Despair Time For 1.85 Fascists

There’s a five-minute visual essay on Criterion’s new On The Waterfront Bluray called “On The Aspect Ratio.” It explains why Criterion went with three aspect ratios — 1.66 (the preferred default version), 1.33 and 1.85. Here’s the narration. I’m warning the 1.85 fascists right now that they won’t like it. This is the end of … Read more

Rape of Sid’s Old Palace

The sight of Chinese theatre co-owners Elie Samaha and Don Kushner at this morning’s Robert DeNiro handprint ceremony reminded me of their reported plans to rip out the original orchestra seating and install stadium seating. The Chinese is not just a landmark but a church, a cathedral, a place of worship. And a few months … Read more

Standing In Cold Wind

Gold Derby‘s Tom O’Neil and I kicked around the post-DGA situation this morning. Here’s the mp3. It’s okay, nothing special. The only thing that came out of it, really, is an agreement that with Ben Affleck out of the running for the Best Director Oscar, Academy voters will probably give it to Steven Spielberg as … Read more

Patience of Job

This is a nice, generic, hit-the-basic-points interview with Silver Linings Playbook costar Robert De Niro. A piece for someone who’s just arrived from the Planet Neptune and has never heard of DeNiro before. But honestly? I can’t stand the narration and the questions posed by interviewer Lee Cowan, and particularly his unctuous manner. His smile, … Read more

Feet In Cement

This morning I attended a Grauman’s Chinese handprint ceremony for Silver Linings Playbook costar and Best Supporting Actor nominee Robert De Niro. Bobby D is doing all he can to out-promote his main competitor, Lincoln‘s Tommy Lee Jones. (TLJ snagged SAG’s Best Supporting Actor award so watch out.) De Niro’s Analyze This costar Billy Crystal … Read more