The Unusual Suspects
With Rita Kempley
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, March 28, 2003; 2 p.m. ET It's Friday afternoon and you can almost taste the popcorn. Whether you're planning to hit the theater or your local video store, Rita's here to help you wade through the sea of choices. It's also your chance to be a movie critic. Share your picks and pans, and tell us how things would be different if you ran Hollywood. Who would you cast in your movies and why? 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.
Herndon, Va.: BELOVED QUEEN: What did you think of the Oscars? Steve Martin was great, and only one person, Mr. Moore, made a total ass of himself -- below the usual average for this night. I was surprised by Polanski winning as best director -- but the voters didn't let past crimes sway them. After all, it wasn't something truly horrible, say supporting Bush and the war. Rita Kempley: Hi Steve:
I'm glad you asked that question about Polankski's Oscar. Did he deserve it from a professional standpoint? I think it should have gone to the director of Chicago or to the second part of the Tolkein trilogy.
Does the art stand on its own? If we reward the work, do we reward the man? The same dilemma applies when dealing with Pete Rose or Mike Tyson?
Arlington, Va.: How did you feel about "The Quiet American?" Did you rave or were you quiet about it? Rita Kempley: Good Afternoon, Arls:
I thought "Quiet American" was a wonderful movie and timely. I'm a fan of Brendan Frasier and liked the character he created even though it differed from the books. And Michael Caine gave such a thoughtful, compelling perfomance.
Sir Synergy: It was wonderful to see Spirited Away take the Animation Oscar. Considering Disney barely released the film, failed to run any TV spots, and refused to campaign on its behalf, the Oscar is sweet vindication. While it's nice to see Disney give the movie a proper WIDE release with support, wouldn't it have made more sense to do this earlier? Or were they afraid that this quality film would derail Lilo and Stich at Oscar time? It makes no sense to shell out money for a film and then bury it. Just ask Michael Caine ... Rita Kempley: My dear Sir,
I bet you are on to something. The studio probably didn't want to compete with itself, but beyond that, Spirited Away wasn't really home made.
Outraged: Rita, I'm still fuming that a convicted rapist who fled the country to avoid going to jail would be honored with an Oscar and vigorously applauded by those in the audience. I don't care how good his film might be, there are some things you just don't overlook. Rita Kempley: Dear Outraged:
I imagine many people agree with you. Obviously the Academy members were making some kind of political statement about the issue. They were more irked about giving a special award to Elia Zazan, but he ratted out the industry.
Bend It Like Bechham: I'm a big soccer fan so I'm psyched to see "Bend It Like Beckham," but my 13-year-old daughter has no interest in the sport. Would she enjoy the movie anyway? Rita Kempley: Oh, she would love the movie. Sure the girls play soccer -- some inspiring footage of their strength and athelticism -- but they are still teenage girls in a tug of war with their parents and then there's the team's yummy coach. It's truly a joy.
Quiet American: Talk about a movie that was robbed of consideration for Best Picture, Director, Script, Cinematography, and Supporting Actor. All because Harvey Weinstein didn't want the film stealing awards from Chicago and Marty Scorcese. Personally, something needs to be done about the campaigning. Too much unchecked stuff going on ... Rita Kempley: They have paid some lip service to the problem, but I don't see anybody really trying to put a stop to the campagning.
When it comes to movies getting robbed, how about "Rocky" winning over "Raging Bull"?
Elia Kazan: Well, in Hollywood, ratting to McCarthy is much worse than rape. These people think that they are political philosophers after all. I agree with your colleague Tom Shales in that the hubris displayed at the Oscars is breathtaking. Rita Kempley: Yes, that's exactly what I meant. At the same time, I still have more of a problem with folks who pay to see Mike Tyson fight.
Call me perplexed in D.C.: I understand that R. Polankski had a horrible childhood, suffered a great loss with the murder of his wife, and is arguably a gifted director. But the standing ovation (by many in the audience) at the Oscars? The willingness of Hollywood folks to turn a blind eye to such egregious personal conduct (boozing up and raping a 13-year-old, then skipping the country) left me speechless. And I wish the media would stop referring to him as "living in exile." He is nothing more than a common criminal, a fugitive from justice. Rita Kempley: Or maybe a coward. I wonder if he ever bothered to apologize to the woman.
Laurie: Welcome Back ... Have we been able to locate dear E-Guy? The buzz for Bend it Like Beckham has been pretty strong for say, six months. So how come it is only opening in one theater this weekend? I was hoping to take my little soccer girl this weekend, but I am not driving into G'town ... Rita Kempley: Hi Laurie:
Sorry we haven't been able to find E-Guy. I asked Lloyd Grove -- who once met him -- if he knew anything. He didn't.
The distributors are probably trying to build up word of mouth and then open wider. I think they should have opened it wider.
Washington, D.C.: Why the condemnation for Michael Moore? He was just expressing his opinion. I don't buy the "not the appropriate place" argument -- he was at the Oscars, not a funeral. What's the point of fame if you can't use your moments in the spotlight to get a message across? Would someone just as loud, just as boisterous, just as crass, speaking pro-war, be condemnded? Methinks not. Rita Kempley: Methinks you are right about that. Thank heavens someone did something to liven up the proceedings. I don't know how the other filmmakers he brought on stage felt about sharing his opinion.
Re: Elia Kazan: As someone not familiar in detail with Elia Kazan's activities during the McCarthy era, was he (1) "ratting" on 'actual' communists (seemingly a good thing at the height of the cold war), or (2) making false accusations against innocents? Rita Kempley: He cooperated with the House Un-American Affairs Committe and blew the whistle on many screenwriters (some were Communists, but none advocated the overthrow of the USA as far as I know.) So those folks were blackballed and unable to work.
Solutions to Oscar Campaign Abuses: 1. The shorter voting cycle will help. 2. Revoke voting rights of any Academy member revealing their votes in any forum at all. 3. Thoroughly investigate whispering campaigns, fraudulent testimonial ads. Put offending studios on notice that their films will be disqualified entirely if abuses are detected. 4. Outside organizations run official screenings. No more Miramax private parties/campaign rallies. No more screeners and goodies sent out. 5. Add a slot in each category for NO AWARD. Abstaining from voting isn't sending a message, the NO AWARD option would be a legitimate form of protest against the excess of Oscar season. Polanski won more as a protest against Miramax and the tasteless Scorsese/Marshall campaigning than anything. The spectre of losing to NO AWARD on Oscar night could help rein in the studio's worst impulses. The Oscars are increasingly irrelevant. They are orchestrated more than earned, except in a few rare cases. Rita Kempley: It won't be easy to enforce these no-nos.
Polanski: Obviously, the lesson is that Famous People should be forgiven, celebrated, and rewarded. If Pete Rose had been a career .200 hitter and a failed manager, not one single person would be calling for his reinstatement. If Roman Polanski had directed Kangaroo Jack, no one would be writing articles trying to rationalize drugging and raping a 13-year- old ... not to mention bestowing an Oscar. The thing that was comical about the Moore/Polanski reactions was that the crowd at the Oscars booed or stayed silent when Moore expressed an opinion they agreed with. That way, you're not on camera where the slackjawed movie fan might see you. Yet, they stand up and hoot and holler for a convicted child molester. Rita Kempley: It's amazing how quickly a standing O turned into a chorus of boos. Maybe the Academy members believe in taking Charles Heston's gun away (he does live in Bev Hills and might just wander off and shut a neighbor. But the war is so far away ...
ArtMovieLover, Va.: Well, I, for one, want to stick up for the Oscars this year. "Spirited Away," Adrien Brody, Roman Polanski -- all arguably deserved their awards more than the "favorites" in each race, and the boldness of the choices indicates that the younger Academy members are finally starting to exert some influence, numerically, over their older counterparts. The Oscars needed a shot in the arm, and this year may have been an indication of good things to come. Rita Kempley: Thank you for playing the devil's advocate, ArtMovieLover. I am guessing that you believe the work stands on its own.
Your Heston & Guns Comment: Rita, you and Lisa deMoraes are the wittiest and funniest columnists/chat hosts at the Post. That one made me laugh out loud. Rita Kempley: Thanks so much. I'll share your kind words with Lisa.
Indianapolis, Ind.: Umm . . . I thought the Pianist was riveting and very well-done . . . but Pete Rose bet on baseball. Roman Polanski drugged and raped a 13-year-old girl. Are those REALLY subject to a fair comparison? Rita Kempley: Maybe not. But I was just offering a couple of example. Surely Mike Tyson's rape conviction is comparable.
A favor, please.: My Queen, would you please banish the word "doughy" from your review vocabulary? It's really rather unpleasant, and the fact that you so clearly think any woman over a size 6 is unattractive distracts me from the substance of your otherwise excellent reviews. Thanks. Rita Kempley: Doughy? Did I use that word today? I don't remember what I might have been refering to. I don't think I saw any movies involving the doughy.
Re: Michael Moore: I don't know, I would have been pretty irritated with anyone who spoke strongly in favor of or in opposition to the war. The 2-finger peace symbol is fine with me, as are the American flag lapel pins and peace lapel pins. I think that's enough. If they want to use their fame to advance their cause, I hope they can do it another time. On Oscar night, I just want to see an awards show. Rita Kempley: Remember the era of the ribbon? Everybody had to be in favor of curing the hot, new disease.
Burke, Va.: I had seen Bend it like Beckham a while back. I must say it was one of the funniest and real movies I've seen in a while! It has done great in box offices all over the world, and of course, especially in England, where it originated! How'd you think it will do here? Rita Kempley: Bend It reminds me a lot of Billy Elliot. As I recall, it ran for a very long time. It also has some similarities to "My, Big Fat," though I do like the soccer film better. It is a pleasure.
Oscar abuses: I'm amazed that the studios put so much stock in these awards. Many people I know equate the Oscars with movie critics, whom they dismiss as snooty elitists out of touch with popular taste. In fact, some deliberately avoid Oscar-winning films, because they assume these films are boring or incomprehensible to the average person. Yes, there's a reverse elitism at work here, and yes, these people know little about film history. But those attitudes do affect ticket sales. Rita Kempley: I don't think all movie critics are snoots and out of touch with popular culture. It depends on the outlet -- I think I am more of a snot than a snoot. But back to the point. I think Oscars have an effect on box office. Whether it's major. I don't know. I do think that the Oscar has lost its lustre just as the industry has. It's hard to admire folks who feed us slop all year round, then dish out a decent dish or two at Christmas time.
Carl Tilders: Dear Missus Rita, when me and Nani went on our picknick, she tole me about that feller with the eraser on his head. Mmm hmm. She said he's gone off somewheres and ain't nobody heered from him since. Nani showed me that book he give her, that Midnight Movies book with them scary pitchers (Nani calls it camp art, I call it scary pitchers). When I seen the inscription he wrote, I got me a feelin that he ain't coming back no more. I reckon he was a-sayin goodbye. Mmm hmm. Awright then. Thank yew fer lettin me be on yore chitchat show. Rita Kempley: Dear Carl:
I reckon your rite about whut happen to that Eraserhead feller. May be, sumbody done rubbed him on out.
Doughy redux: Not today, but I've counted four reviews so far in which you've used it. It's just not a word that should get so much play. How about full-figured, substantial, well-rounded, voluptuous, curvy, robust, or even just plain plump? Rita Kempley: Hmm. Well maybe I meant doughy. I have used plus-sized, pleasingly plump, etc. I once used voluptuous (and my curvy editor) insisted that I was insulting the party involved. How about deluxe. Super-size me.
E-Guy/Carl/Etc.: On behalf of I'm sure more people than myself, I'd just like to say, "Huh?" Rita Kempley: Carl: I don't know this Carl you speak of. E-Guy joined every chat for about three years and then dropped off the map. He's a friend to all the regular suspects. Hope that makes sense.
Boston, Mass.: Dear Rita, I saw Richard Roeper with Roger Ebert on Jay Leno earlier this week and my God, he's so incredibly obnoxious! I've read in your previous chats some comments that Roeper was a complete nobody before Ebert picked him to replace Siskel on his show. Can you elighten me? Just for the record, I get all my movie advice from the dear critics at WP and measure all other movie critics against you three. Rita Kempley: Dear Boston:
Roeper wrote for the Chicago Sun's editorial page -- at least that's what I recall. When he was doing tryouts, it was so clear that our very own Ms. Jane Horwitz, a former TV critic as well as the Family Filmgoer, the best candidate. Anyhow he could have chosen someone with more impressive credentials in the field.
Of Snots & Snoots: What many film critics did to "Gods And Generals" was fairly typical. Much of harsh, politically-correct and politically motivated reviews were totally uncalled for. I saw this film recently, and it was undoubtedly the best historical film made in recent times. It was accurate, refreshing, and difficult for most critics to accept (despite the lengthy run time). Critics did a first class hatchet job on the movie, but it will surely become destined as one of the best Civil War films ever made. Rita Kempley: See there. Anybody can be a snot or a snoot. You go for it CivilWarGuy.
Call me voluptuous!: Your editor is off-base, curvy or not. Voluptuous gets my vote! As do you, plump or not.
Rita Kempley: Thank you. I always loved that word. I always think about MM and Rita Hayworth and Jane Russell.
Carl: Carl Tilders? Rita Kempley: You got me.
Rocky?: Rocky didn't win over Raging Bull; it was made several years earlier. I believe Raging Bull was beaten by Ordinary People. Rita Kempley: Thank you. It's just too good to be true.
Chevy Chase, Md.: Hi, Rita, I have a question re: The Hours. Has it been a commercial success? Even right after its nationwide opening, I don't believe I've seen it on the top 10 list (weekly totals) in terms of revenue. Thanks! Rita Kempley: Chevy Chase:
I don't think so, no. The good news: Kangaroo Jack made back its money and more.
Carl Tilders: Swing Blade. He was doing Billy Bob Thornton's character.
Rita Kempley: But has he been on chat and I've missed it? I've interviewed Billy Bob, but I didn't think he cared that much. Didn't have to donate a cup of blood or anything.
Speaking of Pigs: Er, Mike Tyson, he's gonna be guest-hosting the Jimmy Kimmel show on ABC next week. What I wouldn't give to see that. (I know this isn't movie folly, but thought I'd pass it on just the same.) Rita Kempley: They don't show Kimmel here. Maybe they will make a special exemption.
D.C. of course: Hi Rita, First, I'd like to ask your opinion on Chicago vs. Moulin Rouge. I liked the former but thought that it was basically filming a theater performance. There was nothing there on film that you couldn't get at the show on stage. Whereas, with Moulin Rouge (that was barely acknowledged by the academy) you actually saw things (camera movements, montages, etc) that you couldn't ever duplicate on the stage -- so it was more of a risky yet authentically "movie" experience. What do you think? And second -- do you know when we might get to see "Winged Migration" on the big screen? Is it coming to D.C. at all? Thanks! Love your chat! Rita Kempley: I am probably one of the few critics, viewers who agrees with you. Moulin Rouge was so much more inventive. I don't think the success of the films will bring a deluge of musicals though. Although Guys and Dolls is in production. My favorite of the genre: South Park, Longer and Uncut.
Arlington, Va.: Why do critics even review movies such as "Kangaroo Jack" that are obviously made for fun and not art? Rita Kempley: Because our bosses make us.
Carl Tilders: ... is perchance the evil twin of Karl Childers, Billy Bob Thornton's character in Sling Blade. Ciao, Rita. Peoples' Republic says have a luvly weekend! Rita Kempley: Ah hah. Mystery solved. And I wish the Republic the same.
Broomes Island: RE: THE ACADEMY AWARDS. I watched it intently, but for some reason felt disconnected. It didn't help that Peter Jennings signed off with all those images of carnage and destruction, and ABC flipped right over to the (abbreviated) red carpet interviews. Anyway, every year, my wife and I play a game we call "Clunkers." A film is a "clunker" if it doesn't seem to be an Academy-award type of film, but wins anyway. We started doing that after the 1995 awards when the Keanu Reeve-Sandra Bullock masterpiece "Speed" won two Academy Awards (Best Sound and Best Sound Effects Editing). After that, we always referred to that movie as "The Academy Award-winning movie 'Speed'." (Last year it was "The Academy Award-winning movie 'Pearl Harbor'" -- also for Sound Editing). Alas, there were no clunkers this year. Have a nice weekend. Life has begun anew here on the island: Stoneys, the famous crab cake restaurant that put Broomes Island on the map, opened for another season last evening. It's comforting to know that we can count on a GREAT crab cake in these uncertain times. Rita Kempley: Dear Sweet Broomes,
I just found you at the bottom of the message cue. I missed you and a lot of others way down here. I'm so sorry not to get to so many of your comments today. A bad year for clunkers. Should we celebrate. Maybe we can do a special clunk chat.
Enjoy your crab cake.
Federalville, Va.: Re: Carl. Billy Bob Thornton in Swing Blade. The original Carl post about Ehead was written in the manner he spoke in the film. Rita Kempley: Oh. I thought we were talking about a Carl who had disappeared. Not good ol' Carl, a friend of missus Nani. Come to think of it, we haven't heard from Miss Edie or Mister Jim or Magnolia Guy either.
Mister Jimmy: Hi Rita. Were you as surprised as the rest of us that Roman Polanski won out over Rob Marshall and Martin Scorcese? Don't get me wrong, "The Pianist" was a remarkable movie, but I'm still in shock over this one. And I thought that Adrien Brody's attack on Halle Berry was totally tasteless. Rita Kempley: Speak of the devil:
I am so glad to hear from you. You are a man of taste and discernment. Don't be a stranger. My best to the egg lady.
rere: rere Rita Kempley: Well, I haven't a clue what that means. But this is the only blank message holder thingie. So I am using rere to sigh off. Goodbye all. Gosh, you all were so prolific. Thanks for all your questions, comments, corrections, compliments, rants, bitches.
See you in a couple of weeks.
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