Ai Tampa Rough Cut Film Group: February 2011

Film Critic Panel

Rough Cut was Proud to welcome four film critics to come in and discuss the Oscar nominees of 2010.

The panel consisted of Bill Gibron of AMC film critic & PopMatters.com, Joe Belcastro of Examiner, ShockYa & NCM.com, Bob Ross a retired critic from Tampa Tribune and Steve Persall of the St. Pete Times.

The event was moderated by our very own House Speaker Robert S. Pearson.

Here are a few highlights.

127 Hours Nominated for 6 Oscars

Robert S. Pearson-
You said “…a death defying feat of motion picture magic to be sure.” can you elaborate?

Bill Gibron-
To be honest, the fact that Danny Boyle directed it really peaked my interest to see this film.

Robert S. Pearson-
You said “Franco falls into an acting zone of emotional-bliss.” what did you mean?

Joe Belcastro-
He took a simple idea and put so much stamina to it and James Franco was up for it. I wanted him to stay in that cave and see him suffer, I wanted him to be pushed more and see how far he could go.

Robert S. Pearson-
This isn’t a perfect film- “Some of the visual tricks wear out their ingenuity...”

Steve Persall-
I think it was successful because of the idea that we’ve all had that rebellious phase where we leave home but come back; it’s all about coming back to the pack.

Robert S. Pearson-
What’s different here, in terms of best director nominations, why does Boyle get nominated for Slumdog but not 127 Hours?

Bob Ross-
Maybe because people felt he already had his and now it’s time for someone else to have the spotlight.

True Grit Nominated for 10 Oscars

Robert S. Pearson-
You think the True Grit landscape is a dull one, but that the film’s characters provide company that is worth the time.

Joe Belcastro-
The story was boring, but the characters we’re strong and interesting and it was shot so beautifully.

Robert S. Pearson-
Where dose True Grit fall in the hierarchy of the Coen’s Canon?

Bill Gibron-
I was automatically interested because it was made by the Coen brothers, I wanted to see how they would bring it together. Well Shot, well directed, and well acted.

Robert S. Pearson-
In a lot of ways this is a quintessential Coen Bros film. Does this hurt or help its chances?

Steve Persall-
It doesn’t help or hurt them, do we go the sort of obvious 12 nominations like in the old day of predictability or do we go with the newer and younger True Grit with 10 nominations?

Black Swan Nominated for 5 Oscars

Robert S. Pearson-
You describe this film as being a “…Rorschach by way of genre…” can you explain?

Bill Gibron-
People tend to read into thing what they want to. The audience is being asked to impose their ideas and perceptions of the film. It leaves you talking about it.

Robert S. Pearson-
What did you think of Portman’s performance?

Bob Ross-
That role was a very demanding one, she did a great job and she was powerful. This movie pulls you into that world.

Robert S. Pearson-
You describe the film’s dialog as being “…too double-intended…” what do you mean?

Steve Persall-
I admired it, but I didn’t really embrace it, and that’s ok. It got nominated for best picture but not best screenplay, and that’s telling.

Robert S. Pearson-
You say in your review that 50% of the audience will adore this film, while the other half will hate it. What does that say about Black Swan?

Joe Belcastro-
Much like what Bill was saying, people will have a reaction and that’s the most important thing.

Inception Nominated for 8 Oscars

Robert S. Pearson-
On IMDb’s Oscar Poll, Inception is the #1 pic to win best picture. Why are fans putting their money on it, and will they be disappointed on Feb 27th?

Bob Ross-
Well, the website is catered for a younger demographic. It’s very much like a video game; I still think it’s gimmicky.

Robert S. Pearson-
Is this Nolan’s best film?

Bill Gibron
I thought it was very strong, but much like most filmmaker’s their next film will be better. The screening was packed, and when that last shot came the entire audience gasped, and that rarely happens.

Robert S. Pearson-
You described the film as “Damn near perfection…” What is so perfect about Inception?

Joe Belcastro-
What’s not perfect about it? Is the question. We see a , roughly, fours movies a week and they don’t wow us. This one did. Nolan Challenged himself.

Robert S. Pearson-
Nolan has painted a visual riddle, like most of his films, but does this picture have the emotional depth to garner multiple viewings?

Steve Persall-
I didn’t really have an emotional connection to any of the characters. And when that connection did surface, it was too little too late. The fans are drawn to these films because they believe these directors can do no wrong.

The King's Speech Nominated for 12 Oscars

Robert S. Pearson-
What do you think of this Oscar favorite?

Joe Belcastro-
Yes the performances were great, I think it’s a good movie, but it shouldn’t have 12 nominations.

Robert S. Pearson-
“trying to form words that convey what my heart needs to say about this breathtaking film…” What makes the King’s Speech so special?

Steve Persall-
There was man who had a seizure during the film, they stopped it and gave him medical attention, after all that they played the movie back up and I got right back into it, immediately. It defied my expectations.

Robert S. Pearson-
Does Geoffrey Rush win Best Supporting Actor?

Bill Gibron-
He has to play the strong but reluctant character, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did win. It’s a very good film, but it’s not the greatest.

Wrap Up Lighting Round

· Worst film of 2010?

Bill Gibron – Furry Vengeance
Joe Belcastro – Tooth Fairy
Steve Persall – The Last Air Bender

· Which film of 2010 should have been nominated for best picture, but did not?

Bill Gibron – The Town
Joe Belcastro – Let Me In
Bob Ross – The Town
Steve Persall – Inside Job

· What film received a best picture nomination that shouldn’t have?

Bill Gibron – The Kids are Alright
Joe Belcastro – The Fighter
Bob Ross – Toy Story 3
Steve Persall - The Kids are Alright

· What Films should we be looking forward to in 2011?

Bill Gibron - Thor
Joe Belcastro – Pirates of the Caribbean 4
Steve Persall - Warhorse

· Who Wins Best Picture?

Bill Gibron – The Kings Speech
Joe Belcastro – Black Swan
Bob Ross - The Kings Speech
Steve Persall - The Kings Speech

For coverage of the film check out last weeks Video of the Week- http://aitamparoughcut.blogspot.com/2011/02/video-of-week-02-21-11girgis-efp-news.html

By Matthew J. Jimenez

Announcements

Senior Students pitch their ideas and are looking for help. Here is the line up and what they are looking for. If you are interested in helping or being a part of the senior thesis film e-mail them for further details and information.

Jessica Collins

She needs:
Camera Operator
An Art Director
Production Photographer
Sound department (for playback)
Production Assistants/Set Designers

She is shooting a music video or a local rock band, for more info and to sign up for a position email her at jesscollins08@aol.com

Richard Inman

He needs:
Grips

He is shooting a love story that takes place from a quiet bar to a wonderful dreamworld of imagination. For more information, e-mail him at studiefilms@gmail.com

Erik Holte

He Needs:
An Assistant Director
Grips
A Make-Up Artist
Special FX Artists (vomit gag, blood, bruise)
Casting Director

Holte's film is a slapstick bro comedy about two guys who try and work there love magic to get in the pants of one lucky girl. For more information, e-mail him at eholte22@gmail.com

George Matthew

He needs:
A Casting Director
A Make-up Artist
Wardrobe
Camera Operator
Assistant Camera Operator
Focus Puller
Grips

His film is a visual interpretation of 3 separate poems. A victim of society. A gentle and uplifting love story. An internal struggle about a young man. For more information, e-mail him at gmatthew07@gmail.com

Robert S. Pearson

He Needs:
Grips
Visual FX artists

His film is a psychological mystery that takes place in space. For more information, e-mail him at rspearsonfilm@gmail.com

By Matthew J. Jimenez

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