good article on the shorts, go to:
http://www.laweekly.com/film+tv/short-run/2007-academy-award-nominated-shorts/18346/

Check out the official website for full descriptions of shorts:
http://www.magpictures.com/profile.aspx?id=5c159792-0633-45c1-86f1-262e040173ef

"The Savages"

"The Savages," isn't nearly as savage as the title or some reviewers make it out to be. I didn't find it to be a dark comedy. It's definitely not a feel good flick, but I'm sure many people will relate to this honest, sometimes funny film. It is a slice of life drama about two grown children (Laura Linney and Phillip Seymour Hoffman) suddenly faced with the challenge of caring for their estranged aging father (Philip Bosco ) who never took care of them. It's time for their father, who is suffering from dementia, to leave his retirement community and move into "assisted living." This isn't the Sunshine Home; it's a place where people go to die.Oscar nominated writer-director Tamera Jenkins presents the hard reality of death without a trace of sentimentality. Death isn't pretty. It is the children's responsibility to take care of things and they do -- not without the residual resentment and guilt. It doesn't help that their father is still the same hostile, short tempered, foul mouthed jerk that abandoned them as kids. And his kids get in a few stingers of their own. The affects of their lousy childhood is reflected in their inability to sustain healthy, lasting relationships. Trapped together by the situation, the siblings are forced to come to grips with these issues. There is a touching moment of compassion between the two when they share some prescription pain killers. The film is worth seeing just for the Oscar caliber performances of the three major actors. And Laura Linney has been honored with a nomination. (See Oscar nominations below.) Hoffman, however, must settle for a nomination for a supporting performance in "Charlie Wilson's War."

At the end, there is the end of a life and a hint of a beginning. The children have grown up just a bit for having dealt with their responsibility the best they knew how.

Movie Blessings,
Jana Segal
www.reelinspiration.blogspot.com/

"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (Le Scaphandre et Le Papillon)

by Josh Valentine
Indiebum

An unbelievable epic, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is one of the most beautifully written, directed, and acted films of this year and of all time. Julian Schnabel’s French import is an amazing vision blooming with innovative directing techniques that are not often seen in American film. This is one of the best directed films this year, and one of the best foreign films of all time.

The film tells the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby (played miraculously by Mathieu Amalric) the former editor of French Elle whose life was sadly rendered by a massive stroke. The stroke left him paralyzed from head to toe with a rare illness called “locked-in syndrome, leaving only his mind and his left eye active. As Bauby recuperates, he begins to dictate a book about his affliction through the blink of his eye with the aid of three beautiful nurses Henriette (Marie-Josée Croze), Claude (Anne Consigny), and Marie (Olatz Lopez Garamendia).

The movie does an amazing job of telling the story through an excellent adaptation of Bauby’s memoir. We hear Bauby’s thoughts, almost completely made up by screenwriter Ronald Harwood. Harwood’s Bauby is an extremely intelligent man which adds a lot of sadness to the tale. From the outside it would seem like he would be quite the opposite due to his lazed physical appearance. The invented inner dialog shows a much sadder side to the story.

The film is directed like no other. Schnabel, who directed the fabulous biopic “Basquiat”, takes his job to new heights setting a new standard. “Diving Bell” is very well thought out. For example, the opening scene depicts Bauby’s awakening from his comatose state. The sequence lasts a few minutes, and the viewer really gets a feel for how confused the patient is and how claustrophobic he is feeling. The whole film is a little claustrophobic, but it is hardly uncomfortable.

Once more, the character of Jean-Dominique Bauby is very well developed. He has a very creative mind, something that spurs many glorious scenes which explore his imagined experiences. These sequences are incredibly delivered through Schnabel’s eye, Harwood’s script, and the amazing inspiration from Bauby’s memoir.

“Diving Bell” is also filled with triumphant performances. Mathieu Amalric, who was introduced to American audiences in Spielberg’s spectacular “Munich”, is a revelation. He barely speaks throughout the movie, but the sadness in his eyes could move mountains. Equally fantastic is the legendary Max von Sydow, playing Bauby’s sad father Papinou. Sydow’s performance is tragically impressive and his few scenes on the screen are heart wrenching.

Also outstanding is the beautiful Emmanuelle Seigner, who plays the estranged lover/mother of Bauby’s children. Her character is terribly sad in both her storyline and the fact that she puts on such a real face of hopefulness. She knows that she may lose Bauby in many ways, but she works through the pain to keep her family happy. There is one scene in which she breaks down, and it is probably one of the saddest scenes in recent film history. Seigner is absolutely superb, and after appearing in 2007’s other huge French film “La Vie En Rose”, it is sure that we will see a lot more of her.

Like many of the other movies that have proven spectacular these few weeks, the soundtrack to the film is equally as terrific. The list of songs may be short, but they fit the film perfectly. The use of artists like The Velvet Underground, Tom Waits, U2, Ultra Orange & Emmanuelle, and an amazing theme by Paul Cantelon create an amazing explosion of musical intensity that just work well with the movie and the audience.

“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” proves a much more interesting theater experience than your average run of the mill movie. It is revolutionary in many different ways. The movie will undoubtedly get some Oscar attention after its three Golden Globe nominations (Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Foreign Language Film), most likely scoring some recognition for Julian Schnabel and his faultless directing style.

OSCAR UPDATE: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly was nominated for Best Directing, Best Adaptation, Best Editing, and Best Cinematography. (See 2008 Academy Award Nominations for more details.)


For more reviews from Josh and to see his Best Films List, visit: http://www.indiebum.com/

"The Bucket List"

OK. I'll admit I have my guilty pleasures. These are films I see not because they are great art or original storytelling but because they make me feel good. "The Bucket List," falls into this category. It's a feel good movie with some laughs. You can pretty much figure out the whole story from the trailer - yet you still want to be in that world. Jack Nicholson plays a gruff businessman who is treated for cancer. He eventually connects with his trivia spouting, family-man roommate (Morgan Freeman) because of their shared condition. When they discover that they both have less than a year to live, they make a list of things they would like to do before they "kick the bucket" and go out and do them.

The problem I have with the script is that everything comes so easily to them. First, they have unlimited financial resources to travel the world because one of them is rich. I could live with this contrivance if the filmmaker used that screen time to develop the relationship of the two characters. But their relationship comes easily too. There are no real obstacles to overcome that would allow them to fully bond. But luckily, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman give such lived-in performances that we feel like we know them. While gazing at the pyramids, they touch on universal themes such as the importance of faith and share some regrets. They challenge each other to discover the true joy in life. It is certainly a joy to watch Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freedman at the top of their game (and the top of the world!) If this movie inspires you to find the joy in life or contemplate it's meaning, I'd say that was worth the price of admission.
Movie Blessings!
Jana Segal
www.reelinspiration.blogspot.com "The Bucket List" provides much-needed education on living and dying for American society. --Janet Grace Riehl, (www.riehlife.com)

Loved The Bucket List, by the way. Dave and I are making our own Bucket List now! Woo hoo! Reel Member, Tammy Swanson

Most Inspiring Films of 2007!

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After some consideration, I've chosen 12 films to be on my "Best of 2007" list. I've tried to select a diverse variety from the films that Reel Inspiration promoted this past year or films that I didn't get a chance to see while they were in the first run theaters but later ended up on my recommended movies list. All of these films fill Reel Inspiration's criteria of having entertaining, powerful stories that uplift, challenge, give hope or inspire human consciousness. We tend to review more independent films that can benefit from our grassroots promotions. We also promote studio films that aren't high concept blockbusters. Most of all, we promote outstanding films.

This was a great year for outstanding films. All of the films on my list have one thing in common -- something important to say.

If you read my review of The Great Debaters, (below) it will come as no surprise to you that I chose it for the most inspiring, empowering film of the year. The message of this film is that it is our responsibility to speak up against injustice, even unjust laws. In fact, the main character risks his life fighting injustice. Amazing Grace * has this same important theme only presented on a more epic scale. I've chosen The Great Debaters as my number one film because it genuinely moved me. I get teary eyed just watching the trailer. Away from Her is so beautifully written, directed and acted. This truly original movie is about life long love and commitment. The suspense film, The Lives of Others, surprised me with its message that you can find life altering beauty even in the darkest, most suppressed environments. Get past the "clever" dialog and Juno is a very touching, human story with some weighty issues. The Darjeeling Limited is the off the beaten track to spirituality. In Once, a shared passion results in an unexpected kindness. The Namesake is about balancing cultural heritage with discovering yourself. Vitus is an empowering film for every kid that struggles with "less intelligent" adults running their lives. I chose, I'm Not There, for it's director's unique, intelligent vision about the burden and responsibility of fame.  Lars and the Real Girl is a heartwarming story about unconditional love for a rubber girl and the man who loves her. Finally, I've included Noelle with it's themes of forgiveness and church community. The quirky characters really grew on me. I want to watch it again for it's powerful ending.

Movie Blessings! 
Jana Segal

(The Diving Bell and the Butterfly hadn't opened in Tucson when I made my list. But it blew me away how accurately the visual point of view of the paralyzed man was captured.)

Reel Inspiration At the Family Arts Fest

Check out our Reel Inspiration booth at the Family Arts Festival, Sunday, January 13 from 11-a.m -5 p.m. Come by and say, "Hi!" or create your own "moving picture" in our hands-on Zoetrope Activity. You can find us inside the Tucson Convention Center with the Science exhibits.

The Family Arts Festival is Tucson's FREE annual celebration of the arts and our rich cultural heritage. The festival spans from the Tucson Convention Center through La Placita Village to El Presidio Park in downtown Tucson. Continuous entertainment and interactive activities for children of all ages!
www.FamilyArtsFestival.org

To arrange to have Reel Inspiration conduct our Zoetrope Activity or screen our contest finalists at your event or organization, please, e-mail: reelinspiration@hotmail.com

Chick the Arts Fest label (to the right) for more information about films.

"Away from Her"

guest reviewer Gary Ray

One Liner Review

Should Julie Christie’s inevitable Oscar nomination for Best Actress (and probable win) bring AWAY FROM HER back to the theaters in your town do not miss it! A film that slipped through the cracks to some extent in the US in May (although it’s grossed a respectable $4.5 million to-date), it’s one of THE film experiences of 2007.

Directed by twenty-something Sarah Polley (lead actress of such films as “MY LIFE WITHOUT ME") it has the assured directorial hand of an old master; in fact to me it was reminiscent of 1970s Ingmar Bergman. Julie Christie does indeed give a tour de force performance, but the entire ensemble is award-worthy.

The story (adapted by Polley from an Alice Munro short story) concerns Fiona Anderson (Christie), who has already begun losing her memory to Alzheimer’s disease as the film begins. She’s decided to have herself placed in a care facility to ease the struggle her husband will eventually face. At one point we see Fiona cross country skiing away from her wintery home as her husband Grant (Gordon Pinsent) watches her slip over a crest and disappear, just as she soon will from his life. In fact, when she wanders off following this excursion, it forces Grant’s hand in agreeing to put her into the Meadowlake care facility.

Her transformation is almost instantaneous in screen time, because the movie has little to do with observing Fiona’s progression into an addled state. Instead its about the discovery of how much her husband of 44 years is in love with her, seen in his actions over the next several months watching her from afar, mostly, as she is frequently disturbed by his presence, never quite remembering who he is. Pinsent plays Grant unsentimentally which is key to the characterization and pivotal to the film’s uniqueness.

In between the scenes at Meadowlake, are intercut Grant’s meeting with a woman named Marian (Olympia Dukakis). Marian is the wife of Aubrey (Michael Murphy), a man who the memory-lost Fiona grows attached to at Meadowlake. Dukakis plays the no-nonsense, almost fatalistic Marian flawlessly. Marian’s “such is life” philosophy in some way eases the audience along in accepting Fiona’s condition and thereby focusing the movie on the bond between Grant and Fiona, which, despite hinted at difficulties, has remained intact over their long marriage.

At several times during the movie the audience seems to be brought right out onto the edge of writing the film off as far-too-depressing, only to have a wrinkle in the plot refocus attention to the love story and away from the downbeat. Several times throughout the film Polley has a character walk away down a corridor at Meadowlake that’s designed to bring in the sunlight; at these perfectly timed moments that cap dramatic sequences, the celluloid brightens and your heart breaks just a little bit reflecting on what has just transpired.

As the end of the movie’s final scene approached, I found myself thinking: wow, this could end right here—and after one nice brief final touch, the credits began to roll. AWAY FROM HER has been out on DVD for a few months and may not suffer on the small screen, however, if you prefer the big screen, you may want to catch it while you have a second opportunity, it’s is a stunning achievement, a great film.

OSCAR UPDATE: Writer/Director Sarah Polley was nominated for Best Screenplay. Julie Christie was nominated for Best Actress!

"The Great Debaters"

"The Great Debaters," is easily the most inspiring, empowering movie of the year. I nearly floated out of the theater. I actually encouraged people in the ticket line not to miss it.

"The Great Debaters," directed by Denzel Washington and produced by Oprah, is Hollywood all the way. It is an empowering underdog story inspired by the true story of how the debating team from the small African American institution of Wiley College won the 1935 National Debating Championship. Outstanding performances by Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker make the picture.

The film, set in Texas during the Great Depression, starts out with hectic bits of activity to establish the setting, but it doesn't seem to match the tone of the rest of the picture. In fact, it moved so fast before I had a chance to catch my bearings, that I didn't catch much of it at all.

But soon enough we're in the classroom studying revolutionary ideas from the writers of the Harlem Renaissance with Professor Tolson. Denzel's passionate delivery is reminiscent of Robin William's in "Dead Poets Society. I suspect that Professor Tolson was much more interesting, controversial, and radical than the man presented here. However, it is so moving to hear these important ideas spoken by a African American teacher to African American students at a time when there was still lynching in their part of the country.

The film doesn't back down from the racism of the time. In fact, its an ongoing theme. The film asks if the power of words can really make any difference in the face of violent acts of racism.

The script adheres so tightly to formula that I knew that something bad had to follow the debating team's success. Despite being aware of this writing device, I was so involved in the story that I was actually afraid of what would happen to the characters next.

Through his example, Professor Tolson inspires his students to speak up for what is right despite how it might conflict with their personal lives or the dangerous world around them. Debate all you want about it, but don't miss this important story.

Please, send a message to Hollywood that you want more empowering films like, "The Great Debaters," by attending it on opening weekend and encouraging your friends to do the same.

Movie Blessings,
Jana Segal
www.reelinspiration.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas!

My Cousin Willo sent this music video, "Christmas in the Trenches," with her Christmas e-card. The song is about a truce on Christmas eve on the Western front during WWI. It includes the songwriter John McCutcheon's, thoughts on writing the song.

It is so touching and inspiring. I had to share it with you! I hope you have time to listen to it. It made my day!

Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth,
Jana

For more information: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_truce