Julian Ayrs 5 Top Picks...Best Screenwriter! Oscar Race 2010!

If it isn't in the script, it probably won't end up on the silver screen.

And, even if it is - not matter how eloquently or succinctly expressed on the page - it might not either.

Of course, I am referring  to the written word!

If an actor or a director attempts to rewrite 'em - on the set, in their trailer, in the toilet room, wherever  - a lament from the author will undoubtedly ring out crystal clear from the edge of the great abyss - and harshly fall on all ears within earshot.

"Over my dead body!"

Even so, the almighty word is not always written in stone, once the artful turn-of-a-phrase has been rustled up out-of-the-blue.

I adhere to the old addage that words have power.

Words have the ability to - uplift, instill fear, inspire, cause hurt - you name it.

A wordsmith - with the magical gift to touch or utter up thoughts that resonate to the very core of a sentient being - is a rare and wonderful individual.

In the realm of screenwriting, in particular.

In the hands of a lesser talent - dialogue may end up stilted, a plot line inplausible, the ability to move one greatly lacking in emotion or righteous joy- you betcha!

As a former Literature Agent (who represented screenwriters) I can wholeheartedly attest to that fact!

With that in mind, I offer up my five (5) Top Picks for Screenplay for a feature film (Oscar Race 2010).

Here are the nominees not in any particular order:

Aaron Sorkin
The Social Network

David Seidler
The King's Speech

Joel & Ethan Cohen
True Grit

Michael Arndt
Toy Story

Billy Ivory
Made in Dagenham

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Made in Dagenham...equal pay tale starring Bob Hoskins a hilarious hit!

 

Sometimes life gives you a second chance!

As was the case with moi, in respect to the Indie Film, titled "Made in Dagenham".

This past week, for instance, the handlers for the British flick - based on a true story and adapted for the silver screen by William Ivory - blanketed the festival grounds at Mann's Chinese Theatre with eye-catching promos to lure filmgoers into a sneak preview of the drama-comedy starring Bob Hoskins.

But, my sights were set on catching Kevin Spacey's new political potboiler, which caused a scheduling conflict.

But, as fate would have it, an invite to "Made in Dagenham" flew into my e-mail box yesterday morning bright and early - and consequently - I was able to make arrangements to slip into the Laemmle Sunset 5 Theatre in West Hollywood last night to take it in.

What a delightful night of entertainment it turned out to be!

Not surprising.

When it came to my attention that Director Nigel Cole was at the helm (Calendar Girls), I wouldn't expect anything less of this production!

Without doubt,  there would be a few hearty belly laughs, a smidgen or two of witty dialogue, and a potent storyline to sink my teeth into.

Indeed!

Once the flick sprang to life on the silver screen, I became totally engrossed in the thought-provoking subject material, that moved along at a fast pace.

In a nutshell, "Made in Dagenham" is a true story about a gaggle of female machinists who stood up to Ford Motors way back in 1968 in a dispute over hourly wages, in spite of the potentially-crushing odds against breaking new ground in the uncharted waters of equal pay for workers of the female persuasion (who were more-or-less regarded as lowly second-class workers inferior to male employees).

In one amusing scene, a spokesperson for the celebrated upstarts laments:

"We don't get equal pay because we don't have a dick between our legs!"

Later on, when tensions on the picket-line mount, another reporter pointedly asks if the women are going to be able to cope.

Her response?

"We're women. What a silly question!"

The new release - making the rounds at Film Festivals around the country, is causing quite a buzz.

This is - in part due to the fact - that members of the ensemble cast have turned in bravado performances!

And, because the well-scripted material is lushly produced with a light touch.

In sum, "Made in Dagenham" is a hilarious - insightful and thought-provoking - high-spirited account of the woman's movement in the late sixties fighting for the right to equal pay.

Catch it if you can!

After all, once the credits crawl, you'll end up strolling out of the theatre with a wide smile on your face.

"Made in Dagenham" is definitely a feel-good film worth every cent of admission!

http://www.thetattler.biz





Ford considered one of best in respect to employee relations now!

Moscow Chill...DVD release of espionage thriller starring Norman Reedus in video outlets on April 21st!

"Moscow Chill" is one of those 1 million dollar budget films that caught me by surprise when I screened it at a packed house at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills last year.

As I noted at the time in my review, Hollywood "suits" should sit up and take notice - after all - Director Chris Solimine performed miracles with the pittance he had at his disposal.

The cinematography is superb, the production values are rich, the script is well-written, and the motley cast (who trekked off to Russian for the stunning location shots) act superbly in this entertaining espionage feature which hits the right spot.

For a sneak peak at my movie review:

Post: 02/28/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/02/moscow-chillentertaining-low-budget.html

The word from Solimine's straight-shooting hip is that "Moscow Chill" is being released on DVD on April 21st (2009).

Snap up a copy (it may become a collector's item) if only to give a boost to a dynamite Independent Film crew who froze their bu**s off overseas to turn out this multi-faceted gem.

In the alternative, ferret out a copy to screen privately in your private boudoir, so you can fantasize in-between the sheets over sexy lead actor Norman Reedus (Boondog Saints).

You heard it here first, folks, Reedus is the next heart-throb on the horizon to soar to new career heights in Tinsel Town!

http://www.julianayrs.com