The King's Speech...dazzling high-brow Art! Stellar acting by Colin Firth & Geoffrey Rush!

The King's Speech is a remarkable film!

Consequently, I was not surprised when the stellar Weinstein production rustled up a-dozen-or-so Oscar nominations on these shores at the crack-of-dawn this morning!

In addition, the Colin Firth vehicle nabbed a Producer's Guild Award, at the Producers' swanky annual Black Tie Soiree over the weekend.

The Darryl F. Zannick Award - which equates to a "Best Picture" nod in Oscar-speak - usually signals voting trends in the rarefied air over at the Academy of Arts & Motion Picture Sciences.

Critical acclaim aside, the high-brow offering is also being hailed by theatre-goers as a Masterpiece.

I whole-heartedly agree!

Indeed, English loyalists (and others) are just now tracking down the film for screening purposes around the country in anticipation of the upcoming 83rd Annual Oscar celebrations in Hollywood.

When the first scene flickers to life on the silver screen - even the most critical filmgoer can't help but be swept up into the lush period piece - which focuses on a little-known drama that unfolded behind-the-scenes when a Playboy Prince - the Duke Of Windsor - announced his intention to relinquish the English Throne in order to pursue an American divorcee he'd prefer to live in "sin" with (if necessary).

By now, many of the intriguing details of the run-a-way hit have leaked out - thanks to a dotting press - leaving little mystery about the plot line surrounding this passionate true-life-tale about a love that dared speak its name (and suffered dire consequences as a result).

According to the filmmakers, once King George V's eldest son begged off on his official role as the King of England, his younger brother - the Duke of York - was forced to step up to the Royal plate to take the reins with some reluctance.

Although Historians and Englishmen (in general) are familiar with the tawdry details of the "Simpson" affair, few were aware of ffrenzied behind-the-scenes maneuverings to force a stiff upper lip among handlers and politicians alike when the issue of King George VI's stammering came to light.

The King's inability to effectively communicate with leaders on the World Stage - and his peoples - must be kept under wraps at all cost for obvious reasons!

In a nutshell - "The King's Speech" is a dramatization of the Monarch's struggle to come to grips with the troubling speech impediment - and an awkward relationship which develops unexpectedly with a commoner who offers up helpful counselling capable of rectifying the problem.

For the greater part of the flick (which flies by, so engrossing is the footage) the drama zeroes in on the King's dreaded fear of being unable to effectively interact with his subjects - and thus - the unusual steps he undertakes to overcome a dilemma which threatens to topple the Empire shortly after he is forced into the limelight when war was declared with Germany.

Because the richly-textured project takes a departure from the norm - the material is elevated - and succeeds in conquering new narrative ground.

This especially rings true when "The King's Speech" explores - with great agility (and a lot of levity) - the issue of class distinction.

The touchy relationship between King and subject is turned on its ear at one point - then respectfully righted in a delightful inspiring way - that ends up resonating to the core.

Although the glossy flick is basically a drama - there is a lot of comic relief and side-splitting fun - that breaks the ice now and then during the course of the two-and-a-half-hour production.

For example, when the speech therapist observes that the King doesn't stutter when he swears, George VI erupts into a chorus of guttural curses that not only end up loosening the tongue - but also sending a torrent of words trilling trippingly off the tongue with eloquent ease.

A string of - sh**s, fu**s, - and what-have-you - never sounded so sweet before in my humble opinion.

Understandably, the house falls down in the aisles laughing uproariously.

In this version of the "Simpson" scandal, the Duke of Windsor's lover has been painted in an unlfattering light.

Normally, the uppercrust (and Historical biographers) have referred to Mrs. Simpson as a classy dame - the eptiome of style - who won the Prince's heart by virtue of her dazzling persona.

Here, the producers have depicted the interloper as a scarlet woman out to scoff up Palace spoils.

In some respects, the material reminds me of the hatchet job that was recently performed on Queen Elizabeth a scant couple of years ago in another feature film.

If anything, I expect the writers on both occasion, took a lot of poetic license.

Personally, in respect to the issue of Mrs. Simpson, I find it highly doubtful that the Duke of Windsor would be so easily hood-winked by a classless golddigger!

One fly in the ointment, as they say!

As to the performances, well, they're all stand out characterizations.

In recent years Colin Firth has been hailed for his fine performances in a handful of films (mostly produced overseas) under Iindependent banners.

In "The King's Speech" the talented actor is a tour de force to reckon with.

Indeed - his fleshed-out characterization of George VI - is literally spellbinding.

The Envelope, please!

Likewise, Geoffrey Rush once again establishes that he, too, possesses a remarkable gift for acting that appears to be bottomless.

The two in concert together make wonderful music!

A must-see 5 star feature!

http://www.thetattler.biz



LA TIMES Actor's panel...Carey Mulligan, Jesse Eisenberg & Andrew Garfield bare souls!

Filmgoers anxiously queued up in front of the historic Egyptian Theatre last night to nab a coveted seat at a panel discussion which focused on the behind-the-scenes underbelly of Hollywood - and bask in the reflected glow of three of their favorite young stars - Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Jesse Eisenberg who are currently skyrocketing to success in the film biz.

Despite shoddy production glitches - typical of the incompetent and unprofessional AFI Fest staff who organized the event - excited guests were hopeful that they were in for an entertaining night once the way was paved.

Indeed!

The festivities got off to a bumpy start as Amy Kaufman - the nervous host who covers the youth beat for the LA TIMES - struggled to get her bearings before the packed house.

It was quite evident from the get-go that Ms. Kaufman was a tad inexperienced - too green, to put it succinctly - to handle the task at hand.

But, the special event - in true show biz tradition - went on nonetheless despite a few ugly burps and distracting hiccups that stalled the proceedings now-and-then.

For example, guests were forced to endure a few awkward moments when the three celebrated guests trotted up to the podium, and were at a loss to fathom where to sit.

Obviously, the hapless actors needed a bit of direction in that regard.

Meanwhile, the AFI staff stood around slack-jawed, clueless about what action to take to rectify the embarrassing ongoing problems.

Once the panel discussion got underway, for instance, technical problems threatened to spoil the evening as well.

Microphones failed, film clips washed out on the wide-screen in an unprofessional fashion, you name it.

At times, guests were forced to strain forward in their seats in a bold-faced effort to hear the ongoing dialogue just out-of-reach on the cement floor below the wide screen, where the acoustics were definitely lousy to begin without amplification.

There was quite a bit of incoherent mumbling going on for the first ten minutes or so until the event finally found its legs and delivered up.

The audience was quite forgiving, so the event sailed on pretty smoothly, once the technical oversights resolved about a quarter-of-the-way into the panel discussion.

Carey Mulligan was the the most poised and professional of the three performers.

The lads tended to hum-and-haw a lot - even stumble for words on occasion - when the searing glare of the spotlight was tossed on them.

Andrew Garfield was probably the most intriguing guest of all.

Quite often - he waxed poetically (rambled on incoherently, too) - as he struggled to utter up witty responses to a handful of Kaufman's potentially-revealing queries.

It had not escaped his attention that pressures may derail his peace of mind in the near future - when he embarks on his next project - in which he portrays "Spiderman" (in a role Toby McGuire took on which ended up totally defining the character to audience satisfaction).

He joked that he'd be that guy in the audience lamenting the casting choice.

'Oh, shit! Who hired that English fool to play spidey," he blurted our at one point, to a roar of approval from the audience.

Garfield was probably the most insecure actor, of the three on the hot seat, too.

He worried about the way his eyebrows looked, what fans might think of his walk, that sort-of-thing.

The English actor had no problem knocking the profession - and actors, in particular - either.

"Actors hang out in a sandbox. Live in a dream world. And, they make so much money. It's criminal, really," he protested, in so many words.

But, he was inclined to confess, there was a moment in a stage production in England when he had a revelation about art and truth that set things right in his questioning mind.

"Deep," Andy Kaufman kidded in a knee-jerk reaction to the actor's obvious over-blown sense of self-importance and worth as a B-list talent kicking around the fringes of the Hollywood scene.

Occasionally, he was spontaneous, and funny.

When Kaufman asked how the three actors broke into the business - wondered if they had connections and all that - Garfield's lightning response was delightful.

"I come from the Garfield dynasty of actors. My father was a spear carrier - third on the left - in a successful Shakespearean production," he coughed up dead-pan.

Actually, through-out the revealing interview, he displayed a rather droll sense of humor.

Carey Mulligan insisted that she was terrified whenever she was forced to appear on the red carpet.

"I found it is helpful to have a Martini before-hand," she giggled.

I agree, baby!

"Or, take along friends and family, with the aim of seeing the hoopla from their perspective," she added as an afterthought.

"My brother went wild over the cops handling security at the Oscars. He hung out the window, totally blown away by their big guns," she confided.

The audiences were particularly fascinated with the two male actors since both just appeared in the phenomenally successful film bio on the founder of FaceBook (The Social Network).

I reviewed the film a few weeks ago.

Post:  10/01/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/10/social-networkfacebook-nerd-revenge.html

"I met people who knew Mark. They'd pass on information like - 'he had a weak handshake' - and that sort-of-thing," Eisenberg quipped gleefully.

But, for the most part, the fresh face in the industry was inclined to go along with the character fleshed out for the screen by the talented insightful script-writer on the project.

One actor noted that his cousin landed a job at FaceBook towards the end of the shoot, and ended up in the enviable position of being able to disclose some curious secrets kept under wraps until recently.

For instance, aalthough  Zuckerberg initially stated to the press that he was not going to screen the film, the actor's relative noted that the founder of FaceBook actually rented a movie theatre one day and treated the staff to a private screening of the controversial flick.

"Later, he took them out for Apple Teas, in a cheeky response to a scene where it was alleged that was the popular drink consumed by staffers running the social hub at the time," he snickered.

Also, Zuckerberg made a point of telling the cousin that he thought the actor who portrayed him in the film bio, did a good job.

However, the actor accused that it was a clever public relations ploy, on the part of Zuckerberg.

"He was trying to be diplomatic to my cousin," he summed up smugly.

When Kaufman referred to Zuckerberg as the "contested founder", by the way, he was adamant that  - "no" - his character (Zuckerberg) was a founder (among a handful of visionaries who contributed to the initial success of the popular web site).

Surprisingly, Carey Mulligan fessed up that she had a weird relationship with Michael Douglas on the set of Wall Street.

"We were quite distant," she confided.

After some prodding by Kaufman, Ms. Mulligan noted that the production was not too different than earlier independent films she worked on, in many respects.

"The food was better at craft service, though. And, the crew was larger since we were working in NYC.  But, the shooting schedule was just eleven weeks."

The pretty English actress got her first break when she attended an "open call" audition for "Pride & Prejudice" for a small role.

"I snagged it," she noted with glee.

The actress admitted that press reports alleging that she took the bus in Los Angeles when she moved here, and stayed at a Best Western Hotel, were true.

But, a slightly harrowing event at a bus stop, changed all that one day.

"I was standing there waiting for the Metro when a car - with blacked-out windows - glided up and pulled to a stop. The side window rolled down, and a man inside pointed a gun at me. Then, he laughed wickedly, just before tearing off down the street."

Welcome to Los Angeles, Carey!

All three performers admitted what appears to be a common fear among actors.

"I didn't work for a year after the Wall Street shoot. I didn't know if I would ever work again," Mulligan fessed up.

By the way, I loved her acting in the Michael Douglas vehicle, and raved about her in my review.

Post:  10/01/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/10/wall-streetoliver-stone-atheist-michael.html

Technical snafus aside, the night end up a real charmer, in my opinion.

I predict these three - provided they get over their insecurities, unfounded fears and phobias - will go far in the film biz.

Break a leg, kids!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Tony Awards...Angela Lansbury named Honorary Chair! Kristin Chenoweth non-talent annoys! Catherine Zeta-Jones chokes!

Presenter Daniel Radcliffe

Sean Hayes tried his hand at a grand piano, Angela Lansburg was named Honorary Chair of the Annual Tony Awards, and one actor brought the house down when he inferred that Billy Elliot (who had just won an award for a performance) had a really big one.

Uh-huh!

The 64th Annual Tony Awards splashed onto the old boob tube amidst a lot of fanfare, hi-jinks, and a raft of upbeat musical numbers - as die-hard Theatre-goers caught the glamorous upbeat awards ceremony from perches in Times Square.

Daniel Radcliffe strode the red carpet outside of  the Radio City Music Hall - much to their delight - too.

Along with actress Katie Holmes, Radcliffe was slated to present a Tony to the prize-getter for Best Featured Actress in a play.

In one hilarious segment, Hayes appeared in a red dress as curly-haired Annie to announce that the popular all-time hit returns to Broadway in 2012.

Bernadette Peters giggled a scant few feet away just below the floodlights as Hayes egged her on.

After referring to her  "initials", he proceeded to crack a joke about the oil giant (also BP), which caused the rapt audience to roar in approval.

A low point during the first half-hour (where was the hook, folks?) was an overacted lacklustre performance of "Send in the Clowns" by actor Kirk Douglas's wife (Catherine Zeta-Jones) who has the distinction of ruining one of the best-known and best-loved stage musical hits of all time.

American Theatre Wing actually bestowed a coveted prize on Jones tonight - which signalled to me (in view of her ragged performance) - that it must have been one of those politically-motivated offerings.

Catherine, that was el stinko, alright!

A number from "La Cages aux Folles" was forced, and dry, and best left in the wings.

The hilarious musical won for best revival this year, however.

“Memphis,” a show about music and race in the 1950s, won for best musical.

David Hyde Pierce won a deserving award for humanitarian reasons.

Jay-Z and Will Smith punched up the electricity in the air when they slipped into their seats.

Talk about mega-star personas gracing the Tony Awards!

Meanwhile, a posse of polished well-heeled members of the Theatre creme de la creme - with noticeably stretched skin - caused eyebrows to raise in the unflattering non-theatrical lighting.

Kristin Chenoweth, a non-talent, made a fool of herself.

With no apparent comedic timing, or flair for the theatrical, the party-crasher obviously made it into the business due to her connections in the industry.

To cut down on broadcast time, clips of winners were flashed at break-neck-speed (with credits in crawl) sidecreen.

This was a novel effective approach the Oscars should take note of.

Some of the gals were knock-outs in designer ball gowns - even without the normally-prerequisite heavy artillery in tow - diamonds, pearls and the like.

Restraint in troubled economic times, or where the meager stage salaries beckon it, underscored that in the Theatre there is rarely a vulgar display of wealth and/or misguided social priority.

Unfortunately, a handful of songs, grated on the nerves.

Some were doomed with poor lyrics, no melody to speak of,  and pretty much forgettable chorus lines.

Denzel Washington put in a tasteful appearance in one segment - and surprise - ended up winning for best actor in "Fences".

Scarlett Johansson graciously accepted an  award for best performance by a featured actress in a play.

Thirty-nine productions opened on Tin Pan Alley this year which included new shows, stage revivals, and highly-touted classics such as the "View from the Bridge".

When "Red" won for top  play, the best quote of the night was offered up.

"To my parents who taught me that a life in the arts was worthwhile," quipped the creative force behind the project which puts the spotlight on one of my favorite American expressionist painters Mark Rothko..

Who the heck is Laura Bell Bundy?

What an annoying squeaky-voiced actress!

In contrast, there were many triple-threat actors at the theatre last night, who confirmed the quality of talent appearing on Stage in NYC productions this year.

The sets this year for the 64th Annual Tony Awards were loud and glitzy, and tarted up with a smattering of dazzling production values, that were effective for the most part.

Some critics were way off their mark in their assessments, though.

One reviewer lauded a performance of "Don't Rain on my Parade."

It was God awful!

But, it couldn't hold a candle to the phony over-the-top acceptance speech Catherine Zeta-Jones pitifully hurled on bemused theatre-guests non-stop until the Theatre Wing handlers were forced to signal the fleshy pushy broad get her fat a** off the stage so the show could - after all - go on!

True to form, it did, without a hitch.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Charlie Sheen...punishment fits crime? Aborted plea deal...

Charlie toughens up for the slammer!

Legendary Katharine Hepburn!

Actor Charlie Sheen originally copped a sweet plea deal with the court that has some critics shaking their heads.

“That’s not punishment,” one disgusted reporter lamented.

Charlie was prepared to plead no contest to a charge of felony menacing, and subsequently, receive a thirty day jail sentence to be served in the Picton County Jail (Colorado).

Background Info

Post:  06/03/10

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/06/charlie-sheenexpected-to-plea-bargain.html

But last minute, the deal was aborted.

Legal eagles were predicting that Charlie would actually end up in the slammer for a fraction of the sentence (17 days) based on time served and good behavior.

But what was getting the goat of some, was a stint of community service, that stipulated that Charlie appear daily at a local theatre and provide acting classes for aspiring young actors residing in the upscale skiing resort.

To some, it appeared to make a mockery of the court, when you consider that Charlie was being asked to perform a task (as punishment) that involved activities he warms up to (and makes a living at).

Others snidely remarked that Charlie wasn’t qualified for the role as coach for budding performers pursuing a career in live theatre productions.

“Sheen isn’t known for being a stage actor,” one reporter astutely noted.

True.

But, to be fair - under the circumstances - the Judge’s considered directive isn't too far off the mark.

There are many instances in the past where celebrity defendants (Michael Phelps?) were ordered to offer up advice in community service situations as part ‘n parcel of their sentence.

As to the issue of Charlie’s lack of stage experience?

Yes.

Stage acting and film acting are quite different in approach.

Film acting tends to be more internal due to the intimate nature of film.

On the other hand, stage actors are required to turn up their performance - play bigger - in a theatrical environment geared to a live audience.

Unlike film - where a director may abort a scene in the bud that is going awry - in the stage scenario actors are required to build and sustain a performance without the luxury of being able to stop and go until they get it right.

There is only one instance in the history of the theatre where that golden rule was broken.

The legendary Katharine Hepburn was starring in a stage production on Broadway at the height of her theatrical career.

Shortly after the play began, things went awry - so much so - that Ms. Hepburn was inclined to halt the production dead in its tracks.

After a quick apology to the startled audience - this was definitely a first, folks - Hepburn instructed the stage hands to bring down the curtain so that the production could start up on stronger legs after a breather for a moment or two.

Although the troubled actor may not be able to focus on skills specific to stage acting because of his lack of experience on the boards - because Sheen is a competent actor (and recognized as such in the business) with hands-on acting experience under his belt - he does possess vital worthwhile information about the acting business in general.

And, thus, Mr. Sheen is capable of passing on tips to actors that they would not otherwise be able to glean from school texts.

Charlie’s take on the business and his thoughts on acting (even how he prepares for a role he is undertaking) are intriguing aspects of the business - that from a practical point of view - may prove to be invaluable to a student interesting in pursuing a career as an actor.

So, whether Charlie breaks a leg or not, remains to be seen in July when a hearing is slated to firm up the details.

God willing!

News Update
The prosecution discovered that Sheen does not qualify for work release because he is not a local resident 
Also, public service requires stricter rules, which Sheen allegededly nixed.
Back to the drawing board to hammer out a new deal!
Sheen is due back in Court July 12th.

 

DUI rustles up community service!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Actors...ALAP (Playwright Group) seeks performers for readings and workshops!

The Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights is seeking actors to perform in play readings, workshops, and full productions.

In order to be considered for an audition, interested performers are invited to sign up at the ALAP database so that playwrights will be able to browse head shots and resumes to locate suitable thespians for upcoming projects.

Signing up for the ALAP database is free!

Before cruising over to their web site to participate, it is important to note that ALAP requests that all those who sign up act professionally at all times and fulfill all agreed-upon obligations.


For instance, in the event an actor needs to withdraw for any reason (due to a work assignment or an unexpected family obligation) ALAP requests that individuals do so in a responsible way by giving the playwright sufficient time to recast.

Contact information provided to the stage writers will not be shared with non-ALAP members without an actor's consent.

Current Production
David Lewison's "Blue Bikini"
Next Stage Theatre
Hollywood

Info: www.LAPlaywrights.org