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January 1, 2007
Detox anyone?...
I’m eating lettuce all week, I’ve had it with the holiday sweets, treats, and fat laden eats. So, what to do with some downtime before the workdays ramp up again at full throttle? Other than working out feverishly, how about checking out a movie, and do I have an amazing one for you. The Painted Veil, featuring Edward Norton and Naomi Watts, is one of those stunning movies that I long for yet rarely see in the theaters. Two words—Oscar worthy. This movie has been a dream of Norton’s for seven years and I can see why—the combination of romance, incredible scenery, exotic locations, and a riveting plot is intoxicating. The film is based on the haunting novel by Somerset Maugham, however, Norton changed some of the book’s interpretation. In the film, the government turmoil, culture clashes, and even the music all play a larger part—almost becoming central characters on their own.
Walter (Edward Norton), a middle-class doctor, and Kitty (Naomi Watts), an upper-class woman, get married for the wrong reasons and relocate to Shanghai, where Kitty falls in love with someone else. When Walter uncovers her infidelity, he takes revenge by accepting a job in a remote village in China that has been ravaged by a deadly epidemic, bringing Kitty with him. While I was never really a fan of Naomi Watts, I do see why Norton wanted her for this part—she has an aloof and aristocratic air about her that suits the role of the spoiled Kitty. You really do feel the sparks between her and Liev Shreiber (who plays her lover) in this film, as evidenced by their real relationship off-screen.
With Norton—never mind that he's intelligent (not only did he study Chinese history at Yale but speaks fluent Japanese) but he is a damn good actor. He slips into the role of a 1920’s doctor with elegance and ease, and you want to root for him the entire film, even though his ideas may be lofty (hello, plant yourself in the middle of a cholera epidemic?) In real life Norton was an absolute doll—very gracious yet soft spoken. He was wearing a blazer and jeans, tall, thin, and unassuming with a shy smile. You can see my interview with him here. Honestly I can’t rave enough about this film—but I am a sucker for films shot in exotic locations. Most of the film was shot in remote villages of China, where American and Chinese crews managed to work together despite cultural barriers and language differences. I wish our governments could get along like this! This film will be released in major theaters in the U.S. and Canada on December 29th. Happy New Year everyone—hope 2007 brings peace, health, and happiness to all of you!
Surviving on bug soup…eeeeeeew.
As for recent highlights from View from the Bay, here’s one that might make your skin crawl. Blech. If any of you are contemplating a camping or road trip and want to be on the safe side, I hooked up with survival expert Greg Davenport for some tips. This guy has been through it all and fears nothing, so if you’re queasy about bugs do not click here. I wish I was as brave as he was, fortunately I live an area where I can eat real food instead! Knowing myself I’d still manage to find a chocolate stash out in the wilderness before resorting to this. Now as for Video I, thirteen never before seen episodes will start airing this coming Monday, January 22nd on KTEH (PBS). This show will feature highlights of the Cinequest Film Festival including my interview with actor Edward James Olmos.
Watch the Golden Globes anyone? 01/18/07
One memorable moment was when Meryl Streep, upon receiving her award, talked about how important it is to for smaller films to get more distribution so more people could see them. Now I still believe that the “Painted Veil” should have won far more awards (it won for best score) and “Catch a Fire” should have received plenty of recognition as well. However these smaller studio films need to get into more theaters to get watched in the first place. So as Streep said, unless we ask theaters to do this, the larger budget films will continue to get more awards, regardless of whether they are better or not. The highlights for me were watching Jennifer Hudson and America Ferrera get their awards. Here is Simon eating his piece of humble pie, and America has proven that real women do have curves and a lot more goin on too.
What wonderful role models they are to young women—who hopefully realize that they don’t have to fit the Barbie doll mold to succeed.
You can read more about my stance on Hollywood body image in this previous journal.
Happy New Year...
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