Welcome to ASK TRAVERS, a forum that lets me answer your movie questions, respond to insults that aren't gratuitous (OK, those too), and maybe even sneak in a few nosy questions of my own. Plus, if you catch me screwing up my movie facts, it's you're chance to yell BUSTED!
Speaking of which, here's a question from Ian C who gently rips me for my Monday blog on the Oscar show:
Photo: Universal
Q: "I'm sure you're getting a lot of people saying this, and you maybe already knew, but...
You said "...get these two a movie," about Steve Martin and Tina Fey. They had one. Of course, they could always have another one, where Martin's role would be bigger, but he was definitely a highlight of "Baby Mama."
A: You busted me, Ian. I did already know that Steve Martin played Tina Fey's ponytailed boss in Baby Mama. But the role was merely a glorified cameo, so much so that Martin took no onscreen billing in the credits. Still, Martin damn near stole the movie (along with Sigourney Weaver in another small role). So I should have been more careful. Doesn't stop me from wanting to see Martin and Fey team up in a real romantic comedy. No Pink Panther 3, thank you, but something where Martin's physical comedy can play off Fey's verbal fireworks. Maybe a sequel to Dirty Dancing, with Steve as an aging dance instructor and Fey as a grownup Baby that nobody puts in a corner.
Photo: Dimension Films
Q: What films are you looking forward to seeing this year? And what book that you've read would you most like to see adapted into a movie. I just finished "Shantaram". I don't think I've read a more awe-inspiring book, or a book so rich with amazing dialogue. Just loved it./Nathan C.
A: Well, Nathan, I can't wait to see what Johnny Depp and director Michael Mann do with the John Dillinger gangster saga Public Enemies. But there's lots more: Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island, Joel and Ethan Coen's A Serious Man, Peter Jackson's The Lovely Bones, Ang Lee's Taking Woodstock, Steven Soderbergh's The Informant, Paul Greengrass's The Green Zone, Clint Eastwood's Playing The Enemy, Terrence Malick's Tree of Life, Rob Marshall's Nine, Judd Apatow's Funny People, Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Homes (with Robert Downey, Jr.), Pedro Almodovar's Broken Embraces, Jim Jarmusch's The Limits of Control, Mira Nair's Amelia, Lone Scherfig's An Education, Spike Jonze's Where the Wild Things Are, Todd Solondz's Forgiveness, Woody Allen's Whatever Works, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's Biutiful, Wes Anderson's animated The Fantasic Mr. Fox, and James Cameron's decade-in-the-making Avatar. It's looking like a hell of a year (at least on paper). As for book question, I agree about Shantaram—Johnny Depp has been trying for years to get it made (so far no luck). As for me, I've been waiting to see what kind of trip director John Hillcoat takes with Cormac McCarthy's masterful novel The Road. I'll finally get my wish this year.
Photo: D'Alessandro/WireImage
Q: Did Oscar spit on Loki's grave?/Abbey G
A: I wouldn't go that far. But it's for sure that Mickey Rourke's chihuahua, who died just a few days before the Oscars, isn't smiling in heaven now that Sean Penn beat her master for the Best Actor Oscar.
Photo: Chase/Getty (Pacino), Meritt/Getty (Winslet)
Q: In your Oscar blog you said you were happy that Kate Winslet finally won her Oscar after six tries, but you also said it was for the wrong movie, "The Reader." Can you think of any other examples? /Tom W
A: Can I? Are you kidding! How about Al Pacino for Scent of a Woman? The Godfather I & II, and Dog Day Afternoon were the right choices. Russell Crowe should have won for The Insider instead of Gladiator. Denzel Washington for Malcolm X not Training Day, Paul Newman for The Hustler instead of The Color of Money, Jack Lemmon for Some Like It Hot instead of Save the Tiger (i know, what?), Dustin Hoffman for The Graduate and Midnight Cowboy instead of Kramer Vs Kramer and Rain Man. I could go. And so could you. Send me your own travesties of Oscar justice.
Got a question? Just shoot me an e-mail at AskTravers@rollingstone.com.
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Alexander | March 8, 2009 6:15 PM
What's the deal, Travers?
You said that Alan Moore of "Watchmen" fame got soured by Hollwood "mangling" his works. Funny that you mention V For Vendetta. As I recall, you gave it an enthusiastic, 3 1/2 star review. Remember?
your mom | March 4, 2009 11:16 AM
travesties:
1) No noms for Benicio Del Toro for "Che" this year.
2) Spike Lee not winning anything for Do the Right Thing.
3) Crash over Brokeback Mountain, Munich, Good Night and Good Luck AND Capote.
4) Marisa Tomei over... everyone else in her category for My Cousin Vinny. Although her other noms, including this year's, were well deserved.
5) 1997! Titanic over The Full Monty, Good Will Hunting, LA Confidential, and As Good as it Gets. Ok, it was a slight bit better than As Good as it Gets. Maybe. Helen hunt over Judi Dench? Jack Nicholson in As Good As it Gets over Robert Duvall in the Apostle???
6) No nom for John Cameron Mitchell and Hedwig.
7) Braveheart over Sense and Sensibility?
8) Chicago over the Pianist??
9) Cher in Moonstruck over Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction???
10) No noms ever for Alfred Hitchcock, Lars Von Trier, Mary Harron, Todd Solondz, John Cusack, Kevin Bacon, Donald Sutherland, Gary Oldman, Martin Sheen, Christopher Plummer, Mia Farrow, Alan Rickman,
bruno | March 4, 2009 12:11 AM
I've loved everything Cormac McCarthy has ever written, and I think BB Thornton did a great job with "All The Pretty Horses"....but that was the first of a trilogy...and Matt Damon is too old to reprise his role...but do you think "The Crossing" and "Cities of the Plain are...well, makable, and a worthwhile endeavor?
dan | March 3, 2009 5:33 PM
It's a crime that A) "There Will Be Blood" was beaten by the pretentious rip-off no country for old men and B) that Paul Thomas Anderson didn't win Best director for Magnolia, Boogie Nights, or There Will Be Blood. The guy has made two epics that will be remembered long after no country, not to mention "Magnolia", which, few flaws aside, could not have been attempted by anyone else alive right now.
naga | March 3, 2009 4:12 PM
greatest travesties eva:
Scorcese for Goodfellas
Cruise NOT getting it for 'Born on the fourth of July'
Mickey Rourke this year..
Kubrick NEVER getting one..
Tom Hanks for getting two!
Nicole Kidman....ohh please
kjkeefe | March 3, 2009 3:28 PM
I always thought the Oscar Cher got for "Moonstruck" was really to make up for not giving her one for "Mask". And can we talk about Scorsese? Shoulda got one for "Taxi Driver" or "Goodfellas", long before "The Departed". And Susan Sarandon? "Deadman Walking" was to make up for denying her for "Thelma and Louise." I need to stop.
Michael | March 3, 2009 2:53 PM
Apollo 13 was ROBBED at the Oscars. Sinfully robbed.
jerry001 | March 3, 2009 2:52 PM
i cant wait 4 the new releases this year especialy inglorious basterds.quentin tarantino hasn directed an oscar wining film in years.i hope he hits the right notes because he is one of the all tym best.i think pulp fiction is an alltym classic not forrest gump.forrest gump has its moments bt PF is more of a cult classic.Over the years the academy has snubbed great films which should hav won.like goodfellas,raging bull,taxi driver and the aviator should have won best picture
Michael | March 3, 2009 10:58 AM
I don't understand why people think Pulp Fiction should have won over Forest Gump. I mean, I like action and blood as much as the next guy, but Forest Gump is a great movie. I always find Tarrentino movies kind of slow and his dialogue pretentious and long winded. He makes a great action scene, but his movies as a whole are not really my thing, and even Tarrentino lovers must be able to see that his movies are most certainly not for everyone. A lot of hate for Gangs of New York, I liked that movie. DDL is an amazing actor. Departed was excellent, one of my favorite movies ever. The dialogue was amazing, Tarrintino could learn a thing or two from that one.
Nathan | March 3, 2009 12:15 AM
Not a matter of winning but David Fincher should have been nominated for directing ZODIAC instead of the ridiculously inferior BENJAMIN BUTTON.
Bobbo | March 2, 2009 11:59 PM
Where the hell was the Best Actor award for Viggo in "Eastern Promises." And "The Painted Veil" with Ed Norton was screwed out of a Best Picture nomination. Moreover, Naomi Watts' performance in that movie was completely overlooked. Scorcese not winning for "Gangs" was bollocks too.
ia | March 2, 2009 12:02 PM
My most anticipated movies released
this year are: "Public Enemies" (I actually saw this film shot in my home state of Wisc. & met Mr. Johnny
Depp IN PERSON...he has no Hollywood ego whatsoever...a very respectful, soft-spoken gentleman who loves his fans! And "The Road" starring Viggo Mortenson. I read Cormac McCarthey's book of the same name...it is a very well written
book about post-apocalyptic America...so moving & poignant. I predict Mr. Mortenson will be nominated an Oscar for his strong performance & definitely deserves to
win...he is another actor who has solid acting chops Mr. Depp is the
actor out there who nails his
performances everytime! I'd love
Mr. Depp to get his Oscar someday, too! Maybe he and Mr. Mortenson will
tie for Best Actor Oscar in 2009.
Film Fan | March 1, 2009 8:58 PM
JP, I'll give you "Gangs". I actually thought that film was terrible. The "Aviator" was great, but was the most "non" Scorcese feeling movie he's ever done. If that makes sense. But "The Departed"? That deserved all of it's accolades. And it was the best Martin Scorcese movie since "Casino".
Back to other overlooked performances? How about Ed Norton in "The Score", "Red Dragon", "25th Hour" (!) and "The Pained Veil". Was not nominated for any of those.
JP | March 1, 2009 7:31 PM
I'll answer you JoeSixPack, it was basically "Goodfellas" times 2. Anyone who have seen a fair amount of Scorese movies can see he was just phoning it in on this one. Also, it had an incredibly nonsensical ending to the movie. I don't want to spoil it for the very few people who haven't seen the movie yet. I was shocked by how bad the ending was. I had to watch it again to make sure I understood colossally bad plot twist correctly.
Honestly, the love that Scorese received from his last 3 movies (Gangs, Avaitor, & Departed) has more to do with his reputation than the quality of the movies. Which were ambitious, but not great.
Film Fan | March 1, 2009 5:10 PM
Some good comments here. But all Marisa Tomei did in "The Wrestler" was get nude and dance. Hardly award winning material. Sure, she was very good. And a smokin hot body for a 45 year old woman. Hell, I thought she deserved her Oscar for "My Cousin Vinny". And I *still* don't know why people are still upset about that. Back to this year, of all the supporting actresses, Amy Adams was the best and deserved the award. Awards are a popularity contest. We could names 100's of films and performances that don't even get a nomination. This year alone, "In Bruges" for Best Picture comes to mind. And going back several years, Kathy Bates and Jennifer Jason Leigh for "Dolores Claiborne". I also agree that Renee Zellweger should have been nominated for "Nurse Betty" too.
JoeSixpack | March 1, 2009 3:36 PM
I don't get all the hate here for "The Departed." I love all of Scorsese's films and I think "The Departed" is one of his better ones. What was wrong with it?
I wish Malick's "The Thin Red Line" hadn't been completely snubbed in favor of "Shakespeare in Love" (which, didn't deserve Best Picture...hell, "Saving Private Ryan" should've won before it).
Rich C. | March 1, 2009 12:04 PM
Denzel Washington should NOT have won the Oscar for "Training Day?" ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? His performance in that movie was so flawless and powerful, I'm amazed they even bothered NOMINATING anyone else in that catagory that year.
Bill Schaffan | March 1, 2009 7:58 AM
Return of the King's victory over Mystic River. Chicago over Gangs of New York for Best Picture. The English Patient (still a very good movie) over Fargo for Best Picture.
Leighton | March 1, 2009 1:53 AM
The old lady on speed Ellen Burstyn? She should have won the oscar for Requiem for Dream.
rpriley | February 28, 2009 8:33 PM
But i will have to disagree with the Gladiator opinion, i thought Joaquin carried the show but Russel was a necessary ingrediant. Maybe its just because as a kid i had a fascination for rome and grew up watching this somewhat inaccurate movie, but entertaining all the same
rpriley | February 28, 2009 8:29 PM
Im looking foward to Emile Hirsch in the woodstock film, i really hope he gets recognized for his work unlike his more recent films. CAN ANYONE SAY "INTO THE WILD" Also, i can't believe che:part one has recieved barely and attention, i mean c'mon. how the fuck does new york times criticize Soderbergh's potrayel of Che. Maybe no matter what, people will only see him as a icon for communism and angry teenage kids. Maybe downey can clean up his act in sherlock because tropic thunder was dissapointing. I can't believe the academy fell for another Brad Pitt movie, its so predictable, don't get me wrong i loved fight club and what Finch did with it but the entire movie seemed very fake. Please let 2009 be a good year for the acting and not the special effects.
Tereza Perez García | February 28, 2009 2:43 PM
Dear Mr. Travers: I would like so much see in next issue one interview with Mickey Rourke: about his career, his life, his dead dog,his nomitation at Golden Globe,BAFTA and Academy Awards. Please !!!!!!! I love he so much! Did you may make this for me? Thank you so much!
Brian | February 28, 2009 12:53 PM
Titanic had no business beating Good Will Hunting or LA Confidential
SabW. | February 28, 2009 2:34 AM
Jimmy Stewart should have won for 'Vertigo' or even 'Anatomy of a Murder'. I would love to know when they're actually going to release 'The Road'. Read the book and I can't wait for the movie: John Hillcoat and Viggo. Sounds promising...
George | February 27, 2009 9:54 PM
Judi Dench for "Mrs.Brown", instead of for her 10 seconds work in "Shakespeare in Love", the previous year. Classic case of righting one wrong with another.
danielle | February 27, 2009 9:47 PM
i LOVED kramer v kramer and dustin hoffman in it. i dont get why you dont think he deserved it.....
Peter | February 27, 2009 5:03 PM
Jimmy Stewart for "The Philadelphia Story" instead of "Its a Wonderful Life" & "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington;" Nicole Kidman for "The Hours" instead of "To Die For"
V1z1on | February 27, 2009 3:26 PM
All Souls - the auto bio about growing up in Southie in the 60's 70's is one of the best books i've ever read - i could literally see how the scenes might play out in a movie - definitely needs to be made
Savon | February 27, 2009 11:21 AM
Morgan Freeman should have won Best Actor for The Shawshank Redemption. Only ten years later did he win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for Million Dollar Baby. "Oscar justice" does not always move swiftly. I am still waiting for John Sayles to win the Best Screenplay Oscar he should have won for his 1996 film Lone Star.
SabW. | February 27, 2009 1:33 AM
Agree about Scorcese. I mean, Ordinary People over Raging Bull? Rocky over Taxi driver? Dances with Wolves over Goodfellas? The Academy is a joke; winning an Oscar doesn't necessarily mean you've got the best movie. Forrest Gump over Pulp Fiction?! My Fair Lady over Dr. Strangelove?! Really? I actually think Munich is the better movie over Brokeback Mountain and especially Crash. Crash is probably the most overrated movie ever made. The Oscars have no credibility.
Joe | February 27, 2009 12:31 AM
Dion Deebe for Memoirs of a Geisha instead of Emmanuel Lubezki for Malick's The New World.
elessar | February 26, 2009 8:00 PM
Mr Travers:
It sounds like you're anticipating some of the same movies I am. However, I noticed a few that were absent from your list:
Joe Wright's THE SOLOIST
STATE OF PLAY
Steven Soderbergh's INFORMANT
UP
MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS
CREATION
THE DEBT
THE LAST STATION
and, if Spielberg gets around to it...
LINCOLN
I have to say, while summer looks a little barren (save for UP, PUBLIC ENEMIES, and INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS), fall looks excellent. Plus, with AVATAR, we may finally have a film that can fill that special "Big December Film" gap left by LOTR.
Cole M | February 26, 2009 7:37 PM
Renee Zellweger winning for "Cold Mountain" and not even being nominated for her hilarious and heartbreaking turn in "Nurse Betty."
THAT is a crime.
matt09m | February 26, 2009 6:33 PM
speaking of Tilda Swinton, her getting the Oscar over Cate Blanchett in I'm Not There is the real crime. Giving best picture to Crash over Brokeback Mountain was another recent blunder
JSuzart | February 26, 2009 4:58 PM
Tilda Swinton has better performances that what she did on "Michael Clayton", and I agree with Nick V., Scorsese is the best example and everybody wanted to give him the Oscar for the kinda stupid "The Departed".
lala | February 26, 2009 1:59 AM
well there were a couple travesties this year.
penelope over marisa tomei?
cmon please.
music from slumdog millionare won, but music from the wrester wasnt even nominated???
Nick V. | February 25, 2009 11:45 PM
Martin Scorsese for anything he was nominated for before "The Departed", even "The Aviator" showed more of his directorial chops
john r | February 25, 2009 11:33 PM
Peter O'Toole for everything. But mostly for Lawrence of Arabia, The Ruling Class or The Stunt Man. Venus too, but I may be alone on that thought.
Scorsese winning for The Departed was weak. He earned it many times before (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, GoodFellas)
And while Francis Coppola already had a pair from the Godfather films, he should have taken awards home (along with many nominations) for Apocalypse Now.