Behind the Screen

Desson Thomson (washingtonpost.com)

Washington Post film critic Desson Thomson brings Behind The Screen Live Online for a discussion on filmmaking and the art of the cinema. Have you ever wanted to know what the director had in mind when making a particular film? Or why the producer altered the original screenplay? Why was an actor or actress cast over another? Thomson has answers to these and other questions about filmmaking.

Thomson, a movie critic at The Washington Post for 15 years, was raised in England where he was entranced, like most, by Hollywood movies. And it was a visit to see David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia," that made him realize movies had to be a part of his life.

A transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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washingtonpost.com: Please stand by for Desson.

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Desson Thomson: Hello everyone and happy new year. Sorry to be running late. Was at a screening of an incredible (and bleak) film called Monster, starring Charlize Theron. More on this in a little while. But let me get started.

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Tenleytown, Washington, D.C.: WHAT WAS Peter Jackson thinking? I adore LOTR but the last 45 minutes was just too much. In trying to tie up the loose ends, he really wrecked the movie for me ... (and I like long movies) Is this a case of poor editing? Love your chat

Desson Thomson: In reverse order, thanks for the compliment. As for that ending, it is rather demanding since it seems to never end. It is, without question, the weakest link. but what a film, though.

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New York, N.Y.: If Triplets of Bellville makes it down to D.C., just wanted to recommend that everyone see it. It is a mesmerizing animated film that sticks with you for days after.

Desson Thomson: Thanks. I concur with that. It is coming to Washington in mid to late January, this month that is.

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Bored of the Rings, D.C.: Am I the only one who is actually happy the LOTR is over? I respect the massive undertaking that Peter Jackson undertook, appreciate the impressive look and feel of the movies, and understand how many long-time fans would feel this was the greatest thing since sliced bread, but about half way through the final installment, I realized that I just didn't care anymore. Having never been a fan of the novels, I feel I was a disinterested observer who never became entirely interested. Let's just say that I'm glad that I won't have to endure any more hobbits looking longingly into each others eyes.

Desson Thomson: Thanks, Bored. I can understand that 3 is enough. Still, a tremendous film as I may no doubt keep repeating, and quite possibly the winner of the big prize Feb 29. Out of the 3 Rings films, this is the strongest one by all indicatoins and therefore Peter Jackson's best chance to win big.

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12th Floor Metro Center: Happy New Year, Desson. Hope the holidays treated you well. So did you ever get to see "In America" and if so, what are your thoughts?

Desson Thomson: Happy New Year. I'm embarrassed to say I didn't. But my family and friends will attest to me trying. It's just a matter of time. I hope. The problem is, films keep coming and I rarely have time for a film beyond the latest cycle that has to be seen. But I do want to see it.

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Takoma Park, Md.: I actually liked the serial endings in LOTR -- I wanted to know what happened to all the characters.
The movie was SUPER!

Desson Thomson: All right. Thanks.

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Santa Barbara, Calif.: Mr. Thomson: Happy New Year! This is more of a film business query. Why do some films that feature stars virtually disappear from view just after their release? Two examples come to mind: Gwyneth Paltrow in "Sylvia" and Drew Barrymore in "Duplex." It's as if the studios won't spend a dime promoting some films, and drop a fortune on planned Oscar contenders like "Seabiscuit" (OK film, but it managed to exclude the horse from the story, unlike the book). Why are some films DOA?
Thank you.

Desson Thomson: The audiences tell these people that the movie is no good. They don't come. Even the people in Hollywood get that. Or there are such a huge number of negative reviews, they understand that the problem is pandemic. I do not believe Paltrow can really open a picture, and this likely proves it. As for Duplex, that movie was unspeakably horrible.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey there Desson, what's the scoop in 'Girl with The Pearl Earing'?

Desson Thomson: The scoop is, it's good. Slight perhaps but still good. This unimpeachable wisdom comes from moi, since I saw it. First time I was a little blah. Second time I thought hey pretty good.

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Capitol Hill: I saw " Something's Gotta Give" and was STUNNED by how good Diane keaton was! It is the best I think I have ever seen of her work, and it is great that she looks every bit of her age. It was a treat not to have a 23-year-old lead. Do you think she has a chance to get nominated? Also, is that new movie with Tilda Swinton and Michael Caine any good? I love her!

Desson Thomson: Yes she is terrific and looks that way. And it was a good performance too. Glad you enjoyed it. As for the other film you mention, it's called The Statement and it's about the search for a former Nazi in France. I thought it was quite good.

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Washington, D.C.: You think LOTR for best picture? I sure hope not! While I thoroughly enjoyed it, I just saw Cold Mountain this weekend -- WOW what a film. Stunning. Also can't forget Mystic River, my other big fave this year. I at least hope Sean Penn is recognized for his work in that one.

Desson Thomson: I don't see Cold Mountain holding a candle to LOTR or Mystic. You liked it, sure. But it was definitely a mixed bag in terms of reaction everywhere. I think those other two, Mystic and LOTR, are the biggest contenders of the 3 you mention.

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Broomes Island, Md.: Desson:
Do you think the Smeagol-to-Gollum prologue was tacked to the front of LOTR-ROTK to close off debate (like last year) on whether Andy Serkis would be eligible for an Academy Award? I mean, there he was in the flesh, not computerized ... so he'd be eligible for a nomination ... right?

Desson Thomson: I think Peter Jackson wanted to make a good film is all. I really don't think he thought that way, at least in that particular prologue. I think it was just time to highlight one of the series's most significant characters. Maybe I'm naive.

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Charlotte, N.C.: Hi Desson

Saw Cold Mountain over the weekend. I think that Jude Law did dissapear into the role. His interactions with the young widow was some of the best acting in the movie. However with Nicole Kidman all I could think was "That Nicole Kidman sure is pretty". Glad to see that they didn't Hollywoodize the ending. By the gasps in the theater there was a bunch of people who didn't read the book. Not a great movie, but worth the money and time.

Desson Thomson: Seems to be the consensus of many!

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San Francisco, Calif.: Did I miss something in "LOTR, Return of the King" or was it significantly less satisfying than the first two (which I thought were awesome)? "King" just seemed overwhelmed with battle scenes, very short on character development and some of the key dramatic moments/choices (the spider, the limp final struggle for the ring among Frodo, Gollum, etc.) just didn't do it for me.

What's your POV on the three films separately and together?

Do you think I should give "King" another chance?

Desson Thomson: I liked all three and I think they work well together or separately. Perhaps you did miss something because the second time I saw it (no. 3) I loved it more.

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Washington, D.C.: What can you tell me about "The Triplets of Belleville?" Did it/will it play in D.C?

Desson Thomson: Very inventive. And as I mentioned, it opens later this month.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Did you find 21 Grams and Mystic River to be similar, and which did you prefer?

Desson Thomson: Similar because they are dark material? I preferred Mystic River because I think it's got more.

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Washington, D.C.: How much of a chance does Mystic River really stand? The buzz it's getting is very positive -- but there doesn't seem to be an awful lot of it.

Desson Thomson: The biggest appeal will be Academy darling Clint as filmmaker of a movie that has strong performances. You can picture his emotional speech. But Jackson's speech is also something to savor.

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Eugene, Ore.: Dear Mr. Thomson,
I am a devoted reader of the Patrick O'Brian novels and was very impressed by the recent "Master and Commander" movie. I would greatly enjoy additional installments from Weir et al., but I read that the $130 million movie (plus advertising) has so far earned only ~$80 million. Any chance that DVD, etc., sales will make this movie enough of a financial success to ensure a few more like it?

washingtonpost.com: Director Peter Weir, (Live Online, Nov. 5, 2003)

Desson Thomson: They're already talking about a sequel, I know that. I think it has more than made its point. And I am sure it will run into the black.

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Maryland Yankee Visiting Richmond, Va.: Desson --
Omigod. Have you ever encountered the film critic for the Richmond, Va. newspaper? Example: Return of the King, 1 1/2 stars;
Elf, 3 stars. Scary scary scary. How does he stay employed?

Desson Thomson: Dear oh dear. I assume he/she was big on Cold Mtn since it premiered there.

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Laurel, Md.: (SPOILER ALERT!) Why is Sean Penn in two nearly identical movies out at the same time?

"Mystic River" and "21 Grams" are both about three unrelated lives brought together by an unsolved homicide. The climatic scene is a "take the suspect out and (maybe -- to avoid spoiling) shoot him" scene. The cinematography is nearly identical.

In six months, I'm going to be absolutely certain that Benicio del Toro is a Step One in the Kevin Bacon game.

Desson Thomson: Aha, now I get the similarity perhaps of Mystic and 21.

People often lump in films together just because they happened to come out at the same time. But I'm sure Penn didn't make these films with that in mind. He probably saw two powerful roles. He's not afraid of dark roles. And he's to be commended for that. Too many stars simply want to be loved for their majestic existence instead of respected for their work.

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Judiciary Square, Washington, D.C.: Caught up on a few movies over the holidays, and wonder how I fit in with your crowd regarding my likes and dislikes.

Finally saw Lost in Translation, which was not everything I expected but still very good. Sticks with you.

Saw Altman's "The Company" in New York and was generally bored, except for the dancing.

Wasted $10 on Paycheck. Beyond stupid.

Thoroughly enjoyed both Mona Lisa Smile and Something's Gotta Give.

Absolutely loved, as in it will go down as one of my favorite movies, Love Actually. Maybe it's too light for your fans, but it hit every note for me. I laughed, I cried. What a great ensemble cast. Loved the kid. Hope to see it again before it disappears from the theaters.

Just one reader's two-cents' worth ...

Desson Thomson: Thanks for sharing, Judiciary. I liked Lost and Company a little more than you, it looks like. IU enjoyed Love Actually. And also Someting's Gottra Give. Missed Paycheck for obvious reasons. When Ben Affleck becomes a great actor, someone feel free to wake me up so I can see it happen. Seems to be a great guy on a personal level but not someone to open a movie either. As for Mona Lisa, I have to say, it didn't work for me at all. So I just gave you 2 cents back I guess.

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Virginia: Dess -- I've got to agree with bored, and reiterate for the other big series like Harry Potter, the Matrix, Star Wars ... I love movies, but they are principally entertainment, folks, not lifestyles. Happy New Year to you and yours.

Desson Thomson: That's funny. They're not lifestyles. You're right.

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Somewhere, USA: I saw Cold Mountain this weekend and was shocked at what I considered the wooden performances of Nicole Kidman and Jude Law. Yet, it seems likely they will receive Oscar nominations. Any chance the Academy will be more discerning this year?

Desson Thomson: We'll see. I agree with you on the wooden performances. In my review I called them cadavers.

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Vienna, Va/.: Desson:

I saw "Cheaper By The Dozen" last week, which was really dreary. I noticed that at least three times in the course of the movie the boom mike popped into view at the top of the screen. Is it just a coincidence that this happened in a movie I considered mediocre Hollywood product or is it something a critic such as yourself considers when gauging the quality of a film?

Desson Thomson: That boom mike thing was the fault of the theater. They didn't black-mask the perimeter of the screen well enough. Not a fault of the moviemakers. If not for the masking you'd see boom mics in every film.

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ArtMovieLover, Va.: Desson, I hope you were a fan of "In America." I sure am. Just saw it, and I haven't been that emotionally wrung-out by a movie in a long time, if ever. Best thing about it: the emotional highs and lows weren't cheap. The overall range of emotions in the film is extraordinary and complex. People were sobbing. And for once, the reaction was earned. Beautiful film.

Desson Thomson: Darn. I'm sorrier by the minute I haven't seen it.

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Del Ray, Va: I was interested to see Master and Commander high on your Year's Best list and to see your dismissal of a complaint in the last chat about the film's deviation from the historical context of the source novels. The gripe was that the enemy ship was changed from being an American frigate (War 0f 1812) raiding on British whalers to a French ship (presumably done to make the film more palatable to an American audience). Your response was that this complaint was unfair. My question is, have you read the novels from which the film is taken? From your review I assume you have not. I was disappointed in the film myself because it was too much a star vehicle for Russell Crowe and gave short shrift to the doctor's character, who dominates the novels and who is, in addition to being a naturalist and physician, a spy, a linguist, a husband and father, an opium addict, a cocaine addict, a duelist, a diplomat, and very possibly an assassin. Obviously it is not possible to compress 5,000 pages in 20 novels into a single film. I don't mind that things were left out, but I do wish that what was left in had been closer to the essence of the story, two strong and complex characters, not one and a half.

Desson Thomson: Del Ray, a thoughtful posting, thanks. I didn't read the O'Brien books but spoke to many who had. And I'd love to start reading O'Brien. It sounds to me that you are being a little unfair yourself, expecting the apple of a movie to convey the orange of a book. Those bits and pieces of the surgeon as I understand are shown over the course of all the books. His various qualities are not all revealed in one book. How could you expect a movie to force everything in, since the books need a quantity to do the same? And the movie DOES show that there is at least a good fight, in terms of domination, between the two characters, certainly compared to the average movie.

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Herndon, Va.: Mr. T: Always interesting how different people will have totally varying views on movies. Take "Paycheck" (please! -- cheap joke): pretty well universally panned, but my wife and I enjoyed it. Certainly not a great movie, but it has good stunts and an interesting premise. Meanwhile, "Cold Mountain" was high up on a lot of critics' lists, but I couldn't wait to leave -- faaaar too long, and I just did't "get" it (my wife loved it). You never know ...

Desson Thomson: I didn't see Paychcek. So I am going by the consensus. Good to see your contrasting view. As for Cold Mtn, I started to enjoy it when Renee Zellweger came in and took over the picture from the pulse-free leads.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm midway through my first viewing of "The Seven Samurai," and am enjoying the hell out of it. I'm not much for a film historian, so some of the technical innovations Kurosawa introduced are lost on me, but my goodness, this is great storytelling.

I've plodded through "classics" before that just about bored you to tears, and half-expected this to be a trudge. No way. It's long, but you never look at your watch.

I encourage all your chatters to rent this right away. Great movie (so far)!

Desson Thomson: You're 100 per cent right. This is one of the greatest films of all time. Easily.

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Washington, D.C.: N.Y., N.Y. was reading my mind ... I'd wanted to know when Les Triplettes de Belleville was coming to D.C., and now I know! Can't wait to see it! Will it be at one of the smaller theaters in or around Dupont?

Desson Thomson: Likely to be at Bethesda Row and the new E Street Cinema downtown. (maybe 1 or 2 more. Maybe not.) And I just found out the exact date: Jan 23.

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Boom mike question: What do you mean by it's the fault of the theater? I worked on a TV show in college and we'd re-shoot anything that even had a shadow of the boom in it. Why wouldn't cinematographers do the same?

Desson Thomson: No. I'm not a techie, but I'm saying that all films have those boom shots in the periphery of a shot intentionally. They know it's not going to appear on the screen in the theater cause of the masking. I assume it's close to get it near the mouths of the actors. It's not a case of a screw up at all.

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Washington, D.C.: Just wanted to toss this out -- what if the Oscars split the Best Picture category in two, based on the budget of the film? Do you think it would be possible? It just seems ridiculous to me to compare movies like In America or Lost in Translation for Best Picture against LOTR or Master and Commander. These are totally different filmmaking processes and achievements, and it seems like an unfair comparison for both types of films.

Thoughts?

Desson Thomson: Interesting but I'm not sure it would work. And it would smack of condescension a little.

Yes they are different, but in a sense they're not. They're all stories and those stories are told well or not. A big budget doesn't make a story better or a little budget make a story worse? (As expensive failures of the present and past have already discovered.) Why should they be measured differently? They're stories and in fact that's why indie cinema has been kicking Hollywood in the butt for more than a decade. At hteir best, they make the story work in spite of the budget. The studio pictures pretty much put the screenwriter lowest on their creative payroll and the stars first. That should tell you something.

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Just an aside: I saw Master and Commander with a friend who plays a string instrument in an orchestra.

She says there's no way Russell Crowe's bow work would produce the kind of rich, melodic sound his violin made via the Foley artist. If you really played a violin like that it would have sounded at best like a square dance.

Desson Thomson: Interesting. That's part of why movies attract people, to have a larger than life experience. And not be arm-tied by facts.

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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: If Jackson wins, will the band play "you're getting to be a hobbit with me" as he walks to the stage?

Desson Thomson: Haha. Stay tuned, I guess.

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Embassy Row, Washington, D.C.: Desson:

Two Questions: I am heading to Utah for the Sundance Film festival in two weeks ... have you heard any buzz on the films to be shown there this year? Individual ticket sales start tomorrow.

Second, what surprises do you think will come out of the Oscar nominations? I am hoping for something for American Splendor.

Desson Thomson: I will be reading about it with interest. Haven't heard much buzz. But I will soon, as the fest gets going.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Desson,

I went to see Cold Mountain this weekend and while I loved the book, the movie left me ... untouched. I liked Zellweger, the actor who played her father, and Kathy Baker but Kidman and Law felt uninvolved to me. The cameos made the movie for me, much like those vignettes made the book. I just wish leads were less "I'm trying to be this character." Maybe no-names would have been better?

Desson Thomson: Maybe living people would have been better.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Desson. Happy new year to you. A friend in Hong Kong recently saw Vicki Zhao Wei's new film, "Green Tea," and says it's one of Vicki's best performances. Have you possibly seen it yet? Also, any bits of news, gossip, info, etc., about any Chinese film projects we ought to be keeping an eye alert for? Many thanks, D.

Desson Thomson: I hope that film comes this way! I'm not loaded for bear on any tidbits you seek, I'm afraid.

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Nostalgia USA: Desson
Reading your chat got me remembering some great movies of my youth -- at least to me they were great -- that came out in the 60s and had that great Technicolor look to them. I'm thinking of Jason and the Argonauts, The Time Machine (Rod Taylor), Mary Poppins. Ah, thank you for that.

Desson Thomson: You're welcome. I loved Jason and the Argonauts and Ray Harryhausen's great special effects. It especially scared me to death (I was 8 or 9) to see the Colossus at Rhodes, that giant metallic statue come to life.

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Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.: About Kurosawa: Be sure to rent Rashoman. If you're interested in his techniques, this one has a great nearly scene-by-scene explanation of what he was trying to accomplish. Very interesting, indeed.

Desson Thomson: Yes, a fine film. One of my personal faves of Kurosawa is High and Low.

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Baltimore, Md.: Hello Desson. Love the forum (and most of your reviews). However, I have a minor disagreement with your critique of the film "Irreversible." Aren't you taking a hypocritical stance in giving gushing (no pun intended) reviews to a gratuitously violent film like "Kill Bill" (which also has an implied rape scene), but find the ultraviolence abhorrent in the former, especially since rape was a central subtext of Noe's movie? Is the fact that you find one film more disturbing than the other attributable to his proficient skill as a filmmaker?

Desson Thomson: The fact that rape is in both films is superficial. It's how they're treated that differentiates one from the other. Kill Bill is a cinema game for Tarantino in which violence is just an abstract aesthetic; it's a paen to the b movies he loved. To castigate it for violence is sort of idle kneejerk morality because it's using rules in reality to refer to an intentionally artificial exercise. The Irreversible film specifically asked me to consider rape as a horrible thing (yes, I applaud that) but it used lurid images and horror beyond my ability to endure it, to convey that. I don't see hypocrisy in the slightest.

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Great Idea: Why don't we have nominees submit their speeches, and then award the Oscar to the one with the best speech? Much more fun on Oscar night ...

Desson Thomson: Sure. And why not have the best films nominated instead of the biggest ones? That would be interesting too.

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Padova, Italy: Mr Thomson,
I was in NYC during the weekend and had a chance to see "Cold Mountain." I agree with the other readers that the movie is a mixed bag. I'm not sure why I had the impression that Kidman had a facelift before (or close to) the shooting of the movie. Her eyes looked kind of strange to me ... Agree?

Desson Thomson: I am told repeatedly that it is the rare actor who doesn't have nippy tucky enhancement. And since Nicole is no longer speaking to me, I can't tell you for sure.

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Kensington, Md.: Hi, Desson. Happy New Year. Am glad that I am not the only one who was left cold by the excessively long, intermissionless Lord of the Rings. Here's the Q: why are critics impaling themselves in adjectives over what is basically a student film quality project like "Lost in Translation"? If you thought that Jude Law was cadaverous, then Bill Murray should have been the corpse in Six Feet Under. BTW, when did you change your name from Howe to Thomson?

Desson Thomson: Interesting flow of questions there. And happy new year to you 2. I changed my name a few months ago for reasons that were gone into in 2 or 3 of these chats. Sofia Coppola is hardly a student filmmaker, by the way. She made the Virgin Suicides before this to some considerable acclaim. As for Bill Murray being a corpse, that's a different matter. He is playing a character who is metaphorically dead, so his laconic, deadpan persona is not only effective, it's appropriate.

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Washington, D.C. -- E Street Landmark : Have you been there for a tour/preview screening?

Speaking of Landmark, if I went to see a movie at the Bethesda location tomorrow night which one would you choose:

Lost In Translation
Big Fish
In America
21 Grams

Happily, the D.C. metro area now has movie theaters that cater to all cinematic tastes again. Yay!

Desson Thomson: Yes it's great news that the E STreet Cinema exists. It opens this Friday. Judging by what I hear of In America, you should consider that along with Lost in Translation as the 2 best bets. 12 grams is 3rd and Fish is definitely last.

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SW VA: Ebert wrote something explaining that visible boom mikes were the theater's fault, so it's true!;

Desson Thomson: Well, obviously if Ebert says it .....

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Arlington, Va.: Desson,

Talk to us about your thoughts on Monster!

Desson Thomson: For fear of industrial questions posed as general audience questions, let me see my review this Friday will tell all.

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Re: Nicole Kidman: You must tell after lobbing that teaser out about Nicole's silent treatment

Desson Thomson: A court order prevents me. And I'm worried about the children. Oh darn....

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Washington, D.C.: Re: Bill Murray /Lost In Translation -- I didn't think Murray's was a comedic performance; I thought it was a very dramatic one.

I just wanted to expand on the old chestnut about comedy v. drama ...

Desson Thomson: It was a dramatic one but it knowingly used Murray's reputation as a comedian of deadpan.

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Fairfax County Public Library: Hi Desson! Here in libraryland, we're psyched that so many novels are being turned into films -- that often drives viewers back to the books. Question: how does the fact that so many readers already know these stories impact the way filmmakers choose to translate them to film?

Desson Thomson: I think it makes them very nervous!

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Dumfries, Va.: Aaron Eckhart = Academy Award, don't you think?

Desson Thomson: I don't know. If I did, I'd be rich.

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SW VA: Yes, Cold Mountain was definitely just so-so. Nicole's too pretty and old to play that part and I never forgot who she was.

Desson Thomson: Right.

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Washington, D.C. -- Cold Mtn. speculation: I've heard that actors who have "chemistry" off-screen often lack chemistry on screen. Maybe that is what happened to Jude and Nicole.

I know this is the wrong chat but I couldn't resist.

Desson Thomson: Never resist, at least in these chats.

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Somewhere, USA: Tell us more about "Monster." I saw a documentary on this pathetic woman and while her crimes were horrific (her childhood was just as horrific), I couldn't help but feel deep pity for her. I also question whether she wasn't really acting in self-defense. Even a lesbian prostitute has the right to say NO.

Desson Thomson: The movie gets into all that and tries to show what circumstances brought her to this level. I'd like to see that doc sometime. What was it?

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Alexandria, Va.: That "Cooler" movie was a disaster ... Adam Baldwin looked like a spoof of himself on 'Saturday Night Live.' Every shot was poorly lit, the violence came out of nowhere. Just a mess. Your thoughts?

Desson Thomson: I liked Wm H. Macy.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hello Desson,

I saw LOTR this past weekend, and I agree with Bored from D.C.: The thing just lacked real tension and excitement. Only Sam and Gollum were really developed as characters, and sooo much of it was saccharine and predictable. Yes, the battles provided great spectacle -- maybe this is great moviemaking, but IMHO, it's far from a great movie.

Desson Thomson: Okay, thanks.

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Arlington, Va.: Finally saw "Bend it like Beckham." What a fabulous film! So upbeat and involving. I loved the way it made me feel. My question -- do you have recommendations for other "feel good" (without being smarmy or too cliche) films? (another sample point is "Italian for Beginners" -- loved that, too!)

Desson Thomson: Maybe others can suggest a few in the few minutes we have left. Go!

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Mystic River: Everyone keeps talking about Sean Penn's performance in Mystic River, but I thought Tim Robbins was just fantastic -- he really built a heartbreaking character. Any buzz about him getting a nomination?

Desson Thomson: I hope he gets a nom. He was the best thing in the movie.

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Arlington, Va.: Are you in the witness protection program or something? Didn't you used to be Desson Howe?

Desson Thomson: . Used to be. Changed my name to Thomson.

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McPherson Sq., Washington, D.C.: Happy New Year,
Saw House of Sand and Fog on New Years Day. After I saw it I realized this wasn't the right movie to start the New Year off on. Or to take a date to. Although it was very well acted, I am wondering why someone would think that a movie with such unremitting dispair was necessary. There are so many more other ways film could convey the experience that the movie attempted to show yet still transmit as sense of hope. There was no sense of hope at the end of this movie. I felt steamrolled. What is your sense of this?

Desson Thomson: I'm sorry you were ambushed. But didn't every single review warn you about this subject matter? It's a gloomy book. My feeling, which I went into last week was: what legislation was passed in congress that says every movie has to have a hopeful or smiley-face ending?

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"Feel Good"...: ...about Whale Rider.

Desson Thomson: Cool. Agreed.

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Gaithersburg, Md.: Hey Desson,
As always, a great chat. I have to chime in on Kill Bill, though. I haven't seen Irreversible, so have no opinion on comparing the two films, but it is the very process of turning violence into an "abstract aesthetic" that bothered me about Kill Bill. Why is this something to be applauded? I don't know, I realize I'm in the minority, and I'm not trying to preach, but I found the film profoundly depressing, and my fellow audience members' reactions profoundly disturbing.

Desson Thomson: He did it because b films of that specific genre did it. And he loved that genre. And he did it well. There should be room for everything.

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Herndon, Va.: Mr. T: You and Nicole are no longer speaking? The romance is over? Damn, and I had "Entertainment Tonight" on board for a 10-minute expose, with all those hidden camera shots of you two. Oh well, let me know when you hook up again with Ms. Theron.

Desson Thomson: My lawyer has told me to say nothing more.

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Silver Spring, Md.: The previous poster who mentioned Star Wars reminded me of something --- why have we heard nothing about the last sure-to-be-crappy episode of this pitiful series? Isn't it due out this summer? I haven't heard a peep about it. Did Lucas just realize he made two really big duds and simply decide not to hype the last chapter?

Desson Thomson: Maybe so. I can't imagine he can make something worse than the last one. Phew!

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Washington, D.C. -- Second Screening?: Desson -- How often do you watch movies twice prior to reviews?

Or do you watch a film twice just because you want to (and your review has already been submitted)?

What determines whether a movie deserves a second (or third?) screening?

Desson Thomson: I rarely see things twice. I saw Pearl because I caught it at a Toronto film fest ages ago and was exhausted at the time. I saw it again to give it a second chance, refresh my memory and give me something in recent memory to write about. Movies fade from your brain. They do from mine, anyway.

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Fortaleza, Brazil: Just saw the third installment in the Lord of the Rings triology, which recently opened down in these parts. I did not see the first two, but read the book when I was in college. Interesting film, and visually enjoyable for the most part, but my gosh was it long. I kept groaning when I thought the film was over and there was yet more. The use of computers to generate crowds and scenery, etc., seems to have made producers lazy. Everything, from the height of mountains to the size of armies, has to be super big. Movement of large crowds often looks just like flowing paint. This film did assume a fair amount of pre-knowledge about the story. All in all, enjoyable to a point, but nothing great. And at least a half hour too long.

Desson Thomson: Agreed. It could have used a scissors.

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Arlington, Va.: Since there's not much going on with movies right now, and I'm trying to educate myself about soccer, would you mind telling me the difference between the League Cup and the F.A. Cup?

Desson Thomson: The F.A. Cup is the country's (Britain's and I think the world's) oldest soccer cup competition. It's like the Open Cup here. The League Cup, often called the Worthless Cup (it was the Worthington Cup too) is a similar competition, but not as important.

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Alexandria, Va.: After reading about the AFI Silver theater in these chats and elsewhere for months, I finally made it there this weekend to see "From Here to Eternity" on the big screen. What a treat! The theater is wonderful -- definitely worth the Beltway drive. I plan to go back this week/weekend (yes all the way from Alexandria) to see all or part of the Blue, White, Red trilogy. Do you have any thoughts on those movies? Thanks for the chats.

Desson Thomson: Yes it's a fabulous theater. More people should try it out!

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Arlington, Va.: Please give us your take on "Monster," particularly Theron's performance. The reviews are saying it is one of the best performances in years. Is that true?

Thanks!

Desson Thomson: Those reviews are on to the right thing.

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Mt. Rainier, Md.: Desson, the WP has a great database for newly released videos that used to be pretty easy to find. I like to use it to find little gems that didn't get much time in the theaters. "Whale Rider" and "Nowhere in Africa" this time, both beautiful films. While I applaud WP for this lovely service, I wish they would put it back where it could be found without paging all over the place. I don't even remember how I found them this last time.

Desson Thomson: Wp are you listening?

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Desson Thomson: Hey folks. Sorry, I'm about 45 minutes over! Let's meet again in two weeks. Nice chatting with all of you. Have a great beginning of the year! See you all soon.

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washingtonpost.com: That database of movies mentioned by Mt. Rainer is currently being redone and will be relaunced soon. In the meantime, click on Arts and Living at the top of washingtonpost.com's homepage and then click on Movies. That will take you to that section (Arts & Living/Movies)

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