Alberto Tolot
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
I'll Remember...2002
Swept Away
![]()
For years Madonna has tried to prove not only herself, but the public eye, that she can act. Unfortunately, trying too hard while failing to shed her own persona doesn't mix well.
She seems to fare better when she' the star of any movie: if you watch her in supporting performances in DESPERTLY SEEKING SUSAN
or A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
she actually comes off looking good. Since the story revolves on other actors, the weight of the expectation is taken off her shoulders by default.
The trouble starts when she is asked to be the star of a movie, regardless the genre. Being the focus of a plot that needs to be told in a visual way, whether it be good, mediocre or plain awful, she has to emote in ways that are akin to an actual movie performance as opposed to a video performance. This is the crucial difference between Madonna and, let's say, Bette Davis, or Meryl Streep. The latter two, even if the movie were to fail (because the visual storytelling lacked some effectiveness in having us relate to it, or because the script fell short, or because the actress per se was just not at her moment), there would be an extra something in their performances that would elevate the movie from being a complete bomb. Both Davis and Streep have had their share: Bette, having a longer career than Streep, in such fare as BUNNY O'HARE (1971) and WICKED STEPMOTHER (1989); Streep in SHE-DEVIL (1989). But at least there's been that naturalism in the way both attacked their roles that made us forget the banality of the movie and watch the performance.
![]()
![]()
Trying to have an unsatisfying ending works against the movie as well -- it only makes it drag, bog it down, and when Madonna has to be filmed going from hope to devastation in a tight close-up, it feels she's trying too hard. Many an actress have done better in conveying so much doing so little. Hers is a performance more suited to acting styles of the late 20s, early 30s where posturing compensated as acting a part or an emotion.
Could the movie have been better? Of course. There are a myriad of ways to have filmed it in a way that would leave the viewer feeling that these people could at least hope to see each other again -- it's been done before, in OVERBOARD (1987), for example. It could have had an existential undertone in which two very different people have to rely on each other but not necessarily change (to ensure a moral tone). Much dialog and unnecessary erotic scenes could have been spared for a more "silent" film look -- as in PERSONA (1966). It could have even been something of a thriller, providing that the Giannini character have a mean streak as Billy Zane had in DEAD CALM (1989). Even if it would have been done as a sex farce it would have worked better for Madonna as the over the top, uber-control freak getting her comeuppance. But with its mean streaked humor, without at least a glimpse of her character having a softer side that hides behind a mask of bitchdom, and without really defining Giannini's own character, this becomes another misfire trying to look like a battle of the sexes.
She seems to fare better when she' the star of any movie: if you watch her in supporting performances in DESPERTLY SEEKING SUSAN
or A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN she actually comes off looking good. Since the story revolves on other actors, the weight of the expectation is taken off her shoulders by default.The trouble starts when she is asked to be the star of a movie, regardless the genre. Being the focus of a plot that needs to be told in a visual way, whether it be good, mediocre or plain awful, she has to emote in ways that are akin to an actual movie performance as opposed to a video performance. This is the crucial difference between Madonna and, let's say, Bette Davis, or Meryl Streep. The latter two, even if the movie were to fail (because the visual storytelling lacked some effectiveness in having us relate to it, or because the script fell short, or because the actress per se was just not at her moment), there would be an extra something in their performances that would elevate the movie from being a complete bomb. Both Davis and Streep have had their share: Bette, having a longer career than Streep, in such fare as BUNNY O'HARE (1971) and WICKED STEPMOTHER (1989); Streep in SHE-DEVIL (1989). But at least there's been that naturalism in the way both attacked their roles that made us forget the banality of the movie and watch the performance.
Madonna, on the other hand, not being an especially gifted actress capable of really letting us in on her ability to convey a persona other than herself, fares much worse, and even in the hands of someone as Woody Allen in SHADOWS AND FOG,
an inferior classic, she in her pat screen time seems stilted and a little stiff, maybe even nervous, as if she were aware of the cameras and crew and just couldn't let go.
In SWEPT AWAY
Madonna tries again to prove she can act in what is essentially a two-character movie. Guy Ritchie, more known for action movies filled in masculine energy, seems as adrift telling a story closer to someone of the likes of Michaelangelo Antonioni or Ingmar Bergman, who could tell a tale of two people with incredible ease. And at 89 minutes, the events which take place happen in such an unconvincing way that when the final half hour comes along and the story takes a dramatic turn, it doesn't feel sincere. From being an absolute witch with no redeeming values to suddenly being in love, this has to be the most unconvincing 180 degree turn since Fay Dunaway's Laura suddenly discovered her passion for Tommy Lee Jones in THE EYES OF LAURA MARS (1978). Equally unconvincing is Adriano Giannini's nasty turn around the middle of the movie -- it lacks any humor and feels genuinely psychopathic -- and when he gives in to Madonna's love, it's too quick to be believed. Filming this in slow music and a visual montage of lovemaking and beautiful scenery doesn't enhance or add upon this "transformation" from what would have been a story of survival between to unlikeable characters to a love story where both discover each other.
an inferior classic, she in her pat screen time seems stilted and a little stiff, maybe even nervous, as if she were aware of the cameras and crew and just couldn't let go.In SWEPT AWAY
Madonna tries again to prove she can act in what is essentially a two-character movie. Guy Ritchie, more known for action movies filled in masculine energy, seems as adrift telling a story closer to someone of the likes of Michaelangelo Antonioni or Ingmar Bergman, who could tell a tale of two people with incredible ease. And at 89 minutes, the events which take place happen in such an unconvincing way that when the final half hour comes along and the story takes a dramatic turn, it doesn't feel sincere. From being an absolute witch with no redeeming values to suddenly being in love, this has to be the most unconvincing 180 degree turn since Fay Dunaway's Laura suddenly discovered her passion for Tommy Lee Jones in THE EYES OF LAURA MARS (1978). Equally unconvincing is Adriano Giannini's nasty turn around the middle of the movie -- it lacks any humor and feels genuinely psychopathic -- and when he gives in to Madonna's love, it's too quick to be believed. Filming this in slow music and a visual montage of lovemaking and beautiful scenery doesn't enhance or add upon this "transformation" from what would have been a story of survival between to unlikeable characters to a love story where both discover each other.
Trying to have an unsatisfying ending works against the movie as well -- it only makes it drag, bog it down, and when Madonna has to be filmed going from hope to devastation in a tight close-up, it feels she's trying too hard. Many an actress have done better in conveying so much doing so little. Hers is a performance more suited to acting styles of the late 20s, early 30s where posturing compensated as acting a part or an emotion.Could the movie have been better? Of course. There are a myriad of ways to have filmed it in a way that would leave the viewer feeling that these people could at least hope to see each other again -- it's been done before, in OVERBOARD (1987), for example. It could have had an existential undertone in which two very different people have to rely on each other but not necessarily change (to ensure a moral tone). Much dialog and unnecessary erotic scenes could have been spared for a more "silent" film look -- as in PERSONA (1966). It could have even been something of a thriller, providing that the Giannini character have a mean streak as Billy Zane had in DEAD CALM (1989). Even if it would have been done as a sex farce it would have worked better for Madonna as the over the top, uber-control freak getting her comeuppance. But with its mean streaked humor, without at least a glimpse of her character having a softer side that hides behind a mask of bitchdom, and without really defining Giannini's own character, this becomes another misfire trying to look like a battle of the sexes.
What are your thoughts on Swept Away?
Did You Know...
'Alone Again' was written by Madonna and Rick Nowels and recorded by Kylie Minogue for her 2007 documentary film, White Diamond: A Personal Portrait of Kylie Minogue
Monday, July 18, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
I'll Remember...2007
Maxim’s 5 Unsexiest Women
![]()
1 – Sarah Jessica Parker
2 – Amy Winehouse
3 – Sandra Oh
4 – Madonna
"After building a personal fortune on Top 40 pornography, Madonna traded pioneering sexuality for, like other old Jewish women, self-righteous bellyaching and rapid postnuptial deterioration. Combine a Paris Hilton-like pet accessorizing fetish only for dirt-poor foreign babies with a mug that looks Euro-sealed to her skull, and you´ve got Willem Dafoe with hot flashes."
5 – Britney Spears
How can Maxim be so stupid to create such a list? I mean, first young girl fans are pressured into being skinny and beautiful and, as we all know, the fashion industry has had horrible effects on them. Now, some of the women these young girls look up to are being called ugly! What kind of message is being sent out to girls?
If your going to put Madonna on a list such as this you may as well include Betty White along with every other actor or performer past their prime. When making a list of the unsexiest women, women who are legitamately ugly (meaning they were ugly when they were young and they will remain that way) should be the only people added to that list. Madonna has a quality about her, especially in the 80's and 90's that made her a force to be reckoned with, giving her an air of sexiness. Madonna shouldnt be on there simply because she looks great for her age the fact that her body is so well toned and she can perform with a decent level of athleticism is amazing. Not to mention she was considered beautiful during her “golden years”, she has been hit hard by time she can’t help and she wasnt born ugly.
While I agree that this is an unnecessary list and just plain stupid, I think it should have been labels something different because I just checked it out and the reason they gave for people being on this list were not because of physical appearance but it was for a lot of personal and behavioral reasons that some I agree with and that does determine overall sexuality.
This was not about looks more than it was about attitudes, it could have been listed as something different though, like annoying personalities.
But then again this is Maxim, there is so much usefull reading out there do we really care what Maxim thinks. I give the writers of the Maxim article the SEXIST IDIOTS AWARD.
What do you think of Maxim's list?
2 – Amy Winehouse
3 – Sandra Oh
4 – Madonna
"After building a personal fortune on Top 40 pornography, Madonna traded pioneering sexuality for, like other old Jewish women, self-righteous bellyaching and rapid postnuptial deterioration. Combine a Paris Hilton-like pet accessorizing fetish only for dirt-poor foreign babies with a mug that looks Euro-sealed to her skull, and you´ve got Willem Dafoe with hot flashes."
5 – Britney Spears
How can Maxim be so stupid to create such a list? I mean, first young girl fans are pressured into being skinny and beautiful and, as we all know, the fashion industry has had horrible effects on them. Now, some of the women these young girls look up to are being called ugly! What kind of message is being sent out to girls?
If your going to put Madonna on a list such as this you may as well include Betty White along with every other actor or performer past their prime. When making a list of the unsexiest women, women who are legitamately ugly (meaning they were ugly when they were young and they will remain that way) should be the only people added to that list. Madonna has a quality about her, especially in the 80's and 90's that made her a force to be reckoned with, giving her an air of sexiness. Madonna shouldnt be on there simply because she looks great for her age the fact that her body is so well toned and she can perform with a decent level of athleticism is amazing. Not to mention she was considered beautiful during her “golden years”, she has been hit hard by time she can’t help and she wasnt born ugly.
While I agree that this is an unnecessary list and just plain stupid, I think it should have been labels something different because I just checked it out and the reason they gave for people being on this list were not because of physical appearance but it was for a lot of personal and behavioral reasons that some I agree with and that does determine overall sexuality.
This was not about looks more than it was about attitudes, it could have been listed as something different though, like annoying personalities.
But then again this is Maxim, there is so much usefull reading out there do we really care what Maxim thinks. I give the writers of the Maxim article the SEXIST IDIOTS AWARD.
What do you think of Maxim's list?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Just for Fun :)
Blind Items: I Guess, You Guess
When this couple started dating she was still A list to much of the world even though her talent has probably dropped. But hey, you don't get to be a one worder unless you are great. Anyway, at dinner she told her boyfriend that she was going to suck him raw and then proceeded to crawl under the table and do just that. I wonder if he imagined it was a guy. (CDAN)
After all these years, Madge still knows how to do ho shit like no other! Pull out them dentures and gum the shit out of Baby Brahim's dick, Madge! This could also be Brit Brit, but it would be extra weird since her daddy would have to unlock the belt of her high chair and turn his head as he holds her toddler leash tight so she won't crawl into the kitchen for more nom nom noms.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Introducing the Queen of Pop
To say that Madonna won this poll in a landslide would be like saying that she was a kind of popular pop singer in the 1980s. It wouldn’t even begin to explain the scope of the situation. She received five times as many votes as Lady Gaga, who landed in second place by a very comfortable margin. The only persistent criticism that Gaga has dealt with in recent years is that she’s too much like Madonna. It’s a hard shadow to escape. Madonna is a musical icon without peer. Her run of hits over the past 30 years is simply astounding, and when she hits the road, tickets sell like it’s a Led Zeppelin reunion tour. Sure, her last few albums didn’t match up to the classics. Nobody cares. She’s Madonna. Lady Gaga has accomplished more in recent years than any artist of her era, but she’s still got a long climb until she reaches Madonna level. It’s very likely that no other artist will ever reach it though. Her manager Guy Oseary recently tweeted that she’s started recording her 12th studio album, so clearly she has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.
www.rollingstone.com
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
I'll Remember...2001
Grammy Awards
Was anyone else disappointed by this performance of 'Music' at the 2001 Grammy Awards?
I expected this opening number to have killer choreography as this was the song of 2000. The entrance and the closing of the performance were cool, but everything in between was a bit lackluster for me. Anyhow, it was great to see a glimpse of her 'What it Feels Like for a Girl' video and the montage of her previous videos fit the song perfectly. I guess I was expecting something like the 'Nothing Really Matters' performance two years earlier. Now that was art! None the less, Madonna looked sexy as ever with her new bob haircut and her sexy, post-pregnancy body. It was also great to see Donna and Nickie by her side again.
First Producer Named On Upcoming Madonna Record!
It's only just been announced that Madonna is back in the studio and working on her twelfth studio album, and now, sources close to the diva have revealed that she's enlisted the help of French DJ and producerMartin Solveig to help her on her new tracks!
Amazing!
We LOVE his stuff with Dragonette, and have a feeling gurlfriend is looking to get back to that house/dance feel she did SO WELL withConfessions on a Dancefloor!
This is going to be EPIC! We can already tell!
Can't wait to hear the new stuff, bb!
What do U think?? Are U looking forward to new Madge?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Kylie And Madge Tweet Each Other Support!
Oh man! Our dreams are coming true!
In light of the news that as of yesterday, Madonna was beginning work on her twelfth studio album, her fellow pop icon from down under, Kylie Minogue, Tweeted her excitement - and Madge HERSELF replied!
After manager Guy Oseary's announcement, Kylie wrote:
Yaayyyy!!! RT @@guyoseary It's official.. Madonna's 1st day in the recording studio for the new album… Very exciting..
@kylieminogue thanks for the love -M
Hell to the YES!
Glad you ladies are showing each other some support!
Now if they announce some sort of duet or collaboration, we'd positively DIE!
Hey! We can dream, can't we?! LOLz!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)