Reel News...Two Hitchcock Movies in The Works

      Its only fitting that I come across news of not one, but two Hitchcock films currently under production after returning from a screening of Psycho.  Its not breaking news of any sort, word has been out about both projects for a few months now, but new information has surfaced lately generating some buzz for the two upcoming movies.

      One is a biographical drama simply titled Hitchcock, which is set for a release sometime next year.  It will be based on the nonfiction book by Stephen Rebelo called Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho.  The role of Mr. Hitchcock will be played by legendary actor Anthony Hopkins.  A new picture was released showing Hopkins in character as Sir Alfred, and I have got to say his look is spot on.

Why See This...Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy [2011]

      I read about one blogger’s experience of going to see Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and how showing up a few minutes late cost him dearly.  On screen, he didn’t miss anything important arriving before the beginning credits finished, but what he missed was the cheat sheet.  This particular theater gave its Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy viewers info packets to look over before the movie began.  It included keywords, character descriptions and important, unexplained spy slang (known on Wikipedia as “Tradecraft jargon”).  Where I went to see the movie, we were not offered that kind of luxury, but then again, I’m not sure how much it would have helped anyways. 

      Before I go any further, I would like to direct your eyes to the picture below, because this, more than anything can help describe what this movie is all about.  Its shows the most important part of the movie-

Useless Clatter...Oscar Predictions 2012

With the Academy Awards looming (Feb 26th) and most of the big hitters out by now, I decided to post some predictions for the major categories. Not that sound-mixing and make up are not important,  I just can't differentiate explosions or eyebrows as easily.  As we near the date and the official nominations come out, I will post those and then make my final predictions.

+ these are in no particular.

+ designates additional nomination beyond allowed five

Best Picture

The Artist

The Descendants

The Ides of March

The Help

J. Edgar

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

The Tree of Life

War Horse

Best Director

Michel Hazanavicius The Artist

Tomas Alfredson Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Alexander Payne The Descendants

Terrence Malick The Tree of Life

Martin Scorsese Hugo

+ Sean Durkin Martha Marcy May Marlene

Actor In A Leading Role

Leonardo DiCaprio J. Edgar

Jean Dujardin The Artist

Gary Oldman Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Brad Pitt Moneyball

Demian Bichir A Better Life
+ Michael Fassbender Shame

Actress In A Leading Role

Viola Davis The Help

Michelle Williams My Week With Marilyn

Glenn Close Albert Noobs

Charlize Theron Young Adult

Meryl Streep The Iron Lady

+ Elizabeth Olsen Martha Marcy May Marlene

 

Best Supporting Actor

Christopher Plummer Beginners

Patton Oswalt Young Adult

Nick Nolte Warrior

Jonah Hill Moneyball

Kenneth Branagh My Week With Marilyn

+ Armie Hammer J. Edgar

Best Supporting Actress

Octavia Spencer The Help

Bérénice Bejo The Artist

Shailene Woodley The Descendants

Jessica Chastain The Help

Carey Mulligan Shame

+ Melissa McCarthy Bridesmaids

Best Original Screenplay

Woody Allen Midnight in Paris

Tom McCarthy and Joe Tibani Win Win

Diablo Cody Young Adult

Mike Mills Beginners

Jeff Nichols Take Shelter

+ Dustin Lance Black J. Edgar

Best Adapted Screenplay

Bridget O’Connor & Peter Straughan Tinker, Tailor Soldier Spy

Tate Taylor The Help

John Logan Hugo

Aaron Sorkin & Steven Zaillian Moneyball

Nat Faxon, Alexander Payne & Jim Rash The Descendants

+ Steven Zaillian The Girl With The Dragon Tattooo

I decided to stop after the main eight categories.  Like I said, I don't know enough to make guesses on each and every category, and these eight are always the most talked about.  The selections above seem to be the general consensus around the web, with a few of my own particular hopes thrown in the mix.
By the way, here's a short little trailer for the upcoming ceremony hosted by Billy Crystal.  Its a bit goofy, but I think their off to a better start than last year.