CINEMA SEEN - "The Stunning Six!"
By William Margold

     I’ve decided to wait until after the Oscar nominations (due very early next Tuesday morning) to start dealing with titles from 2009 that made the final five (or in the case of Best Film...final ten) cut. And at that point---depending on the Best Film fate of J.J. Abrams’ STAR TREK (still due an entire Cinema Seen page acknowledging it as My Favorite Movie of the 21st Century’s first decade)---I might NOT devote as much space as usual to this year’s Academy Awards. But that’s a decision to be made a couple of issues (and weeks) away.
     Herein...feeling slightly guilty for not mentioning the rest of the titles that failed to make my (2000-2009) Top Ten list (see my 12-31-09 page)---and having the press materials available---I thought that I would compliment that wildly diverse roster by revealing (in the order that I was entertained by them) the "stunning six" that just missed the cinematic cut.
     And just to confuse or clutter (depending on your point of cinema-seening) a little bit more, the four fine films that didn’t make this list were "Blood Diamond" "Hollywoodland" "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Iron Man."
     
     GLADIATOR (2000)---Away from the battlefield and out of the arena, this sinewy epic was not particularly compelling. But when Russell Crowe (as Maximus) was slicing up his competition and "fighting the good fight"...director Ridley Scott’s brutally mesmerizing images ignited the soul.
     
     A BEAUTIFUL MIND (2001)---A lyrical excursion deep within the convoluted brainwaves of a mentally gifted but equally challenged gentleman (etched achingly by Russell Crowe), director Ron Howard’s masterwork was so riveting that I was as surprised as the film’s hero that a considerable amount of what he (and I) were watching wasn’t really happening.
     
     CHICAGO (2002)---I proclaimed it "All That Fosse" and knew immediately that director Rob Marshall’s heartfelt homage to the dazzling dance master would stylishly strut its way to the Best Film Oscar. It’s interesting to note that the two titles preceding this one also won the Best Film Oscar. It’s even more interesting to note that no other titles in either this list (or on my 12-31-09 page) reaped such a prize.
     
     LITTLE CHILDREN (2006)---Easily my most perverse pleasure of the last decade (I loved listening to the audience that first I saw it with...squirm!), Todd Field’s savage, sardonic stare at characters who don’t want to grow up and those who must confront the nightmares attached to taking on adult responsibilities was an acid bath for the sensibilities. And yes...I squirmed...too!
     
     EASTERN PROMISES (2007)---Visceral stuff that made the blood boil. Viggo Mortensen’s stunning performance was laced with as many conflicts as there are confrontations. And speaking of confrontations...the shattering set piece in a steam bath will be very hard to top. I hope though that all involved with this production (including director David Cronenberg, writer Steve Knight, and, of course, Mr. Mortensen), are considering that challenge as well as that of making a much-needed sequel...because there is a great deal of "family business" that still demands to be taken care of.
     
     WALK HARD: THE DEWEY COX STORY (2007)--- As evocative as it was enchanting, the Judd Apatow and Jake Kasdan scripted (directed by Kasdan) overview of the music scene from the "Rock n’ Roll" 50’s forward---slaughtered sacred record rendering cows with glee, while waxing eloquent on the high price of attaining fame and the sacrifices that must be made to keep it. John C. Reilly sang up a storm...and in the process... produced lightening bolts of laughter along with a few clouds full of tears.
     end
     NOTE: Originally published in LA Xpress, January 28, 2010 issue.

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