At the Movies With Stephen Hunter

The Latest Cinema

Washington Post film critic and 2003 Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Hunter was online Friday, Oct. 19 at 1:30 p.m. ET to discuss the latest movie releases, from "Gone Baby Gone" to "The Assassination of Jesse James." Whether you're in search of a popcorn cruncher or a quality indie film, Hunter will provide guidance about what to see and what to skip.

A transcript follows.

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Fellow former Baltimorean: Stephen: I've been a big fan of yours going back to your days with the Sun (I loved your capsule reviews of old movies in the Sunday TV magazine way back when). I wondered if you find yourself developing "rooting interests" when it comes to actors or directors. This doesn't necessarily mean you become biased, you just gain enough respect for their past work that you find yourself offering more constructive criticism for lesser work instead of just slamming them. Thanks, as always, for your work.

Stephen Hunter: very good question and it's something I worry about. There's chemistry between critics and performers too and there are some folks I just don't like, for absurd and meaningless reasons like name or hair or walk. And there are others I do. (Just as there are people out there who just don't like ME, but of course they all have very good reasons). But the only thing I can do is try to force myself to view the issue with an open mind, and not to pre-determine the results by thinking, "Oh, Ben Affleck is in it, it must suck" or "Oh, Casey Affleck is in it, it must be good."

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Herndon, Va.: Mr. H: Could we take a moment to honor the great Deborah Kerr, who just passed? While she was probably best known for "From Here to Eternity," my favorites of her are both co-starring with Robert Mitchum -- "Heaven Knows, Mr Allyson" and "The Sundowners." I've read that she, Mitchum and John Houston ad-libbed a scene in "Heaven Knows" with Kerr (as the stranded nun) and Mitchum (the stranded Marine) falling for each other and having mad, passionate sex, just to terrify the "suits" at Columbia. A great story -- I hope it's true. She was fantastic.

Stephen Hunter: As soon as I finish up here, that is exactly what I will be doing for tomorrow's paper. She was terrific; what a lady!

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Ossining, N.Y.: Hollywood butchered the story for "Shooter." Any other of your Swagger novels coming to the big screen?

Stephen Hunter: Don't couple of things cooking --rather simmering pitifully on the back burner. Weinstein still owns HOT SPRINGS and I'm hoping it pops back to life. A certain producer is interested in 47th SAM and trying to figure out what to do with it in the wake of the less-than-knockout success of SHOOTER. And a certain star has always liked DIRTY WHITE BOYS and is rumored to be trying to get it to HBO. Other than that, I know nothing.

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Rockville, Md. : There were a lot of your critcs on Weingarten's discussion ths week. Personally, I think they are out of line. You ought to write what you please. What is your reaction?

Stephen Hunter: They of course are fee to vent against me, as is anyone out there tuned in now. For my part, as always, I wrote the best piece I could on that particular date, aware that some would hate and some would like, and out it went; the next day I wrote ANOTHER piece that I knew some would like and . . . you get the pic.

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Children in Movies: Mr. Hunter, maybe you can shed some light on something I've wondered about. Recently I saw a very disturbing film about two young men who were sexually abused as children. The movie featured flashback scenes that depicted the two as children being abused. Of course I understand that the child actors were not actually doing anything that was portrayed, but what do directors tell child actors when they are in a scene that depicts sexual or other adult activities? They must give them some sort of direction. And after the film is done, how do you tell the kid he can't see the film or invite his little friends over to watch?

Stephen Hunter: I can't help you with anything specific, but do know that in California the filming process is very carefully monitored so as to minimize stress, trauma, and so forth. It's a unanswerable question: how do you make movies about a dispicable human practice without infecting the people--kids particularly--by exposing them to it through the script. One can only hope the kids WANT to be there, and know that sometimes the work will by emotionally difficult.

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Dallas, Tex.: Come on, Stephen- when was the last time you cried at the movies?

Stephen Hunter: When I saw the opening weekend grosses to Shooter. No, no, I cry at the cornball '50s themes of bravery, courage and self-sacrice all the time. Jim Brown dropping the grenades of the German generals in DIRTY DOZEN: Waaaaah!

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New York, N.Y.: Stephen-

I was watching an old clip of a rather talented film critic on Charlie Rose and he mentioned that it's important that he write his reviews within a day or two of watching a movie. Do you adhere to a similar rule? How much time do you spend on each review? In a week like this where you have three reviews it must get a bit hectic.

Stephen Hunter: I SHOULD review the films soon after and when I don't it usually costs me a humiliating correction or two or seven. What, it was set on Mars, not in 14th Century Holland? Damn! In fact, they now give me an artificial set of deadlines so that I HAVE to turn the stuff in soon after seeing the movie. They're so damn smart is makes me sick! But sometimes it can't be helped, things go away, and you struggle. If you get me drunk, I'll tell you the story of the review I wrote of "Slingblade" for the Baltimore Sun that almost cost me a job on the Washington Post.

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Washington, D.C.: How could Ben Affleck go from the complete inability to identify a good script to being able to direct a good movie?

Stephen Hunter: You'd have to ask him. My guess is that when he reads scripts as an actor, he looks for "elements" that would make a hit. When he reads them as a director, he reads for story. Also, he understood that part of Boston, so he brought a life experience to it that he couldn't, to, say, "Daredevil," the blind superhero thing. Just guessing, however.

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Sarasota, Fla.: Stephen:

As a longtime Lehane fan this was the movie I most wanted to see and was most fraid to see. From your review it sounds like he got it right. (BTW, Lehane has said that he envisioned the young "Something Wild" Ray Liotta as Kenzie.) Question, though: Sure, you have to translate it to screen, but aren't reviewers missing the point that with such good source material, it's like that saying -- born on third base and thinks he hit a triple?

Stephen Hunter: It's REALLY hard to turn a good book into any movie, much less a good movie. You can't just "film the book," as so many people have suggested. And it doesn't happen in a laboratory or an office, but in the real world at the center of a complex industrial enterprise driven by millions of bucks and hundreds of egos. What I've seen enough times to remember, also, is the movie that's too wedded to the book and therefore stilted, almost "traced" if you will. "Sophie's Choice" comes to mind: loved the book, but the filmmakers loved it TOO much.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Was the poster asking about children in movies referring to "Mysterious Skin"? I remember reading that the director, Greg Araki, specifically shot the scenes with the children in a jumbled-up order to keep them from figuring out what was going on. And in most cases, it would be something like a close-up of the adult's face saying something, then a close-up of the child's reaction -- those scenes weren't even shot with both actors in the room at the same time.

Stephen Hunter: I'm posting this in case it was; I didn't see it. Thanks, Silver Spring.

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Washington, D.C.: You mean you're not drunk?

Stephen Hunter: Not YET. It's not even 2 and I never drink before 1.59 p.m.

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Tampa, Fla.: Mr. Hunter: you are THE best and only movie critic worth reading.

Is there room for movies (do they exist?) in which stories and characters unfold over time? All movies seem to follow a rigid devleopment diagram. Do you prefer linear or non-linear story lines?

Scott B.

Stephen Hunter: Thanks, but plenty would disagree with you.

I prefer linear, because I have a linear, concrete imagination, obsessed with motive, cause and effect, character defining action and such old school verities. BUT one has to make an effort to appreciate what the filmmaker was attempting and evaluate him on that, rather than holding him against some artificial template the you yourself made up in 1956.

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Washington, D.C. : Stephen, anxiously awaiting your thoughts on the upcoming movies to avoid!

Thanks, I in DC

Stephen Hunter: If i commit myself up front, i kind of use up some of the energy i'll need to write the piece. I saw a terrific movie last night and a not so terrific one this morning but if I name names, it won't be as much fun for me when I write. And, in case you haven't noticed, the whole point of the world and the universe and all the beings and creatures in it, is what's most fun for Steve Hunter. Just thought I'd clear that up.

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As a Woman: I would like to be properly upset and violated by your article "Farewell to Arms" for blatantly revealing the inner workings of the middle-aged male mind. How dare you mention the unmentionable!!! It is a far, far better thing to deny.

Instead, with an open mind, I read a charming, insightful article written by a man who understands his own tendencies, weaknesses and foibles. You sound like a self-aware intelligent man. That you (and other men) do not think like a woman should surprise only people cloistered in gender-theoried academia.

Keep the faith, Stephen.

Stephen Hunter: very kind words, displaying the fact that not all the women who comented on the piece hated it. But, er, many did.

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Bethesda, Md.: Dear Mr. Hunter: It's taken you years to agree to do these discussions! Good to see you here. I don't necessarily agree with many of your reviews, but I love your style -- funny and so unpretentious -- so I make a point of reading them. I'm glad to see that style go on in this chat.

Last year, my mother loved "Brokeback Mountain," so I e-mailed her the article you wrote about it. She said it was the best piece on movies she had ever read.

Best.

Stephen Hunter: Hmm, was I drunk when I wrote that or not? Can't remember. Thanks, just joking with you.

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Washington, D.C.:"Gne Baby Gone" -- cannot wait to see it! I read your review and praise for Ben and Casey. Anyone else stand out?

Stephen Hunter: Ed Harris is ALWAYS good. but the movie was uniformly well acted and I loved the Boston faces. So many movies are so full of bland, handsome, even-featured lower-tier pro Angelino actors and it gives the movies a kind of below-the-radar boredom the makers aren't even aware of. Afflect filled this one with people who looked like they'd spent the night sucking down Beantown Ale at Murphy's.

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1:59 PM...: So I'm still not quite sure what you meant by "limpid viscosity." Can you help?

It seemed that sweat dripping down would fit the "limpid" and the place in the column, but sweat isn't "viscous."

'Splain!!

Stephen Hunter: Hmmm. Must say, probably let the onamonpoeia get away from me on this one. I thought "limpid" meant smooth but it turns out it means clear. (Limpid water was my source). I meant those sectors of the rippling back that don't ripple, that are smooth and calm as tidal pools. "Tidal Pool"--when Harvard publishes the collected works, I'll make that change.

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Mysterious Skin: I'm the earlier poster who had the question about children in films. That is exactly the film I was thinking of. Thanks to the other poster. That information was exactly what I was looking for.

Stephen Hunter: Glad to have introduced you to each other. But remember, no kissing till the third date!

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Silver Spring, Md.: Stephen, sorry for going off-topic, but do you know if anything ever came of the attempts to have S&W or someone else take over the Winchester factory in New Haven?

Or is it "Gone Baby Gone?"

Stephen Hunter: I LOVE getting questions like this. It means I'm not just your pet movie boy! But no, I haven't heard that, and in fact what I HAVE heard about Smith would suggest that it's not really going to be taking ANYBODY over for some time. But, I repeat, that's only a rumor!

'

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Alexandria, Va. You look exactly like my dad. To the point where the little picture of you on the WP homepage is freaking me out!

He and I were on a cruise once, and he was reading a book you wrote while he sat by the pool. Your picture was on the back cover, and after he left the people near us asked me if he was reading a book HE had written.

Stephen Hunter: My dear, are you aware that in a recent piece I characterized myself as fat, bald, ugly and used up. I'm sure you're dad is in better shape than poor old Mr. Hunter.

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New York, N.Y.: Have you had a chance to get into "The Wire"? As a former Sun guy (and with the upcoming season focusing on the Sun) it seems you would have a vested interest in the show beyond the aesthetics for which all us plebes love it. Are you friendly with David Simon?

Stephen Hunter: I know David but not at all well. His success, of course, is spectacular. But see, he's a BALTIMORE guy, and I'm not. By that I mean not that I don't LOVE Baltimore (I do) but I have no particular need to express any wisdom about it or any knowledge. So I write books set in Japan or Hot Springs; I like inventing and trying to feel places. He needs a real place to get the juices going.

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Arlington, Va.: When you mentioned Ed Harris in "Gone Baby Gone," you reminded me of the movie "Jacknife," which I saw last weekend, starring Harris opposite Robert De Niro. Harris was just HEARTBREAKING in "Jacknife," and is such a fabulous actor.

Stephen Hunter: Agreed. More questions like this please, where I can simply pass a policy on!

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Rockville, Md. : Any thoughts on the revised "Blade Runner?"

Is Deckert a replicant or not? If so, how does it affect the scenes with Rachel?

Or is this just techno babble to you?

Stephen Hunter: Haven't seen it, and hope to and write about it. Yes, I know the issue of Deckard's replicantness or not has been around for years; I thought it had been solved the LAST time they re-released Bladeruner. So,no, it's not technobabble, although any movie of a technical nature made after Bladerunner would probably involve me in technobabble.

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New York, N.Y.: I concur with the previous chatter, your writing style really translates to these chats. You are so quick and seem so comfortable doing them, why don't you like it? Is it a logistical thing? Or are you just an old school newspaperman with no time for this new fangled Internet machine?

I personally don't think you owe the readers any more than your usually brilliant writing. It's just that you not liking these chats just sort of seems like Jordan not liking to dunk. You could have fooled me.

Stephen Hunter: It's mainly about energy. These things, like speeches, are draining. I uusually don't write afterwards so it'll be very interesting to see what I manage on the great Kerr. If it's stars out, "Famous mostly for her great book 'Please Don't Eat the Daisys' . . ." obviously it was not a good idea.

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Washington, D.C.: Stephen, I hope you aren't still wearing the sackcloth and ashes from your article. I am a young and reasonably attractive woman. If I didn't want anyone to notice this fact I would wear a burqa. I thought your article was not at all offensive and very, very funny. I don't mind a few glances.

As long as you don't stare too long, or get too close.

Stephen Hunter: Absolutely the most sensible thing anyone has said on the topic. Thanks so much, and it's about looking, not staring or lurking or stalking. A tenth of a second of information can supply my subconsioue with a year's worth of material; that's all I'm asking for!

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Silver Spring, Md.: This may be beyond your purview, but: Affleck's gotten good reviews but, let's face it, starring Casey Affleck, it's unlikely this movie will be a hit. Will he live to direct another "Major motion picture"?

Stephen Hunter: You're asking: will be get a chance to fail? My guess is, yes, probably. I do think it'll be a hit relative to its cost, though not in the showbiz more-than-$100 mil in three weeks sense!

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Tenleytown, Washington, D.C.: You unregenerate, degenerate, pusillanimous purveyor of porcine proportions so sadly smitten by salacious sightings of soft skin, keep up the good work.

Stephen Hunter: Funny.

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Anonymous: I've been thinking about the generational aspects of your article on the October being the cruelest month. I was born in 1963, and I am fascinated (and aroused) by outfits worn by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," or Deborah Kerr and Donna Reed wore in "From Here to Eternity". The fact that they were "nice girls" playing naughty ones only makes it more titilating. Even a modern actress like Reese Witherspoon in "Pleasantville" brings on the same feelings. Girls knew how to wear a bra back in the day!

Stephen Hunter: Why, it's like I have a twin!

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Bethesda, Md.: Did you like the movie "Elizabeth, the Golden Age" more than your colleague Desson Thomson? Confession: I usually agree more with his take on movies than I do with yours, but I had high hopes for this film, which he apparently considers among the worst ever made. I'm hoping that if I go in with zero expectations it might exceed them. But I don't like historical fiction that gets everything wrong, no matter how great (if inappropriate) the costumes. Did you see this movie and, if so, what was your take on it? Thanks very much.

Stephen Hunter: Sorry, didn't see it. So many movies, so much bourbon, so many guns, so little time!

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Arlington, Va.: RE: Protecting child actors -- Also, if directors are clever (and depending on the age of the child), they can sometimes shield a child actor from disturbing content of a film. For instance, Stanley Kubrick was very protective of Danny Lloyd, who played the young boy in "The Shining" -- he filmed all of the scenes in such a way that Danny never knew he was in a horror movie until after it was finished.

Stephen Hunter: Another good comment I merely pass along.

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Anonymous:"Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married" was the top movie this past week yet no one seems to be giving this man the credit he deserves for top flight films. If you have not seen it, please do, as with his other films and plays, which are all good. He just doesn't get the attention from critics that he deserves.

Stephen Hunter: You know, you're right, sadly. Can't deny it. So many performers (I include writers) who please LOTS of people can't get the time of day from critics. I honestly don't think it's going to change, but I do love the way the internet and the blog have democratized the process, so the mandarins aren't the only ones who get to talk.

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NW Washington, D.C.: There are two things that bug me about your essay on "female flesh."

The easy part is that your sense of grievance, of having been denied (when you were young) sights to which you were somehow entitled, is misplaced: you have no right, and never did, to ogle women.

What took me longer to figure out is this:

Your essay reminds me of Philip Larkin's famous poem ("Sexual intercourse began/in nineteen-sixty-three"), which expresses the same grievance -- younger men now get what I didn't when I was young.

When Larkin died, his fans' pleasure in his wonderful poems was temporarily sullied by finding out about the pediphilic pornography and the "Paki-bashing." As time passes, readers begin to forget about unpleasant aspects of a writer's personality (for example, Eliot's anti-semitism). The work lives on, the writer drops away.

But you're alive, writing now, and I'm reading you now. I'm a fan of your movie reviews and will keep reading them. But my reading of them is now going to be tainted by thoughts of your underlying pathetic Larkin-esque ickiness. So I wish you'd kept those thoughts to yourself.

Stephen Hunter: Maybe I should. But I believe in "whole picture criticism," meaning that I don't pretend to be someone I'm not. I'm a movie critic, after all, because I like to look at guns and beautiful women which remain a key part of the texture of most American movies. I think if I pretend to be something else--a mandirin, for example, loftily above human weakness and full of superior insight and knowledge--I'll go wrong and most people will figure out I'm faking it. You may hate my little quirks, fair enough, but I'm not faking them.

anyhow, thanks folks, and see you in three weeks. If you really miss me, you might pick up THE 47TH SAMURAI where all my pathologies are on spectacular full-frontal display!

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