New Year, New Possibilities, New People

Previously on Planet Esther...

Shameless
What’s that you cry across the far reaches of cyberspace? Where is the link to the long agonised over review of Shame? Alas it never came to be, so Manchester Salon was not left rapturous over my succinct profile and erudite words of wisdom.

In the end I felt I didn’t really know what I could add to a discussion. Yes it’s about sex addiction. Yes it’s fantastically acted, insightful, full of pathos and incredibly engaging. You will never hear “New York New York” the same way again. Yes, I recommend you watch it. It is a fantastic portrayal not just of loneliness, and obsession and futility but also of siblings with a complex family dynamic.

So there you go, my micro review. If you fancy something meatier, the review that did appear in Manchester Salon is here. http://www.manchestersalon.org.uk/shame-cornerhouse.html

So that was last year. This year has come and it’s full of new possibilities. And new films.


Square eyes, round belly
As usual, I am trying to see as many awards nominated films as possible, but I’m generally behind with my viewing and refusing to watch War Horse so it’s not as comprehensive an attempt as last year. I’m also watching more TV these days, I’ve finally caught up with Fringe, I'm addicted to The Good Wife (they could kill off Alicia and I'd still stay for Diane, Kalinda, Eli and ven Cary and Zach) and I have found a new addiction in the form of a webseries called “The Mis-adventures Of Awkward Black Girl”. http://www.awkwardblackgirl.com/episodes

**Warning ** It does contain some offensive language but is genuinely sweet at it’s core. In fact if you, like me, are facing a Valentine’s Day without a special one, this shows hope that there is someone for EVERYONE! After uber-nerd Carlton Banks left my life, I never thought I’d relate to a TV character who shared my ethnic roots and I never really looked for it, so this has come as a delightful surprise. Not since Ross’ “you’re over me, when were you under me?” and Aeryn Sun/John Crichton’s galaxy wide struggle for true frelling love, have I been so much so invested in a fictional romantic decision. Note to self: do not start watching a series 24 days before the season finale airs. That's going-to-see-a-Katherine-Heigl-film-with-high-hopes level of torture (curse the 27 dresses anomaly!)

Please enjoy Season 1 online and wait eagerly with the rest of the Awkward Nation for season 2. What other webseries fans, whilst waiting for the show to go live, send me recipe tips for show related food? More importantly who doesn’t want Angry Birds Cup Cakes!! http://thecraftingchicks.com/2011/03/angry-birds-cupcakes.html

Perfect Poetry

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, some people have a gift for words, and I can’t say it enough, Leeanne Stoddart’s poems are positive and full of joy, and if you want to impress your other half with words which will enlighten their soul. It’s more original than flowers and chocolate and will last longer. Preview it and buy it here! http://leeannestoddart.com/bookpreview

Spread a little love and it all comes back to you...
I’m all about discovering new and interesting creative people and met this guy recently. In addition to being added to the list of people whose blogs I would happily spend a Sunday afternoon browsing he has also recently sent out an altruistic post aimed at getting work for his mates: read his stuff, buy him a pint if you meet him http://iam.peteashton.com/hire-them/

Next time on Planet Esther...
I will be overwhelmed by your support of Leeanne’s book. Having propelled it to best seller status and I will be regaling with tales of my travels Leeanne’s PA/publicist a post necessitated by her global success. Make it happen people!

More likely I’ll be talking about the Oscars.

Some tweeps mentioned in today’s blog:
@shamefilm ; @manchestersalon ; @awkwardblackgirl; p_nut_butta ; @peteashton and of course me- @shegeekmcr

See you in the future.

Oscars 2011 predictions

• Best Picture. Toy Story 3 was the best of these IMHO, but I would be stunned if it won. Next for me was Winter's Bone. I still haven't seen True Grit (I'm watching it on sunday-very close to the wire!) but my 3 horses in this race are Inception (if Titantic can be LA Confidential this is possible), The Kings Speech and The Social Network. I'm going to go for The Kings Speech based on number of nominations although my heart thinks The Social Network may win.

• Actor in a Leading Role. Colin Firth for the win

• Actress in a Leading Role. Natalie Portman - the first of my "and the award for dedication to getting thin". A fantastic performance and a deserved win. Very glad Jennifer Lawrence was nominated.

• Actor in a Supporting Role: Christian Bale - the second of my "commitment to my craft" oscars. Has he ever won one? If not, again a career of fantastic acting finally rewarded.

• Actress in a Supporting Role: Always a toughie, I think Melissa Leo will edge it as the academy has had their eye on her for a while. Although the same could be said of Amy Adams. I always find this category torture to predict. (Well not last year, but usually). Right I'm going for Jacki Weaver because she's the character I'd be most terrified of meeting.

• Directing: I want Aranofsky, I think David Fincher will get it.

• Writing (Adapted Screenplay): The Social Network. There can and should be no other winner.

• Writing (Original Screenplay): Whilst Inception was truly orginal, The Kids Are Alright was very well written so that's my bet.

• Animated Feature Film: Toy Story 3. As I said, actually my Best Film of the year.

• Art Direction: Alice In Wonderland - although The Kings Speech set was designed by a Brit from the West Midlands so if she wins I'll be happy.

• Cinematography. Roger Deakins has been nominated 9 times without a win. It needs to be done.

• Costume Design. I hate betting against Sandy Powell, who I suspect has won every time she was nominated in the past, but the costumes for Alice In Wonderland were superb and so that's where my money is.

• Documentary (Feature): No clue. I think Restrepo will get it, but both Exit Through The Gift Shop and Inside Job are very popular which would be a more similar choice to last year's The Cove.

• Film Editing: The Social Network was a pretty amazing job.

• Foreign Language Film: I always like these more than the Best Film nominees so it's a bit Sophie's choice for me. I haven't been able to see them all but I didn't really care about Biuitful and whilst I love Susanne Bier (In a Better World) and loved Days of Glory by the director of Outside The Law, I think Incendies might take it.

• Makeup. The Wolfman. No clue, based purely on Rick Baker's form.

• Music (Original Score). Between The Social Network and The Kings Speech in my opinion. The Kings Speech.

• Music (Original Song). Randy Newman for Toy Story 3. That man knows how to torture the heartstrings.

• Sound Editing. Inception - because it will win well in technical categories

• Sound Mixing. The Social Network - I totally stole this one from Roger Ebert - he should know.

• Visual Effects. Inception. Folding Paris alone is an achievement and there were several more which made me watch this film twice.

I've only watched Day and Night so based on an online trailer of the shorts nominees.

• Documentary (short subject): Killing in the name.

• Short Film (Animated): Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary). I wanted to hunt this down to watch it based on the trailer.

• Short Film (Live Action): Na Wewe. This one looked like it had the potential to be a feature based on about 4 seconds of footage.