Movie chat with Ty Burr - Oct. 13, 2006

Ty_Burr: Hello all -- Ty Burr here from the Globe. Happy Friday. I'll try to get to as many of your questions and comments as possible. Bring 'em on.
Ty_Burr: Bear with me -- some new software here...

Amanda: what do you think about the new Capote film "Infamous" versus its identical, oscar-winning predecessor, "Capote"?
Ty_Burr: Different but the same (how's that for an answer?)
Ty_Burr: Toby Jones is much more broad than PS Hoffman was but he's hugely enjoyable
Ty_Burr: There's more on Truman's social scene -- Sigourney Weaver as Babe Paley etc
Ty_Burr: and Daniel Craig is terrific as Perry Smith, the killer.
Ty_Burr: I don't blame you for waiting until the DVD comes out, but it's a very worthy movie nonetheless.

Port01: Ty not enough talk on the new James Bond. Will this bring the franchise back to the old school Connery style?
Ty_Burr: Speaking of Daniel Craig....
Ty_Burr: My hopes are high. Craig has that edge of cruelty that Connery had and it sounds like the producers are serious about bringing this creaky property into the 21st century.
Ty_Burr: If it clicks -- well, the franchise will have a whole new life. They'll probably start remaking the old ones for new audiences.

Jameson: Hey Ty, Jameson from work here. Just on lunch and decided to check out the chats in real time. Thanks for the Borat tickets, I really appreciate it. My mouth hurt from laughing so much.
Ty_Burr: Great movie, eh? I saw Borat earlier this week and had a similar response -- I think I actually hurt myself from laughing.
Ty_Burr: Astoundingly offensive on so many levels but so smart and so hilarious that you can't resist. After the "Ali G" movie I didn't think Sacha Baron Cohen had it in him.

d: Is "The Departed" as good as all the hype?
Ty_Burr: Yep. It is. It's not perfect -- it's not Goodfellas. But it's a great B movie with a fantastic script and excellet performances. I'll take that.

jp: how do you decide which movies you will review and which wesley morris will?
Ty_Burr: We mud wrestle.
Ty_Burr: Okay, no, that's not true... what happens is...
Ty_Burr: every three months or so, we sit down with a list of the upcoming movie season. He picks 10 he wants to do and I pick 10 I want to do...
Ty_Burr: Our editor figures out who gets what, then we go through the rest of the list pretty much eeny-meeny-miney-moing.
Ty_Burr: We try to spread the wealth (such as it is) so I don't get all the kiddie CGI movies or her doesn't get all the teen horrorshows. Or vice versa. It's not rocket science.

JasonHicks: I'm guessing there were no advance screenings of The Marine for critics. What ever happened to "good" action movies? We need a new hero.
Ty_Burr: Well, uh, there's a new Rocky movie coming out. And Sly is prepping another Rambo, god help us. But I agree, there needs to be some fresh blood. I think the Hong Kong genre has taken a lot of the wind out of Hollywood's action sails.
Ty_Burr: But there's good stuff out there under the radar. "Crank" was a lot of fun before it went kerplooey in the last half-hour. All you need is a star with *some* charisma, a writer who's willing to be smart (not necessarily intelligent), and a good editor.
Ty_Burr: It may even be that the quality of the director is secondary.

mibsphil: What movie reference books would you recommend as the best? There are different types for different reasons, I know. I have a complete collection of John Willis' Screen World, which I think is invaluable. But which other ones do you like?
Ty_Burr: Good question, phil. For simple reference, Maltin's guide is indispesible. Katz's "Film Encyclopedia" gives deeper bio information.
Ty_Burr: If you want reference with opinion, you have to get David Thomson's "New Biographical Dictionary of Film" -- lots of facts but great criticism.
Ty_Burr: Truth is, though, I use the Internet Movie Database for any quick info I need. www.imdb.com

yukonjack: The Rock is your new hero.... Jason Stratham also
Ty_Burr: . yukonjack: Ty... Was Jason Stratham under consideration for the new Bond?
Ty_Burr: You mean Jason Statham? No, I don't think so, though I'm sure they looked at everyone.
Ty_Burr: He's pretty amusing, though. With any luck they'll put him in an A-list project one of these days. The Rock's adorable but he doesn't have the meanness to be a great action star.
Ty_Burr: No edge to the guy, and I actually mean that as a compliment.

boss: who if any will be nominated for Oscar's from the "Departed"
Ty_Burr: Monahan's script, definitely -- it could even win. Wahlberg might get a supporting actor nod, possibly Jack N., though it's Jack being Jack. I think Damon and DiCaprio will cancel each other out in the lead category.
Ty_Burr: Thelma Schoonmaker's editing. The cinematography. Marty? I'd like to think so, but it's one bloody piece of work and not "redeeming" enough for Oscar awards. That ending pretty much kills the award chances for director and picture. But I'd love to be proved wrong.

mish: What's your review/opinion on the Grudge 2... thinking about seeing it tonight?
Ty_Burr: Wesley's already seen it, will write it up for tomorrow. I don't have an opinion, other than it's nice to see the original Japanese director handling these things. Anyone notice, by the way, that the poster for Grudge 2 and the Return are exactly the same? What's with the eyes?

mish: Goodfellas was such a better movie... seemed like a biograpghy of Whitey Bulger.. wasn't impressed with it
Ty_Burr: . boss: coming from South Boston I can tell that movie is without doubt based on the life of one Whitey Bulger
Ty_Burr: True, but it was jackified enough so that the connection seemed a moot point. To me, anyway. I was out of town during Whitey's time.

Jules: Any truth to the rumor that when the producers turned down Chris Nolan for Bond, he reworked his script into Batman Begins? Bruce/Bond, Morgan Freeman/Q, Bad guy, henchman, etc...?
Ty_Burr: That's a new one on me, Jules, and I can't find any info on it. Where'dja hear that?

Jules: So, Ty....any advance buzz on Fincher's Zodiac yet?
Ty_Burr: Nope, hasn't screened. It's been a while since David Fincher directed anything -- since "Panic Room"
Ty_Burr: It comes out in january, so we'll see. Fincher's also directing "The Curious case of Benjamin Button," with Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt -- based on a F. Scott Fitzgerald story! Due later in 2007.

Jules: Whereelse? The internet.
Ty_Burr: yeah, but do you remember where, Jules? I just googled it, came up with zip.

Charlie_2: Do you think M NIght will ever make another great movie?
Ty_Burr: Yes, once he climbs down from the mountaintop of his ego. Some people were born to be auteurs, some were just born to make gooid movies. he's one of the latter.

mduff: Hey Ty - do you think Mel will be redeemed? Hollywood loves a scandal and all...
Ty_Burr: Ha. I like how he said in his Diane Sawyer interview, "That's not who I am." OK, then who was it, Mel? And who are you?
Ty_Burr: He'll be redeemed -- in Hollywood's eyes, at least -- when he makes his next hit movie. "Apocalypto" won't be it, but it'll have a sizable curiosity factor that should get audiences to it. Too bad you can't get out the Mayan vote anymore.

Charlie_2: Unbreakable was very underrated i thought
Ty_Burr: YEs, I like it too, though without loving it. Great concept, a little too self-important in the playing. But he's a guy who bought his own press as soon as he could. I think Night needs some time in the wilderness; I predict an interesting second act.

Charlie_2: What's next for the Coen Bros?
Ty_Burr: Two films in production: "Hail Caesar" and "No Country for Old Men," the latter with a big, interesting cast and what sounds like another criminals double-crossing each other comedy plotline.

yukonjack: Ty.... odd questions but here goes.... Did Mel Gibson basically light a stick of dynamite to his career with his recent actions? Americans will forgive alot but those were some pretty horrible things he said.
Ty_Burr: It remains to be seen, Yukon. Mel's becoming our culture's version of the crazy guy who says horrible things but we seem to put up with him anyway. Sad thing is there are probably many people out there who agree with him. But I think his career and persona are seriously compromised for good. You don't say stuff like that and have it go away.
Ty_Burr: I don't think anyone will take him seriously as a mainstream action star anymore, for one thing. Not sure he even wants to be, tho.

Charlie_2: What movie has the most Oscar buzz for the next show
Ty_Burr: Right now? Hard to say. We're still waiting on some things. Helen Mirren will definitely get a nomination for "The Queen." So will Kate Winslet for "Little Children." Dreamgirls has a lot of love behind it but it's a pretty dated project.

Boston007: Ty, comic book to movies, will we see more or is it a passing fad?
Ty_Burr: We'll always see more, as directors try to revive franchises that are more than 15 years old. And there are still properties that haven't been made -- "Submariner"s still in development somewhere. Me, I'm waiting for the "Man-Thing" movie.

Dalton: Ty, Hi. How would you rate the movie "why we fight" ?
Ty_Burr: One of many excellent political documentaries of the last few years. It's great to see a movie that takes the long view and that seeks the roots of the current Iraq situation as far back as the post-WWII era. Lord knows we need the history lessons.
Ty_Burr: "The Ground Truth," by the way, is the best doc I've seen yet about Iraq vets -- essential viewing.

Jules: How have we gone this long without talking about the most well-received comedy in ages. Critics and comedy legends EVERYWHERE are calling "BORAT" groundbreaking, original and insanely funny. Thoughts?
Ty_Burr: Jules, where were you? I reffed it at the top of the hour. Thoughts? I'm pretty much in agreement, though you probably don't want to take your mom to this one. Unless she likes the sight of a grotesquely fat naked man crowding into an elevator with a group of real-life strangers.
Ty_Burr: What impresses me most about "Borat" is how smart it is while at the same time being transcendently stupid. It's like "Punk'd" made by satirists on the level of Twain.
Ty_Burr: They're screening the dickens out of it in the Boston area, trying to build word of mouth. Google around and you should be able to find one.

Jules: My bad, showed up 10 mins late! Moving on, is the intruiging "Stranger then Fiction" really the mess Wesley blogged it to be? And I am not asking as a Will Ferrell fan, the trailer looked inspired.
Ty_Burr: Wesley saw it in Toronto, I did not, though the overall buzz was pretty disappointed. The general sense is that it was a great Charlie Kaufman idea that could have used Charlie Kaufman. Though I do like the idea of Ferrell and Emma Thompson in the same movie. Kind of like kippers and ham.
Ty_Burr: But trailers are funny things. "Man of the Year" looks inspired too, but when you see it, you realize everything in the trailer is from the first 20 minutes, before the movie turns serious.
Ty_Burr: There's no compunction to tell the truth in movie trailers -- this is marketing, folks -- so it behooves you to sniff around a bit.
Ty_Burr: My question queue is empty. What. does everyone want to go outside and play? It's really nice out there. Jules: The Fountain?
Ty_Burr: Ah, yes, the Fountain...
Ty_Burr: That one I did see in Toronto. Darren Aronofsky's labor of love.
Ty_Burr: It's not "Pi" or "Requiem for a Dream," sad to say, but it is a brave, personal, very odd piece of work. He's shooting for "2001: A Space Odyssey" territory (and artistic impact) here, and while it doesn't entirely come off, it's an admirably crazy attempt.
Ty_Burr: basically Hugh jackman follows his lady love through three different eras: as a spanish conquistador, a 20th century medical researcher, and a future monk floating in a bubble in outer space. With a tree.
Ty_Burr: Worth seeing if you're a fan of the director, and I know some people at Toronto who loved it. I wish I'd been able to, truly. Jules: The Prestige?
Ty_Burr: Ha! "The Illusionist" as a really hard Sudoku.
Ty_Burr: Seriously. Imagine Christopher Nolan taking his love of complex plotting from "Memento" and applying it to a period tale of dueling magicians.
Ty_Burr: Hugh Jackman again, very good, and Christian Bale as his rival. It's a lot of fun and ultimately a little tedious, with one major twist I saw coming way down the pike. But your mileage may vary.
Ty_Burr: Weirdest thing in it is that the great inventor Nicola Tesla -- the guy who came up with AC current and inspired the metal band -- shows up halway through played by a very famous rock star. It's crazy but it works.

Charlie_2: what's your favorite movie over the last 5 years?
Ty_Burr: Aw, I can't answer that. Too many movies. Okay, "Sideways."
Ty_Burr: Gotta tell you, though, "Borat" might be up there in my top ten of recent years.

Jules: Aronofsky has a lot of talent. But in this one, did re really abandon his whole "fast editing" thing he used to great effect in Pi and Requiem? He knows how to use the medium in a way that MTV directors like Guy Ritchie don't. He uses his technique in service to the story, unlike Ritchie and Bay...
Ty_Burr: It's way tamped down. Depends on the sequence -- the conquistador scenes are classic scissors-happy Aronofsky.

mduff: Jeez. I thought Sideways was such a downer. And I love Paul Giammati
Ty_Burr: True, but a downer that I found extremely funny and even loving toward its central screw-ups. I think being in their general age group helps; if I'd seen that movie when I was 20 I probably would have shot myself.

Jael: have you seen little children and do you know when it is coming to boston? i have been waiting for the movie since i read the book back in 04
Ty_Burr: It's opening here next week. I got to talk with Kate Winslet for a feature that's running this Sunday. Very good movie, with an even better Winslet. Nice follow up for the "In the bedroom" director.

crow_2: "for your consideration" or the "tenacious D" movie - seen either? thoughts?
Ty_Burr: Missed "Consideration" at Toronto -- they really front-loaded the festival this year -- but general buzz was that it was very good Christopher Guest if not up there with "Best in Show" or "Guffman."
Ty_Burr: Nobody's seen "Tenacious D" yet. It looks... messy. In a good way. Nice to see Kyle Gass get his moment in the spotlight.
Ty_Burr: Folks, it's past the hour and I've gotta go. Sorry if I didn't get to your questions, but ask me again in two weeks. Thanks -- and have a good weekend!

Jules: FYI, the Batman/Bond rumor I heard was posted by one of the goons on an AintItCool board, so it's probably bunk, but the story was that MGM wanted it, the Bond rights-owners did not, so Nolan refashioned his pitch into Batman. the script/character architecture fits, but who knows what came first, the Batman script or the Bond conjecture.
Ty_Burr: .
Ty_Burr: Cool, thanks, I'll check AICN and, as always, take with a boulder of salt. Later, all.