Number 5 Is A TIE!: 'A Gentleman's Agreement' and 'Crash'

The year was 1947. The war was over but not so much anti-semitism which was still running rampant. Elia Kazan then directed one of Hollywood's most important films about prejudice in black and white.. It was and still is a most important film. I mean anti-semitism still exists today folks. Then in 2004 Paul Haggis gave us 'Crash'. Another century, another prejudice but still prejudice. But now the prejudice is in color. These two films together give film a quality it should always have but more often than not doesn't.
Both films won Oscars for best picture in their respective years. And they deserved them. Here is a perfect double-bill for your weekend pleasure.

'A Gentleman's Agreement'










The year was 2004. The competition was 'Brokeback Mountain'. The winner was 'Crash'. The reaction was amazing. Should 'Brokeback' have won because it was a gay themed, long, at times tedious and a generally boring though beautifully photographed gay-themed movie? Ridiculous! And I'm GAY! 'Crash' was and remains an important film that dealt with racial, social and culture issues.
The bountiful cast was superb. The revelation was Thandie Newton in the film's most difficult and emotionally revealing role. Matt Dillon as her foil yet eventual savior gave the performance of a lifetime.
Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Esposito, Ryan Phillippe, Terrence Howard and Chris 'Ludicris' Bridges also gave performances of a lifetime.
Then there is Don Cheadle who once again proved he remains one of our greatest living actors.

I give you 'Crash'.









The Brilliant Director Paul Haggis with the BRILLIANT Don Cheadle.



The Gallery

The GOP

Happy B'day Mary Kaye Place and "The Boss"

And most importantly he supports Barack. You go Bruce!




From 'Mary Hartman' to 'Big Love' Mary Kaye always impresses.




And why I'm at it: Where the hell is 'Big Love' HBO? You are losing the momentum for a terrific show.

'Then She Found Me'

Starring and directed by Oscar winner Helen Hunt.
I rented this "lost" 2008 movie over the weekend.
It is warm and tender and really quite lovely.
Helen, my guy Colin Firth, Bette Midler and Mathew Broderick head up a most convincing cast in this tender adaptation of a same named book.
It is a small film but a wonderful film.
Do yourself a favor and rent it.
So far this is on my top ten of 2008 but there are months and many more films to come. We'll see.




Helen Hunt the Director.



The Gallery

Happy B'Day Funny Lady Bonnie Hunt