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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Desson Thomson: Good afternoon movie lurkers. Gorgeous day.

So just after the pundits have tried to make sense of the huge box office for The Passion of the Christ, the next week, movie goers are paying $30 mill to see Scooby Doo Part 2. Is this a great country or what? Is that a rhetorical question?

Let's talk about movies.

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New York, N.Y.: Hi Desson,
I really enjoy reading your reviews every week.

How did Ben Affleck's movie fare this weekend? Critical reviews aside, is this movie considered another flop for him? It didn't make it into the top 3.

Desson Thomson: I thank you for that! As for Ben A., well his movie made a paltry $8 mill and change. Poor Ben. A guy gets famous simply for being famous and then his sad slew of movies gets scrutinized like Calchas poking through the entrails of a sheep on the eve of the voyage to Troy. Ah fame. I guess you would call this a flop, I'd say.

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Arlington, Va.: I rented "Punch-Drunk Love" over the weekend. Wow, what an interesting movie! Even with all of their quirks, the characters felt grounded and real, and not just film-school creations. The plot was such that I never knew what was going to happen next.

Was this movie commercially successful? Will Adam Sandler ever try anything like this again?

Desson Thomson: The movie didn't do well. But I agree with your enthusiasm. It suddenly made Adam Sandler seem, uh, well, like an actor and everything. I was transformed in my opinion of him. I attribute that to Paul Thomas Anderson who made this very interesting film. I'm sure Sandler will find that critical praise attracts him almost as much as money for his normal projects, and he may try again to be in a grownup movie. 50 1st Dates looks almost like a step in that direction. Almost.

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Dupont Circle, D.C.: Just wanted to thank you for facilitating the Smithsonian film series that just ended on Saturday. I thoroughly enjoyed the films, particularly "Wilbur Wants to Die," and am now a great fan of your reviews.

Desson Thomson: Thanks, Dad. Just kidding. Seriously, thanks though. It was a fun series. I appreciate the kind words.

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Pittsburgh, Pa.: Hi Desson, I see only about 140 films a year (wish I could see more), but I doubt I'll see a worse film this year than "The Ladykillers." (OK, "Twisted" was pretty lousy, too.) What were the Coens thinking? They turned a brilliant and charming black comedy into a horribly humorless film. The Coens replaced the original's charm and superbly understated wit with unfunny profanity and bathroom humor. I'm not averse to either, but the remake just isn't funny. The Ealing classic worked so well because the marvelous Katie Johnson played this sweet, darling old lady and the crooks - talk about a terrific cast! - just didn't have it in them to kill her. In the remake, I thought Irma Hall's character was awful, destroyed the whole film. Marlon Wayans was downright annoying and Tom Hanks' performance, if we can call it that, was beyond awful - it surely should earn him a Razzie.

Desson Thomson: Pittsburgh: I'm unclear. Are you saying you had a few reservations about the movie? I bet that movie will have its defenders and otherwise. Considering I went in there assuming the holy church of Ealing would be desecrated, I must say, I thought it was quite amusing. Not the Coens' greatest, perhaps. But full of their wild-card things. Definitely hit and miss. I certainly didn't think of it as the razzie-worthy turkey you did. But hey, different reactions should be expected for a movie like this. Perhaps, because you're comparing this to the brilliant original, you had a idiosyncratic problem with it? As Prince would say: Nothing Compares 2 U. I guess I simply watched it as if it were its own creation, ignoring the (better) original.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Desson,
I was having a conversation this weekend with a friend about Lars von Trier. We both like his films and are looking forward to seeing Dogville. We were discussing the fact that his movies seem to polarize critics. Most critics either hate him or love him. Why do you think that is. Also, do you think he is misogamynistic in his treatment of his female characters? We discussed this theory also, and came to the conclusion that his movies are, at the most basic level, melodramas, and melodramas are always about women suffering in their struggle against a husband, lover, society, etc., von Trier just has her suffer more and die. What are your opinions on this?

Thanks

Desson Thomson: Hi WDC. I would say that LVT is certainly a filmmaker to both infuriate and invigorate viewers. I can feel angry and inspired in the same movie, watching his work. He is an original, even his enemies must agree. As for the depiction of women, yes, his women seem to be victims, messianic sufferers, or just darn shrill and miserable. I don't know what to make of that, positive or negative. I mean, I don't recall too many wonderfully heroic men traipsing around in his pictures either. He does come from a tradition where such questions as Have I created positive female archetypes in my work? aren't a primary consideration when creating. There's a freedom in that. We get him in all his glory and non-glory that way. We get unlaundered honesty.

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Arlington, Va.: I understand that the Australian film, "Ned Kelly" opened this weekend, but obviously not here in the D.C. area. Do you know when it will make it here and will it be a limited or general release? Thank you.

Desson Thomson: It was scheduled to play here in about 2 weeks. But I see that it has been suddenly put into March TBD limbo for now. Not sure at this moment when it'll open here. I remember the Ned Kelly that starred Mick Jagger a few years back. I liked it but I was young and Mick Jagger was in it.

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Washington, D.C. I am a federal rewire who loves D.C.'s cultural attractions but who can only rarely afford to spend $6.75 for a "bargain matinee" movie, as I did over the weekend.

Apparently lots of people can, but wouldn't it be a net gain for theaters if more people could afford to come? I haven't bought concessions for years (same comment) and now fear the live movie-going experience is going the way of the concessions.

I'm seriously thinking of moving back to my home town of St. Louis, which I left in 1958. Unlike D.C., it has a decent level of culture; and you can buy a nice brick house in a close-in suburb for $80,000.

Desson Thomson: Dear Maybe St. Louis Soon: Sorry to hear about the budgetary bottom line, and your opinion on DC's culture or lack. I guess there are many ways to see films on a first run basis, matinees for instance. Hope you find the right fit for you. That sounds like a good deal for a house, by the way! And consider the good films for free at the National Gallery of Art, every single weekend. They have a retrospective on Mexican cinema coming next month. And they always have good stuff. Also the Freer Gallery shows good films for nought.

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Arlington, Va.: Does Mel plan a rash of new advertising during Holy Week! Good Friday live in your local theatre. Be there!

I doubt if bad taste will stop a good PR type.

Desson Thomson: The public should take as much credit as The Music Man.

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Alexandria, Va.: Last chat, someone posted a comment that for the upcoming DVD release of the first 3 Star Wars films, George Lucas had changed the title of the first film to Star Wars Episode 4 - A New Hope. FYI - the film was always subtitled Episode 4 - A New Hope. When the infamous scrawl begins moving up the screen against the star background, the first thing you read is "Episode 4 - A New Hope". I wondered about that when I first saw the movie (I was 14 at the time) until I found out George Lucas had planned 9 movies total.
I'm sad the last 3 won't be made (I'm such a Star Wars geek!!!).

Desson Thomson: Thanks for passing that along, Alexandria.

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Washington, D.C.: While a soundtrack/musical score can sometimes really make the difference in the positive sense for a film, do you have an example of where a bad score really turned you off to a particular film?

Desson Thomson: Yes. I was watching and feeling disappointed in Jersey Boy as it is, the music (and the selection of songs, incl. Stevie Nicks for a Sad Moment) made it worse. I recently just loved the songs on the Irish film Intermission. I am now looking for good recommendations for the best CDs of the songwriter Ron Sexsmith, 2 of whose terrific tunes are in that film. Anyone?

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Coral Gables, Fla.: Just to let you know, considering the cost of the film, Kevin Smith's track record, the "Gigli" thing, etc, the $8.3 million that Jersey Girl made was actually above studio estimates and expectations.

Desson Thomson: Okay. We can rejoice in that triumph then.

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Las Vegas, Nev.: Desson,

I really liked "Spotless Mind". What are your thoughts?

Desson Thomson: I liked it greatly. As I say all the time, screenwriter Charles Kaufman's films are always a treat. His worst are other people's best.

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Falls Church, Va.: Since Secret Window has already been out for several weeks, I will go ahead and ask this, don't you think that the split personality or multiple personality disorder (if it really does exist all that much) is being overused as a plot device in movies these days? Thank you.

Desson Thomson: Let me bounce that off myself and one of us will get back to you. (Yes, I agree with you.)







(me too.)

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Chincoteague Island, Va.: Why won't people give Jim Carey a break when it comes to acting? Similar to Tom Hanks and Robin Williams, both of whom originally were comedians to start their acting career, Jim has tried to make the transition but it seems like critics and many fans don't want to let him. His latest movie is by far his best with acting. I saw "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" last Tuesday and was blown away at how well he did the role. I wouldn't be surprised if this movie doesn't make much money and if Jim is passed over again for nominations for Oscars. Like Bill Murray, it seems people want to think of Ace Ventura for Jim, and Groundhog Day for Bill more than they want to think of "The Majestic" and this movie for Jim and "Rushmore" and "Lost in Translation" for Bill. I wish people would look beyond the deadpan comedy these two have done and give them the credit they are due. I'm sure you would agree with me Desson, at least on these latest movies by the two actors.

Desson Thomson: Hey Chicoteague Isle, I agree. Jim Carry is a good actor. And so are the others you mention. Most people from Aristotle on down, consider comedic characters a sort of lower life form, and the performers who play them. I sometimes wonder if comedy should have its own awards in the Oscars, but that might further ghettoize the genre. I agree with your movie choices as good ones, except Majestic. But your point is his performance, and even though the movie was not great, his acting was good.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello. Last week I saw the surprisingly romantic and smart Jim Carrey film, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." What did you think of it, and do you think Jim Carrey was a good choice for that role? Thanks.

Desson Thomson: I guess the previous responses will indicate my feelings. Good movie. Good performance by him. See the movie everyone.

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Washington, D.C.: It's interesting Desson that you watched "The Ladykillers" as if it were its own film, ignoring the (better) original, and yet were not able to do so for Hidalgo, which didn't claim to be a remake of anything. I'm referring of course to my post the last time we all met to talk about how if Hidalgo was going to rip off "Laurence of Arabia" and other films then you were certainly going to compare them.

Desson Thomson: No, I'll never cry Uncle for you.

Hidalgo simply was no good. ( I believe your point was that I compared it with Lawrence unfairly.) I used the fact that it copied other films (badly and unimaginatively) as part of the many reasons it was no good. It could have been a shameless copycat and really good on its own terms as well but it wasn't.

Ladykillers was meant to be a remake (as opposed to a cheap pilfering in the case of Hidalgo. that no one was supposed to notice) but it was interesting for how it DIFFERED in places and went its own course. I liked its differences and many of its interesting departures and/or similarities. I don't see this reaction as having anything to do with my reaction to Hidalgo.

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Anonymous: I know this isn't a new movie anymore, but I just rented Lost in Translation last night and I don't understand what all the fuss is about. Its not a bad movie, but it was boring! I liked the characters, liked the scenery, but there was not much to keep my attention. Did you like it?

Desson Thomson: Yes I did. Inevitably there is always a backlash when a movie that charms a lot of people is suddenly that film that everyone should see. Suddenly it had better be the second coming or else. I'm not sure how many likable films like that could handle the pressure. I liked it for its effortless charms, and the fact that it wasn't "about anything."

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Washigton, D.C.: Any news on the Da Vinci Code movie? I know Ron Howard will be directing it.

Desson Thomson: I do know this. If you look at the famous picture of the Last Supper, Ron Howard is the 3rd disciple on the right.

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Cleveland, Ohio: I finally caught up with "The Fog of War" this weekend and found it fascinating. What was Mr. McNamara's motivation for participating, and do you know if he had any input in the editing of the film?

Desson Thomson: Glad you found that film and enjoyed it. His motivation has been the subject of endless discussion. I suggest you "google" his name and this movie and Errol Morris you will see many kinds of fascinating reviews, articles and discussions on it. Sidney Schanberg had a fascinating reaction about McNamara's motives. Most people seem to want McNamara to "apologize." Which he doesn't do in the film or in real life. Anyway, it's a fascinating film to talk about.

He definitely did not edit it. He has criticized the film in fact for Morris editing out much of the material from his interviews with McNamara, including his many years with the World Bank.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi Desson,

I wrote a few months back complaining about my Lawrence-obsessed husband, and our frequent arguments over what I saw a an overrated, overacted melodrama for men. I promised him that I would write you back and say that, on watching the film one more time (for his birthday), I now find my opinion substantially altered. While I can't say that this movie has become one of my, say, top ten, I did really enjoy it. I guess this time I chose to see O'Toole's over-the-top characterization as a conscious choice on his part, rather than a ghastly mistake. The movie just seemed more fun and winking, rather than preachy. Am I starting to "get it," or have I just been successfully brainwashed?

Desson Thomson: Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Really. I hope you're not being brainwashed (!) and that you are liking it on your own terms. I'd like to hear you, one day, appreciate the movie for more than its winkiness. That is there, particularly in O'Toole's performance. But there's so much more than that.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi Mr. Thompson,

OK, so Bambi, Dumbo, Cinderella, those were all long ago, so maybe the creators then had mother issues. But still? I just saw Finding Nemo and, once again, the mother dies. Why is it that 90% of Disney movies involve the death or flat-out absents of a mother? There are also few major female characters that are not rescued or some other stereotype (or the evil one) in many. I am not a soap boxer, but this just really struck me as approaching misogyny. Can we not have children see positive, loving mother roles for once?

Desson Thomson: Hi Alexandria, thanks for your question. Yes, there is seemingly a requisite that there be a mother death in Disney films. But this has to do with the traditions of myth and fairy tale as much as Disney. A special person is among deprived early of a parental figure. And luckily, fairy tales of the past didn't have politically correct rules. I'm not sure it's so "positive" to see nothing but positive mothers or fathers in books and movies. It's good to have an interesting tragedy like that so young minds can come to grips with the tragedy in the world, and in fact, appreciate their own happy lives or, in many cases, know they are not alone in being alone. I think.

(This is nothing to do with your question but p.s. there's no p in Thomson, as I will be telling people for the rest of my life. My question is, why IS there a P in Thomson in the first place?)

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Morristown, N.J.: As a huge fan of the Coen Brothers, I just don't understand why there seems almost this sort of glee to bash their films. Sure, some of their films are better than others, but I'd rather watch a bad Coen film than half the garbage out there any day. As for "The Ladykillers", I thought it was fantastic -- and I'm happy to report that the almost sold-out crowd seemed to feel the same way.

Desson Thomson: Thanks for passing that along, Morristown.

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Washington, D.C.: Dear Mr. Desson "Movie Guru" Thomson,
My friends and I are gearing up for a 'movie weekend extravaganza in a few weeks. I wanted to know what you would consider your top 10 favorites over the years (rentals being key). Genre, language, year, etc. doesn't matter - we all like various types of movies. Thank you.

Desson Thomson: I like comedy and classics for my own renting pleasure. Thus, my idea of a good time is to watch Monty Python films or Peter Sellers or the Marx Brothers or the Naked Gun series or Airplane. Or Billy Wilder movies.

I also like to see classics such as the films of Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and Andrei Tarkovsky. or Hollywood classics like Singin in the Rain.

I'd suggest you go for comedy hits. Or romance hits. (When Harry Met Sally, Annie Hall, Broadcast News)

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Silver Spring, Md.: What is the buzz on Hellboy? Del Toro's direction of the project has raised my expectations, I hope not falsely.

Desson Thomson: I haven't heard real buzz, except that there's huge interest in this project. And Del Toro is a great director. We'll see!

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Mt. Pleasant, D.C.: Is there any hope that "Hellboy" will be any good? I've always liked Ron Perlman and generally wish his career well, especially after seeing "City of Lost Children". "Lovecraftian" is an adjective I've seen thrown about in regards to "Hellboy" - are there any good movies that are directly inspired by HP Lovecraft's books?

Desson Thomson: I'm sure Lovecraft fans could answer the last question better than me. But I have great hopes for Hellboy! And I like Ron Perlman too.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Love your reviews! How did you get started as a film critic? Do you see the films you review on tape, or in a theater?

Desson Thomson: Thanks for that SS. It's a long story. But I started reviewing in 1987 with a review of Ken Russell's Gothic, as I recall. I watch as many films as possible in a theater.

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Takoma, D.C.: Hey I saw Dawn of the Dead and I thought the opening scene of chaos was spectacular in its realty. The car crashes alone made the movie to me. Phifer, and Vin Rahmes were good. If you haven't seen it, see it, and stay for the credits if you want to know how it really ends. What did you think Desson?

Desson Thomson: Hi Takoma. Yes I saw and reviewed it when it opened a couple of weeks ago. It was fun. And yes that opening was a very effective one. And I did stay for the finale after the credits.

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Desson Thomson: Thanks folks. It was fun. That concludes our session for this time. See you all again in 2 weeks.....

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