Best Actress Candidates for 2013

I was just thinking the other day about when the film version of Tracy Letts's Pulitzer Prize and Tony award winning play, August: Osage County was coming to the big screen. I feel like I saw that show on Broadway ages ago and they've been talking about a film version since 2010. Mainly, I like to think ahead for future Oscar nominations. The play has such great parts for women that whoever they cast to play Violet, the pill-addicted, acid-tongued matriarch would be assured of a Best Actress nom- if not a win. I knew that Meryl was in talks for the role and that the insanely miscast Julia Roberts was being considered for the eldest daughter, Barbara.

Well, last night brought word that The Weinstein Company is finally moving ahead with the project and plans to film this fall. Meryl and Julia are still attached to the roles. Someone named John Wells (apparently he directed the Ben Affleck movie, Company Men, which no one saw more of than the trailer. And directed episodes of 'Shameless' on Showtime. Gross) is directing a script adapted by Tracy Letts.

Is this the best we can do? We can't get a Mike Nichols or a David O. Russell to direct? I thought this was a hot property. I'm also disappointed by the casting so far. It just seems lazy. It seems that if a character calls for an actress over 60, Meryl Streep is the only person they call. Of course, Meryl will be great in the role. I'm not worried about that. But, she just doesn't seem like a natural fit for the part. It needs someone more wiry and abrasive, two words that don't come to mind when describing Meryl. I'm thinking Sissy Spacek or Jane Fonda. And Julia is too...Julia to play such a salt of the earth, put-upon,  real person. It should be played by Amy Ryan or Laura Linney.

There's still a lot of roles still to be cast-the other two sisters and Violet's blowsy sister (a real Brenda Blythen-type) to just name a few. With two such big stars already on board, hopefully they won't be afraid of casting some relatively unknown actors. Or they should go the other way and only cast Oscar winners for every role. I love those prestige pics that attach the moniker, Academy Award winner, before the names of the cast. They've already started off so big might as well go over the top. But, one thing is for sure. Meryl is all but assured of winning that elusive third Oscar for this. Cause it sure isn't gonna happen with Iron Lady.

Give Us Monty!

'White Collar' star, Matt Bomer, came out this past weekend when he thanked his partner at an event. Good for him. But, by far, the most important Matt Bomer related news to come out (see what I did there?) is that he apparently wants to star in a Montgomery Clift biopic. I've never seen his show nor have I seen him act in anything for that matter (Magic Mike is still 4 months away...), so I don't know how good a job we could do. But, I am definitely all for a Monty biopic.

There are two biopics that I've always wanted to see made: one of Vivien Leigh and one of Montgomery Clift. Back in the early 2000's Wes Bentley (American Beauty) was set to star as Clift with Catherine Zeta-Jones as Elizabeth Taylor in a movie that would have been about the actor's life from the years 1947 until his death in 1966. But, the production never got off the ground and the career of Wes Bentley seemed to disappear as well. (Wes Bentley was so good in American Beauty. It seemed like he had such a promising career ahead of him. But, every film he was attached to never panned out or he kept dropping out of productions. It turns out, he had a drug problem and is now trying to get his life and career back on track. I forgot he'll be in The Hunger Games movie until I googled his name. It's such a waste. He would have been a great Monty.)

Clift really led a fascinating life. He was great actor who, along with Brando and James Dean, brought about a new style of acting to cinema. He received four Oscar nominations (Best Actor for The Search, A Place in the Sun, and From Here to Eternity and Supporting Actor for Judgement at Nuremberg) and never won. And his personal life was just as interesting, living as a closeted gay man during the Hollywood studio system, he had to hide who he was. But the biggest tragedy in his life was a car crash in 1956, coming home from Elizabeth Taylor's home, that left him nearly dead (Taylor apparently took out a tooth that was lodged in his throat, suffocating him). It left his matinee-idol looks disfigured and he became addicted to pills and alcohol to deal with the pain (see how right Wes Bentley would have been).

So, producers, if you're listening, please bring us a Monty biopic. It would be such an acting showcase for a talented young actor. I don't know if Bomer is the right man (he's certainly handsome enough and it seems he knows a thing or two about being in the closet in Hollywood). But, either way, I need a Monty movie in my life. We can discuss a Vivien Leigh one later...

My Evening With the Cul-De-Sac Crew

Last night brought the Season Three debut of the under-appreciated, but hilariously funny, 'Cougar Town'. (Are you watching? Why aren't you watching? It's so good! It's not even about cougars. I'll explain later.) It's been 9 long months since we've caught up with Jules and the gang. That's right, it's taken as long as the amount of time it takes a human to grow another human being inside of them, and then deliver it to the world, since the show has been on the air. I'd much rather watch the Cul De Sac Crew pound some grape than have another ol' baby in the world anyway. Wouldn't you?

Last night's episode didn't waste anytime in bringing the laughs, with the gang wearing a necklace that comfortably holds your glass of wine around you're neck while leaving your hands free for...an on-deck glass of wine. (Where can I get one?) And the episode ends with the beginning of a whole new chapter in their lives as Grayson (Josh Hopkins) proposes to Jules (Courtney Cox). It's just the right amount of funny and sweet. But, last night was actually my second time seeing the episode as I spent my past Saturday night at a viewing party with the cast of the show here in NYC at the Paley Center.

The show is hardly a ratings winner and has been in danger of being cancelled every year. So, the creator of the show, Bill Lawrence, decided to reward the loyal fans and keep the show alive by word of mouth by throwing viewing parties across the country. We got to watch two episodes of the show and then were joined by Bill (a 43-year-old man with bangs- his words), co-creator Kevin Biegel, and the whole cast (including Michelle Williams BFF, Busy Phillips! Who wasn't initially scheduled to be there!) for an hour long Q and A.

Of course, one of the main topics of conversion was the title of the show and the show's evolution. When the show first aired, it started off being about a 40-something Courtney Cox recently getting out of a divorce and dating. That lasted a couple of episodes until they realized how well the cast worked together and it quickly became the ensemble show about adult friendship (and wine drinking) that we know today. Before the start of the Second Season, there was talk of changing the name of the show as 'Cougar Town' obviously didn't fit with it's current state. Kevin Biegel said that they had decided on 'Sunshine State', but ABC wouldn't allow them because the (short-lived) Matthew Perry show was called 'Mr. Sunshine'. But, the name isn't going anywhere. Bill Lawrence said that it's built a fan base on the name it has and to market the show with a new name would imply that it needs fixing. Also, DVRs wouldn't recognize a new name, so it would lose the fans it has because the show won't record. They've really embraced the absurdity of the name and every episode has a new comment about it during the beginning title card. (Example: It's Okay to Watch a Show Named: 'Cougar Town' or 'Cougar Town'- It's Like Scrubs With Wine)

They also talked about how the characters are written for the actors. Apparently the whole drinking of wine on the show came about because of a visit to Courtney's home. She fills the glass to the brim for guests so they have to slurp it before walking around. Lawrence's wife, Christa Miller, who plays no-nonsense, Ellie, inspires lines from her everyday life for the characters. He writes them down after she says things and they wind up on the show. Everyone's favorite game involving pennies and a can, Penny Can, was an actual game that the writer's invented and it found it's way on to the show. The pop-culture references will also continue this season as an episode is based on Groundhog Day. It's Grayson's favorite movie and Jules has never seen it. Neither has Courtney, it turns out, as she asked Bill why the jokes kept repeating themselves that episode- the writers are smarter than that. (Courtney than said she feels dumber than most people everyday of her life- but she's very street smart.)

The subject of cancellation was also brought up, but the cast and creators remain optimist. Busy talked about how they've all been on brilliant but cancelled shows ('Freaks and Geeks'! Such a great show that never found an audience while it was on) but they hope that this one can continue. So, grab an extra big glass of wine and start watching, America! Tuesday nights at 8:30 on ABC. You don't need to watch that second half of 'Glee' anyway...

The Most Stylish Stars

Today is the start of Fashion Week here in New York. And while most of us will never get the chance to sit front row at a runway show, it's just one of the many perks of being a celebrity. (They even get paid to attend!) Mainly because fashion, film, and celebrity are so closely connected. The designers know what the stars wear influence our everyday fashion. When Clark Gable appeared without an undershirt in It Happened One Night, sales of the item plummeted. And when Marlon Brando in Streetcar Named Desire starred in the film wearing just the undershirt by itself, the item found new popularity with a new generation. And the red carpet at the Oscars is a televised runway in which a star can be made. Uma Thurman's lilac Prada at the 1995 ceremony brought a new life to the design house. In 1996, Sharon Stone was the talk of the Oscars. The reason: the Gap turtleneck she wore. Who knew wearing something you could get at the sale rack in the mall could be so chic? Elie Tahari is now a red carpet staple, but it all started because of the designer's burgundy dress that Halle Berry wore when she won Best Actress in 2002.

In honor of Fashion Week, I have compiled a list of who I think are the most stylish actors at the moment. All four have a style that's all their own. It may not make them better actors, (luckily, all four are already pretty good at their day job) but it certainly adds to their persona.

Ryan Gosling

It's hard to make menswear interesting. Try to go classic and it can get boring (oh, another black tux). On the other hand, if you get too creative it can start to look like a costume (Alan Cummings, I'm looking your way). Which, is why it's so amazing that Ryan Gosling is able to pull off what he does. A maroon tuxedo shouldn't work and yet it does on Gosling. Even his casual clothes are interesting. Whether it's a short-sleeved cardigan on the Today show (I've been looking everywhere for one and there's Gosling wearing it like it's no big deal) or a striped tank worn to break up street fights, he always brings a twist to make it unique. 

Rooney Mara

We can thank David Fincher and the role of Lisbeth Salander in The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo for the emergence of Rooney's new-found style. This time last year, she was sporting long, brown, wavy hair and dressed in a way that no one would call memorable. What a difference a black bob and some goth inspired couture makes. It all may be a little manufactured, but they are doing a damn good job. At every premiere and event that she's attended in the last few months, she's brought a style that is becoming her own. Her clothes are edgy and modern, but in a way that isn't over the top. And unlike her character in the movie, who's punk look can be off-putting, her red carpet looks may be hard, but they still have a femininity to them. 

Emma Stone

You can actually pinpoint the exact moment that Emma Stone became fashion's new one-to-watch. At the 2011 Golden Globes in a simple peach colored Calvin Klein dress and blonde hair pulled back, she made her presence known. It was so simple, yet elegant. And with two hit movies to promote this past year, she continued to show-off the fashionable star she has become. I love that her hair is back to it's signature red color because it just makes her stand out more. She's not afraid of bright colors or trends, but doesn't get upstaged by them. And she always wears items that are flirty and fun, like her 50's influenced Alexander McQueen dress at this year's SAG awards.

Tilda Swinton

There is no one else quite like Tilda. To put it simply, she is a fashion icon. Who else would wear what looked like a garbage bag to accept their Best Supporting Actress Oscar and make it look high fashion? She has a taste for the avant-garde, favoring unconventional designs that challenge our view of how an actress should dress. Her look has even inspired an entire runway collection by Viktor & Rolf in which all the models were made up to look like the actress. Recently she's been doing a David Bowie-inspired androgyny thing that is executed effortlessly in a way only she could pull off. 

In Defense of Blake Lively

Blake Lively is gorgeous- no question about it. She's the kind of long-legged, perfectly proportioned blonde that comes along every couple of years that Hollywood seems to be drawn to and anoints with the title of "It". She stars on a hit television show ('Gossip Girl' just aired it's 100th episode last week). She's dated the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Ryan Reynolds. She's become a sort of fashion icon- famously stating that she doesn't use a stylist. And counts the likes of Anna Wintour (whom she sits next to in the front row of fashion shows), Karl Lagerfeld (who throws parties in her honor and makes her the face of campaigns), and Christian Louboutin (who named a shoe after her) as friends. So, why would someone who seems to have so much need to be defended? Because all she really wants is to be is taken seriously as an actress.

Not content with just being a pretty face, Blake has sought out great directors and difficult material to collaborate on. Writer/director, Rebecca Miller (daughter of playwright, Arthur Miller, and wife to Oscar winner, Daniel Day-Lewis), was the first to take a chance and cast Blake in her film, The Private Lives of Pippa Lee. Miller says she wasn't even aware of Blake's television career and felt that she was discovering the next great actress of her generation. She even compared her talent to Oscar winner, Jessica Lange. Blake next worked with actor/director Ben Affleck on The Town, in which she played a gritty character so far removed from what people were accustomed to seeing that audiences and critics started to wonder if there was more to her than originally suspected. This fall brings her work with celebrated director, Oliver Stone. The film, Savages, which takes place in a world of drugs and kidnapping is another far cry from her Park Avenue Princess role on television. It seems that she is determined to challenge herself and grow as an actress. 

But, it seems not everyone is buying it. Blake was set to star in the film, Side Effects, from Oscar-winning director, Steven Soderbergh. The character is a woman addicted to prescription drugs who fears the release of her husband from prison. She was set to start filming this spring, until word came last week that she was out. It turns out, the producers backed out when they found out Blake was involved in the project and only came back on board when she was replaced with Girl With the Dragon Tattoo star (and Best Actress Nominee), Rooney Mara. 

This would have been her first time as the lead in a film. It's hard to show that you are capable of more when someone won't even give you a chance. People are quick to dismiss Blake Lively as an actress, but we have yet to see her potential. So far she has risen to the task in supporting roles, but has yet to be able to carry the responsibility of a drama on her own. She could very easily take the easy way to stardom and appear in brainless rom-coms that ask nothing more of her than to be beautiful. But, she is actually seeking out work that will help her grow as an artist. Soderbergh must have seen something in her to cast her in the first place. Hopefully, she'll be able to showcase what she has to offer so we can accurately judge her abilities as an actress.

When you rise to fame on the success of a teenage soap opera, it can be hard to break out of that mold and be able to portray substantial, adult roles. Luckily Blake has a patron saint; someone who paved the way for what she's attempting. After all, ten years ago, three-time Academy Award nominee, Michelle Williams, was still just that blonde girl from 'Dawson's Creek'. 

Enjoy Super Bowl Sunday!

Oscar Winning Kisses

"Watch the botox, Meryl!"