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Post by ArchdukeOfNaboo on Jun 18, 2022 22:42:01 GMT
Happy 100th Birthday and RIP Christopher Lee
When I think of figures in history who lived these most extraordinary, eventful lives, Christopher Lee shines up there.
I must get around to watching much more of his filmography. It can be a challenge hunting down a lot of these old films.
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Post by Darkslayer on Jun 24, 2022 3:32:27 GMT
 Every time I think I can’t like this guy anymore than I already do, he goes out and does something awesome. He’s spot on too. Great actor, great film. |
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Post by emperorferus on Jun 30, 2022 4:13:04 GMT
From Liam Neeson
I certainly didn’t want anyone else playing Qui-Gon Jinn, and I wanted to show my respect for George and the mythical world he created. Plus, Ewan is a pal, and I loved working with him on The Phantom Menace 25 years ago.
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Post by ArchdukeOfNaboo on Jun 30, 2022 12:09:49 GMT
Meh. Actors say shit. In other news, air: we breathe it. Update at eleven. I agree that this can all be filed away in the drawer labelled "shit that actors say". I was only criticising in a theoretical sense. Because I'm a prequel fan 'n' all. And it's tiring to see the films getting dunked on all these years later -- even by the people that actually starred in them. Ultimately, it may not amount to a hill of beans, and actors are frequently critical or callously indifferent, after all. Yet it can rankle, especially when it becomes another opportunity for less, ah, sophisticated (or less, ahem... aesthetically inclined) fans/people to hurl another crate of tomatoes at the movies. It's like, come on, man, find another cultural pastime, already ( not you, my dear Ingra-ham). Take up outdoor bowling? Learn to sew? Breed pigeons? Open a bottle-top shop? Donate to the less fortunate? I wonder how much prequel bashing has added to the planet's carbon load these past two decades? Aliens haven't visited, but they've picked up our Internet streams: "They're still bashing the Star Wars prequels and polluting their atmosphere with toxins? Paleolithic era ongoing. Avoid solar system for another 10^6 years."
Cryo is spot on here. While yes, actors can say daft things, and tend to be prone to higher degrees of narcissism than the average person, the fact of the matter is that bashers have been using them as a convenient hammer against us, or spinning their thoughts against Lucas, for years and years, and we can't let that slide. If we are to have a debate with the PT bashers, then we have no other choice but to take an interest in what the actors have said, so we can challenge and disprove their silly assertions and false claims.
Ingram's indifference might sound all cool as a cucumber, but in reality its a naive attitude that would make prequel fans a bunch of walkovers, fretting and afraid to stand up for themselves. Things have improved because PT fans have raised their voices.
That last paragraph is gold. If ever there was a few sentences that summed up the miserable pastime that is prequel bashing, that's surely it.
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Post by jppiper on Aug 3, 2022 19:16:21 GMT
As the only actors who were in both ANH and the Prequels, have Anthony Daniels or Kenny Baker ever spoken to the similarities and differences in Lucas' directing of these two trilogies? Anthony hates the Prequel he bashed them prior to the release of TFA and it's gonna get worse when the documentary series on Vice gets to the Prequels in the Next episode |
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Post by ArchdukeOfNaboo on Aug 10, 2022 0:38:34 GMT
As the only actors who were in both ANH and the Prequels, have Anthony Daniels or Kenny Baker ever spoken to the similarities and differences in Lucas' directing of these two trilogies? Anthony hates the Prequel he bashed them prior to the release of TFA and it's gonna get worse when the documentary series on Vice gets to the Prequels in the Next episode
I don't know Joe, I thought he was fine on the AOTC panel. He might come off self-centred at times, wanting to be treated like a royal even, but he's a nice man overall it seems. I've never detected any viciousness in any of his comments about the prequels or Lucas.
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Post by Samnz on Sept 21, 2022 10:42:11 GMT
Natalie Portman: Not exactly a thought on the films a pieces of work, but nonetheless kind of supports how her own perception of being in Star Wars changed.
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Post by Cryogenic on Sept 21, 2022 15:44:19 GMT
Natalie Portman: Not exactly a thought on the films a pieces of work, but nonetheless kind of supports how her own perception of being in Star Wars changed. The thing is... She's still being a melodramatic valley girl. They were never a disaster, and I'm not aware of people waiting thirty years to find out they like "The Professional" (it's got Gary Oldman in it, folks), let alone twenty to discover they love the prequels. The truth is, the prequels have never been hated or shunned by all, nor are they necessarily "beloved" today. The reception of the prequels has always been mixed. That said, the prequels aren't as disdained as they used to be, fans are more open about liking them now than before Disney bought the franchise, and actors like Natalie Portman seem to have become aware of this change in the wind. |
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Post by jppiper on Sept 21, 2022 17:52:03 GMT
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Post by Samnz on Sept 21, 2022 18:06:54 GMT
Natalie Portman: Not exactly a thought on the films a pieces of work, but nonetheless kind of supports how her own perception of being in Star Wars changed. The thing is... She's still being a melodramatic valley girl. They were never a disaster, and I'm not aware of people waiting thirty years to find out they like "The Professional" (it's got Gary Oldman in it, folks), let alone twenty to discover they love the prequels. The truth is, the prequels have never been hated or shunned by all, nor are they necessarily "beloved" today. The reception of the prequels has always been mixed. That said, the prequels aren't as disdained as they used to be, fans are more open about liking them now than before Disney bought the franchise, and actors like Natalie Portman seem to have become aware of this change in the wind. You're right, sure, I think Natalie is probably the "most Hollywood" of the actors who starred in the Prequels and that might show here. The only thing I wanted to get across with linking to this is that, as I see it, the new quote supports the notion that Natalie (just like Ewan) took the initial reception the Prequels got very hard and have since come to discover that it hasn't been all bad. It's in line with what Rinzler wrote on his blog and that reality has since changed to her defending the Prequels rather proudly on SNL. We also shoudn't forget that perception is very subjective and, just perhaps, with Natalie being a "Hollywood girl" she faced more open condemnation since I'm still convinced the industry played a considerable part in the misconception that the Prequels were "universally hated". There was certainly a lot of resentment from within the industry directed at Lucas. Hollywood being Hollywood is what probably leads to Natalie being overly enthusiastic now ("beloved"). Exaggerations are, after all, part of Hollywood's job descriptions. jppiper Want my honest opinion? I don't think Anthony Daniels has any opinion whatsoever, he's just desperate for attention and being liked and will tell you whatever he thinks you want to here from him. |
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Post by Cryogenic on Sept 21, 2022 19:13:14 GMT
The thing is... She's still being a melodramatic valley girl. They were never a disaster, and I'm not aware of people waiting thirty years to find out they like "The Professional" (it's got Gary Oldman in it, folks), let alone twenty to discover they love the prequels. The truth is, the prequels have never been hated or shunned by all, nor are they necessarily "beloved" today. The reception of the prequels has always been mixed. That said, the prequels aren't as disdained as they used to be, fans are more open about liking them now than before Disney bought the franchise, and actors like Natalie Portman seem to have become aware of this change in the wind. You're right, sure, I think Natalie is probably the "most Hollywood" of the actors who starred in the Prequels and that might show here. The only thing I wanted to get across with linking to this is that, as I see it, supports the notion that Natalie (just like Ewan) took the initial reception the Prequels got very hard and have since come to discover that it hasn't all been bad. It's futher proof to what Rinzler wrote on his blog and has since changed to her defending the Prequels rather proudly on SNL. We also shoudn't forget that perception is very subjective and, just perhaps, with Natalie being a "Hollywood girl" she faced more open condemnation since I'm still convinced the industry played a considerable part in the misconception that the Prequels were "universally hated". There was certainly a lot of resentment from within the industry directed at Lucas. Hollywood being Hollywood is what probably leads to Natalie being overly enthusiatic now ("beloved"). Exaggerations are, after all, part of Hollywood's job descriptions. You often have invaluable takes, Samnz , and this response is one more example. Yes, indeed, Natalie is the "most Hollywood" of all the prequel actors, and one is conscious of that when watching. It is why, in some ways, I think she was chosen to play the part of Amidala. I think Lucas wanted someone in that role, and in this particular set of movies (which are very lush and "Golden Age"), who could impart a royal/high-flown feel by their very name and presence. Natalie definitely has an air about her that is reminiscent of great Hollywood actresses and divas of the past. There were major boons to hiring Natalie. The downside, of course, is that she probably felt Star Wars was a bit beneath her. Let's remember this was before the likes of the Oscar-showered LOTR and the subsequent Marvel franchise, where "geek" entertainment has become not only acceptable, but has practically taken over the entire Hollywood industry. These sorts of movies are now prestigious in a way they still weren't at the turn of the millennium. And while Lucas was basically the firstest with the mostest, not everyone who worked with him really understood his visionary qualities back then -- Natalie apparently being among that number. Still, the image-conscious, Meghan Markle-esque, ivory tower mentality of Natalie and her Hollywood personality really peeks out in comments like the ones above. If it didn't serve her image well (in her mind), then it must be a "disaster". Don't worry about coming to the defence of films with a lot of work put into them. No, no, precious Natalie; distance yourself from them, make only the most extreme of statements, and act like they're a millstone around your neck -- until, conveniently, they're not and it's safe to use superlatives to describe them. This kind of boorish, stuck-up person, who wants everything their own way, and acts so put out when they don't, yet is living a life of relative privilege and comfort the whole time, is something I have difficulty standing. Disasters don't make billions of dollars of revenue at the box office, billions more in merchandise sales, or generate sustained interest and non-stop commentary for twenty years (and counting), regardless of much of that commentary's tone. To me, it still sounds like she lives in her own little bubble. But hey: It's okay, Natalie. It's safe for you, a multi-millionaire, and highly-regarded actress, to like some of your own movies now; and to not treat them like the cinematic equivalent of the Hindenburg disaster. Go on, try it. Well, yeah. But unlike the manicured snottiness of Natalie, I do quite like Anthony Daniels and his glib, crotchety putdowns. This bit of shade he throws out at TFA (from the article Joe posted) is amusing: www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/03/the-secrecy-has-been-ludicrous-star-wars-actor-anthony-daniels-on-the-new-film-and-his-life-as-c-3poOh, Anthony!   |
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Post by ArchdukeOfNaboo on Sept 22, 2022 0:45:32 GMT
I'm not counting Natalie as fully reconciled with the PT until she appears at a convention, Star Wars event, or does an acting cameo of some kind. While it is true that Samuel L hasn't appeared at any either (correct me if I'm mistaken), he's different in that he's always displayed excitement on the idea of returning to this role.
Jake Llyod may be further adrift, but he has a genuine excuse from his mental health difficulties. Natalie does not.
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Post by smittysgelato on Sept 22, 2022 2:06:37 GMT
I think Sam Jackson recorded a video for Celebration once, but no, he hasn't appeared in person as far as I'm aware.
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Post by Samnz on Sept 22, 2022 9:17:02 GMT
Cryogenic I like how you compared Natalie to great divas of past eras and that might have been a reason for her casting, indeed. Overall, the casting for the Prequels was fantastic. Robin Gurland and Lucas did a great job. What I might add is that Marvel played a much bigger part in her change of mind than LOTR, because she's been in Marvel movies and has then seen that Lucas wasn't some kind of mad man (what some traditionalist within Hollywood might have told her), but that this was the movie-making of the future. I actually think that LOTR might have even contributed to her negative attitude back when the Prequels were made, with LOTR becoming the new cool kid in town while the Prequels generated more negative reactions. She might have felt "betrayed" by her agents, fate, the universe or whatever force she believes in for starring in the "wrong movies" as a mean to become more famous. Let's not forget, she had been raised in the industry as a "coming star" and probably praised too much when she was too young. That does influence character - temporary, at least. Nevertheless, I think some of you are just a bit harsh on her. Come on, ArchdukeOfNaboo , that's not fair. No actor or actress that I am aware of and who is doing good business does appear at conventions unless they are currently affiliated with a project of the franchise at hand. They simply don't do that and why should we expect them to do that? Making movies is their job and most of us also don't show up at christmas staff parties of past employers. That said, Natalie has repeatedly stated that she's never been asked to return and I do believe her because given the current mindset at Disney, I doubt Padmé is one of their priorites.
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Post by ArchdukeOfNaboo on Sept 22, 2022 11:30:28 GMT
I think Sam Jackson recorded a video for Celebration once
Honestly Samnz , she can at least do what Jackson has done. Liam Neeson was sending video messages when he wasn't involved either. I'm not buying your ex-employee argument, Star Wars is a lot more than that, especially a Lucas made trilogy. |
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Post by Cryogenic on Sept 22, 2022 18:47:00 GMT
Cryogenic I like how you compared Natalie to great divas of past eras and that might have been a reason for her casting, indeed. Overall, the casting for the Prequels was fantastic. Robin Gurland and Lucas did a great job. What I might add is that Marvel played a much bigger part in her change of mind than LOTR, because she's been in Marvel movies and has then seen that Lucas wasn't some kind of mad man (what some traditionalist within Hollywood might have told her), but that this was the movie-making of the future. I actually think that LOTR might have even contributed to her negative attitude back when the Prequels were made, with LOTR becoming the new cool kid in town while the Prequels generated more negative reactions. She might have felt "betrayed" by her agents, fate, the universe or whatever force she believes in for starring in the "wrong movies" as a mean to become more famous. Let's not forget, she had been raised in the industry as a "coming star" and probably praised too much when she was too young. That does influence character - temporary, at least. Yep. I do and I don't get it, though. Like, okay, feeling betrayed or misled might have played a part in Natalie's feelings, but what about the time she actually spent making and promoting the films under George? It's like she completely failed to grasp his methods or understand what he was attempting with these films, in both the technical sense and on the more intellectual or thematic level. What bugs me about her and Ewan is that they supposedly have all this worldly intelligence, but they were happy to avoid saying one positive word about the underlying smartness of the prequels and all the political and historical resonances they are imbued with -- outside of the PR circuit, I mean. They can do it when they want to do it, for a respected director, but not for that kooky George. True. But as Arch Duke said: I think Sam Jackson recorded a video for Celebration once Honestly Samnz , she can at least do what Jackson has done. Liam Neeson was sending video messages when he wasn't involved either. I'm not buying your ex-employee argument, Star Wars is a lot more than that, especially a Lucas made trilogy. I kind of sense that Natalie thinks addressing hordes of sweaty nerds is beneath her. What's in it for the precious Natalie? Answer: Not much. Course of action? Don't bother then. |
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Post by Pyrogenic on Sept 22, 2022 20:27:50 GMT
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Post by smittysgelato on Sept 22, 2022 22:14:18 GMT
I don't know what it says about me, but I kinda enjoy the idea of Natalie thinking she is above me. xD
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Post by Cryogenic on Sept 22, 2022 22:42:12 GMT
I don't know what it says about me, but I kinda enjoy the idea of Natalie thinking she is above me. xD Whether us guys ever admit it or not, I think we're all a bit enticed by the idea, at times, of pursuing a high-maintenance female, and quite capable of getting a little turned on by the idea of female dominance. It's kind of like taking on a tough end-of-stage boss in a video game. It sort of adds a sexy, kinky factor into the game of attraction. Perhaps you just wanna give Natalie a right good seeing to! |
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Post by smittysgelato on Sept 22, 2022 23:17:47 GMT
I just want to make Natalie happy. xD
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