Nine Review

Federico Fellini is either very pleased that his film 8 ½ is still considered relevant in 2009, or is rolling over in his grave at the razzle dazzle treatment it was given in Nine. The bigger question is who decided 8 ½ needed a remake? Fellinis’ work was that of a master, so why the need to re-create what has already been done so well.

Many audience members saw only the previews and walked in expecting a film along the lines of Moulin Rouge, what they got was Fellinis’ film within a film concept merging with Moulin Rouge spectacle.

While the musical numbers kept me entertained and awake at points, the rest of the film left me wondering why I didn’t just stay home and watch the original. It is after all the version done by an Italian master. Such a master in fact, the scenes at the beach with Saraghina, played by Fergie, looked as though they had simply been cut out of the original and implanted in this version. At least when they decided to remake Psycho shot for shot, they kept the title.

As for the performances, Daniel Day-Louis had the hard task of stepping into the role of Guido, formerly portrayed by Italian actor, Marcello Mastroianni. His method acting style did him a great service in this; however he still was not an Italian man, in an Italian film, about Italy. Marion Cotillard however, was brilliant as Guido’s tortured wife Louisa, a minimal woman in Guidos’ fantasy life, and a force in his reality. In the end however 8 ½ was a great classic that did not need a Hollywood revival.

And the nominees are....

Lets talk Golden Globe nominations-announced today there were some surprises, many multiples, and a few head scratchers...

Best Motion Picture:
Avatar---Im a little amazed this non-drama, special effects laden flick made it in. But I guess its a sign of the times.
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
Precious-This was a no brainer, and hopefully a big winner!
Up in the Air

Best Perfomance by an Actress in a Motion Picture-Drama
Sandra Bullock-her performance in The Blind Side was heartwarming...and yes, she is a double nominee.
Emily Blunt
Helen Mirren
Carey Mulligan
Gabourey Sidibe-Again, Precious should be the big winner, and so should this young lady.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture-Drama
Jeff Bridges
George Clooney
Colin Firth
Morgan Freeman
Tobey Maguire-Please, and thank you. The first performance where he wasn't playing himself, or some costumed superhero...this performance was raw, real, and emotionally charged.

Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy
(500) Days of Summer
The Hangover
It's Complicated
Julie and Julia
Nine-While it has yet to be released here, from what I hear-its must see, must love...but this jury is still out.

Best Performance by an Actress Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy
Sandra Bullock-One for drama, one for comedy...this women can do it all.
Marion Cotillard
Julia Roberts
Merly Streep
Meryl Streep-Yes, twice in one category!! For Julie and Julia, and It's Complicated. Twice as nice, or two times to lose?

Best Performance by and Actor in a Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy
Matt Damon
Daniel Day-Lewis
Robert Downey Jr.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt-New to the category, lets see if he can get out from under the odd-teen he is known for playing.
Michael Stuhlbarg

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Penelope Cruz
Vera Farmiga
Anna Kendrick-From Twilight background, to keeping up with George Clooney...its been a big year for her.
Mo'Nique-While her performance was immense, the Golden Globes love Penelope Cruz...We will have to see.
Julianne Moore

Best Performance by and Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Matt Damon-Invictus, looking for Victory?!
Woody Harrelson
Christopher Plummer
Stanley Tucci-The Lovely Bones got pretty left out...way to go Stanley Tucci.
Christoph Waltz

There were a great deal of films that have yet to be seen by the general public, lets hope the Golden Globe committee picked well. We will have to see!!
Guess they don't think much of The Lovely Bones? or Where the Wild Things are?

Well, its onto Television:

Best TV series-Drama
Mad Men-Surprise? I think not.
Big Love
House
Dexter
True Blood

Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Drama
Glenn Close-A Globe favorite, its usually between her and the fierce Kyra Sedgwick...but there could always be a sleeper in the group.
January Jones
Julianna Margulies
Anna Paquin
Kyra Sedgwick

Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Drama
Simon Baker-So Good...But I don't think its going to happen
Michael C Hall
Jon Hamm-The globes have a tendency to love a show into all categories, sometimes this can be good-sometimes it leads to a short show shelf life. (Ugly Betty anyone? Lost? Yeah, far from dominating anything...)
Hugh Laurie
Bill Paxton

Best Television Series - Musical Or Comedy
30 Rock
Entourage
Glee-GLAD FOR GLEE!!!
Modern Family-Um, Really?
The Office

Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Musical Or Comedy
Toni Collette-Love her and her show, but it hasn't been on in a while...so?
Courtney Cox
Edie Falco
Tina Fey
Lea Michele-She sings, she dances, she acts the everything out of it!!

Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Musical Or Comedy
Alec Baldwin
Steve Carell
David Duchovny
Thomas Jane
Matthew Morrison-Glee God!!!

In other news....Jane Lynch for Supporting Actress on Glee. I hate her character, which means she is THAT good. Neil Patrick Harris-How I Met Your Mother--keeps getting nominated-could he please win?!

Well, lets get to see all the nominations and maybe my thoughts will change...but for now, Nikki knows, and that's what she has to say.