The Brutalist Breakdown: Oscar Predictions and Cinematic Conversations

First on Film and Entertainment, and we have got the whole gang together. We have got Jackie Hamilton, Sandy k Greg King, Peter Kraus, and yours truly, Alex first, and we are going to do this in a very special way because the film that will win the Oscar for Best Film and also Best Director and also Best Actor is where we should be starting now. I want to see whether there's any argument from any of you that the Brutalist will win at least those three awards. Does anyone want to put their hands up and say no, they disagree they won't win those Oscars? Sandy, Okay, so now. I think it probably will win, but my argument would be that it should not. Okay, well, that's a different argument. When we'll get that, we'll get. To that and and down. Okay, okay, so the rest of you, you all agree those three? Possibly, I think Conclaves now has an inside running for Best Film. When you say now has base yet it's. Based on a report from Variety where they interviewed a number of the AMPASS voters and many of them pass. Sorry, a lot of people won't know what AMPASS is. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and scientists. They run the oscars, and so the eleven thousand members of ampass part of the OSCAR voting. And so what variety have found is that the excitement for the brutalist has calmed a little bit. Okay, all right, well I'd still be stunned if it didn't. So talking about that, let's start there, because it's a very long movie. We're talking two hundred and fifteen minutes, which translates to what's that one hundred and eighty thirty five minutes? And the important part of this and I really really like this, and I wonder whether you agree with me and our forty minutes in there is an intermission, and there is a countdown clock. Now I happen to Seed at the Classic Cinema and in Elston week in Melbourne, and every well, I think eighty five percent of the cinema left, basically, and then there was a Q outside the bathroom. Sure, we say, and you've got to get back on time, because the fifteen minutes is indeed just that. Now that's sort of old style. I don't know how far back we go when inhimissions were common in long movies. Peter, you were around about the seventeen hundred, so you'd probably remember when. Yeah, so when, because there were quite a number of movies that used to have missions. And I mean, I think it's really indulgent on the past part of most directors that they have long movies without a break. And I'm not just talking about people who are of a certain age and need a bathroom break. But it's a long sit right, whether it's a theater, whether it's anything. So any admissions are done. Good idea, But we're probably going back, what. To the fifties Peter Well Ten Commandments, Cleopatra. In Arabia, Gone with the Wind? Yes, did God with the Wind have an indimission? Did it? Okay? In some cinemas in the US certainly did have an intermission? Yes, okay? So with I thought, I thought I saw in a small countrytown and I had an intermission too, okay, And now I think it's a darn good idea. Do you Does anybody disagree that any movie that's over a certain length of time, and you know, you can nominate two and a half or three hours, should have an indomission? Do we all agree on that? I don't like the words should I would like. Them to actually let you know at the start that there will be one, because when we went to the preview screening, I wasn't aware that there would be and. I was kind of debating or should I duck out? Now when's a good time there? Are you happy when an intermission, you know, surprisingly came up? And also, like Greg mentioned a country town, then in the smaller venues, it's a great idea for people to pop out and help some candy bar takings. I think, well, it's it's that's It's funny you talk about that because with theater, sometimes relatively short plays have an intermission for that very reason. Okay, Now, having said that, it's extremely frustrating when you're seeing something that isn't very long and they do stick an into mission into it. So I mean, I'm having a bet both ways here. But with regards to a long movie, you know, I gave it a point just just for that. I thought that was a terrific It was an innovative way of looking at it. Because we've seen in the past twelve months, we've seen quite a few movies that are very long. We've seen some other movies that are close enough to three hours, haven't we From recollection and Greg in the past year. Yeah, don't get so excited when you're talking to me, Greg, It's fantastic, Okay. Now, having said that, the narrative in this movie, The Brutal, is very richly woven tale of pain and perseverance. It unfolds in a couple of parts. You've got the first one, which is called the Enigma of Arrival, and the second hardcore of Beauty, and then there's an epilogue, and boy, that is quite an eye opener, so you certainly wouldn't be leaving before looking at that epilogue. The centerpiece is a lauded Hungarian Jewish architect called Laslow Toss, a role filled by Adrian Brody, and despite hardship, he survives the Holocaust, but he separated from his wife, who's the English equivalent name is Elizabeth, played by Felicity Jones, and the young niece of both Elizabeth and Laslow, whose name is Sophia Rafficassidy, is the actor cast in that role. We find out more about what they endured in the film's climax. Now, after the war, with nothing left till in nineteen forty seven, Laslow manages to find safe passage to the United States, and he goes to live and work with his cousin at Tilla Alessandro Nivola, and with Attila's wife, Audrey Emma Laird, run a small furniture shop in Philadelphia, and it's also where Laslow receives word that Elizabeth and Sophia also manage to see out the war, and he naturally hopes he'll be reunited with them. So Attela accepts a special design commission from a man called Harry Lee Duren played by Joe Olwen, who's the son of a wealthy industrialist called Harrison. So the son is Harry, the father is Harrison, and Harrison is a role filled by Guy Pearce, and it appears to be a golden ticket, this design commission, but that job sets him train an ongoing turbulent association between Laslow and Harry and Harrison. So there's real tension in that relationship throughout. And despite Laslow's creative brilliance, despite his passion, he also battles a long term drug addiction. So this is a movie that is epic in nature, and it's a real portrait of elitism and racism. Notwithstanding his achievements and his acumen. Leslow's forever considered an outsider who is not embraced by many and who can be discarded at will. So power plays in The Brutalist are plentiful the movie itself. When I was watching this and Jackie, I think I spoke to you, I think it was after. I don't know whether it was before or after, but I really believed that we were seeing a biopic. I hadn't read anything about it, like you, Peter. I don't like sort of reading about a movie or show before I see it, and I could swear this was real. And yet when I went to look at it sort of in terms of investigating investigating the movie afterwards, I found out that was actually inspired by several real life architects and designers, and it's really meant to be a bit of a celebration of the triumphs and of the most daring and accomplished visionaries. Now, obviously it's very gritty, but that was the intent. And it's been co written with Moana Fastfold by the director Brady Corvett, who did Vox Lux. I remember that movie that goes back what six or seven years, eight years, seven years? Yeah, it's quite I found the brutless remarkable, insightful and distressing. And bear in mind that Adrian Brody has already won an Oscar for the Pianist back in two thousand and three. He won the Best Actor Oscar on that occasion, and I reckon he delivers hugely again, and he really does inhabit the tortured soul of laslow Doth like a second skin, and he im views intof this strong sense of self belief. So he's resourceful, he's proud, he's arrogant, combative, and also deeply troubled. And the other performance, I mean really memorable, turning the movie not as big a role, but still significant. Felicity Jones quite stoic and resolute as his long suffering wife Elizabeth, who continues to endure, and she comes across as intelligent and well considered in the face of physical and mental anguish. Now Guy appears, It'll be interesting to see whether he secures. It's a very strong role. I mean, he brings bigoted privilege to the mega rich Harrison who's prone to fits of peak. And visually there is a grittiness to what we see. The cinematographies by Loyald Crawley, who also shot White Noise, and I thought quite something of the dynamic and dramatic score from Daniel Bloomberg. So I found it unforgettable. I thought it was bold, I thought it was brilliant, and I thought it was a captivating production and unquestionably the finest movie of the last twelve months. So Jackie, I know that when you saw it, you actually said to me you wanted to see it again, So it obviously moved you talk to me about your perceptions of the brutalist. Well, that was the. First thing I thought as soon as I saw it. First thing was I did the same as you. I went rushing to Wikipedia to try and fight and it was actually that true story and because I honestly thought it could have could well have been. And the second thing was, yes, I need to see this again. Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity yet, but I still definitely will, even though today's check is some Really the point of having seen it, I like you felt right from the opening stand this was going to be a real feel of a sweeping epic, you know, a kind of a big screen story kind of unfold over time, really dig deep into these characters, and we got we got what it seemed to be right from the start. It comes not just from the direction. I think the main thing that comes from is, you know, deep in ADM. Brody just draws it out. He's you know, he can't put a foot wrong. This actor total a lister in everything he's ever done, I think, as far as I've seen. Anyway, Sorry, let's me ask you a question, Jackie. It's funny. There are some actors I totally agree with your assessment. Who is the actor Daniel da Lewis who gave up acting? He was another in that category. I mean, there are very few in this pantheon of actors that they tackle roles and you just know that they are going to be OSCAR nominated roles. Are you The immersion that they have in their characters is a touch above and the way they carry their roles. That's my view of it, Jackie, keep going please, he just lifts it and along with that is normally Guy Piers. I've got to admit, not my favorite actor. I find him pretty stilted and wouldn't but in this role, of course, as the industrialist, you need a stilted, wooden person. So he was actually it was actually made for him. I thought, I thought he was very good in it as Harrison. But so to be interjecting and we can't speak about it's still sort of the best part of a month away. But there's a new Australian movie called Inside with Guy Pears as the if not lead, the co lead, and it's a very different role. So it'll be fascinating when you go and see that movie, Jackie to have that comparison to the Guy, because I think he does a really good job of it, but it's a very different characterization. I find he's Guy. Pers in almost everything he does, but in this case, you know he is great. But one of the overriding things for me about The Brutalist was it's actually about architecture, which. I just love, and I love the immersion in that, and I love the obsession with it. In fact, in a way, the obsession with architecture and this project that goes on through the second half of the film almost almost get a reminder there of another film that we might get to talk about that's just start opened, called A Complete Unknown Bob Dylan, about Bob Dylan's obsession with music. So there's a very similar you know, creativity. That comes out of these people. And I just really enjoyed the way this post war. Brutal, brutalist architecture was explored too, and you know, the shock and the you know, getting to know it, and that's there was a lot to you know, just not like about this film, but actually really feel deeply about I thought, and as well as the relationships with the power struggle that comes to quite a ghastly climax at one point, shall we say? And yeah, so big one for me? Yeah, yeah, So, I mean the movie itself, if you take out the fifteen minute edision, three hours twenty minutes. I wasn't troubled by the running time at all, were you not? At all? No? I like a long film, don't have Aireno, Well, Peter, you like long film, Peter. You know if the film went for twelve hours, you'd still be sitting there, right, You wouldn't have gotten out of your seat. So what did you think of the Brutalist Look? I liked it very much. It is an impressive film. I'm not quite as enamored by it as other people are, even though it is very impressive. I mean, for example, early in the film, there is some clunky dialogue at times, which I felt could have been refined a little bit more, because the first act does go on a little bit, and what Corbet has used is some rather unusual camera angles to sort of mimic the sort of the brutalist style of architecture, I suppose, So look, I thought that was great. Some cinemas are screening the original VistaVision print of the film. VistaVision was a widescreen format that was introduced in the nineteen fifties, was very short lived, and Corbet wanted to reinvigorate Vista just to show the wide elements of how he shot the film. And I thought that was very effective. Guy Pierce, Yes, I agree, is very good. He won't win the Oscar though kan Culkin has that sewn up for a real pain. But I think the performances are very good. Overall. I think it goes too much into the financial sort of aspect and not enough into the architectural aspects of what brutalism is. Yes, I know it's not a bio pick of a real person. It's an amalgam of a number of architects who worked in the brutalist sort of fashion. Look there's a lot to admire in the film. I liked it very much, However, I wasn't one hundred percent enamored by it. Fair enough, well, I mean we should talk a little bit. You've touched on it in terms of the brutalist architecture and what that style is urged. Really, it emerged to me during the fifties, didn't it. I mean from recollection sort of reconstruction projects of the post war era. It was sort of UK based. That's my understanding. Do you have a different understanding. I mean that's largely true. America adopted it very quickly too, with its skyscrapers and the sort of approach that it's all very tough sort of architecture. It or looks quite awful on the surface, but of course it contained some great designs internally. Yeah, it was sort of I believe that it sort of was a reaction against the nostalgia of architecture in the nineteen forties. That's sort of from the modernist movement. That's kind of where it emerged from. Because I don't think when you look at the title, even though if you don't make the association, I think you'd come out of it and say, well, why is it called the brutalist right if you don't make the link to the architecture, so unpleased. At least we've discussed that, now, Okay, it was a. Post war when the economic times they didn't have, you know, the money for fancy buildings. Yes, it was, that's true. Yeah, very well, put Jackie, because if you look at the style, if you look at what Laslow is, I'm sorry, the use of concrete, the use of concrete, Yes, it's very it's very simple and in some respects, mind you the centerpiece of it. I thought again, the use of the sun and all that sort of stuff was pretty pretty special, quite frankly. Now, okay, let's let's go to you Greg in terms of your thought process. You just saw it recently, didn't you. Yeah. I went and saw it on the forty two degree day at the Nova Cinema, four hours into Shade. Yes, very clever of you. Okay, so did you. Definitely, But I'm not as the enamory of this film as you are. It's or anyone else you're not, or I'm not bestide commandment. I much preferred a completely unknown for me as a better film anyway. But the Brital is a film that certainly deserves to be seen on the big screen anyway, because it looks good as in a bold and ambitious film, addressing a lot of weighty scenes which I already mentioned, you know, the immigrant experience, that sense of cultural displacement, and the Sarah American dream and lots more there. And there's even some usual footage in here that gives us some insight into this industrial period of America in this era there. But I thought Cobby's Corbett's direction was a bit unhurried. The film likeapped the sense of urgency. The production design certainly gave us a strong sense of place there and loal crawl is west taking and often bleak cinematography. He captures some sark imagery. Of these architectural structures, and as I think you've mentioned, they're often shot from strange and just orientine, just orienting di orienting angles. And I thought it music the color palette gave with you a little bit of a gritty edge too. I want to called the Brutalist because of its punishing run time. Actually, and you hush, yeah, thank you. I thought the leagues were really but you are spoken about that how this Ronie and Peers had probably never been better in their careers. Brodye captures Leslow's flaud character. He immerses himself in his driven nature, his addictions, his paranoia, his ambition and arrogance, and even his pain. James was also strong as the long suffering there's a bit capturing her intelligence and storied nature. And I thought, I sorry, Greg, let me just seem to introject you've called it is a bit, which is actually her name I used just so people won't get confused. The English equivalent was Elizabeth, right, so it's a bit Elizabeth. Sorry, keep going. And I thought he has bought an early quality of his performances to suave but bittered van Buren there, and he gave this character a sinister edge here now my things. On the title of brutalist. It does refer to Leslow's character. Through his love of concrete and no stark billingsare, but to also refer to Van Buren's character because of some of his actions here, his nasty, tingy as yeah, and also the fact that he sort of likes to be in control, dominating and masked with his own universe. So there you go. But yeah, but a film with his punishing run time, epic sweep and what are her seeings? And bleak outlook and something you've solved to sit through? And I must admit the second half of Me fell away, and I found my mind wandering a little bit during this second half of the film, which I found not as compelling as the first half, and I felt that the film lost its way by the end. Really it's interesting, Okay, I disagree with that. What about the epilogue because I thought the epilogue was really eye opening? Mystery is good, but basically, no, no, okay, didn't do it? Now? Okay, Sandy, you have also seen the Brutalers, so we're on this pantheon all this line from brilliant to sort of Okay, do you see it? Well? I think it's a bit better than okay, and quite a let loss a lot less than brilliant. Did I don't want to go on too long about it, because I think we've all talked about it. But I think if you walk in there with high expectations, as I did, you are bound to be disappointed. If you were lucky enough to see it. Without any expectations, I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised. I'm not particularly into architecture. I think Adrian Brody does a great job in his role. I hated Guy Pierce. I thought his acting was absolute shite, So I didn't I think it could have been cut by at least half an hour or forty five minutes. And I don't have any problem with long movies, particularly if they have an intermission. But it didn't hold my attention the whole way. I thought there were long, long. Holes on shots that weren't necessary, that didn't really connect to my emotions at all. I wasn't really drawn into it. I can see what you're all talking about who love it, But I think there are better movies out there for the number one position on the Oscars for sure. Wow, Okay, m I rated two hundred and fifteen minutes, as we've said, three hours thirty five, with a fifteen minute in division one hour forty minutes in called the Brutal List. So Sandy, let's start with you because we'll get a score out of ten, and this will be fascinating given what you've just said, so we're well, I think i'll give it a seven. Yeah, okay, well that's not a bad mark, but it's a it's not great, it's like a slightly. It's like it's sent me above average. But you know, we seven out Greg, Sorry, Greg, you what about you? I'll do it ship sir. In ten. Oh my golly wow. The second half they just forced me in the second half. Sorry, gee whiz okay, Peter, nine out of ten for me and Jackie. Well, can I just say, Greg, I noted that you said you felt as though it left the sense of urgency, but I don't think it was that kind of film, So that didn't worry mate. When you already know that it's going to be a long. Film, you're not really expecting an urgent pace through the film, or at least I wasn't. So that would be my reaction to what you mentioned there, especially in the last second half. A settled into it. And definitely a nine out of ten from me for the Brutalist, right, and I'll go high mark here, nine and a half out of ten for the Brutalist. And I would urge people to see it because it's a special piece of work. You are on JAM and please contribute to the station. Fifty four bucks a year gets you membership and yes, we thrive on that because the station needs money to survive. So if you feel so inclined, twenty four to seven are programming hopefully a bit of intelligence, a bit of fun, and lots of good music. So let's talk about the movie that Jackie just referenced, a complete unknown, the Bob Dylan part by opic, and it's emerated. This one is also a long film at two hours twenty one minutes without an intermission. And also this. One didn't the time, A new one didn't bother me at all. I was talked the whole time. But okay, so Greg, let me start there. You are a Bob Dylan fan, yes, no, but I like some of his music, Okay, all right, So. I've never seen him live, even though he's been out here about four times. Okay, yeah, and you do go along and see quite a bit of music. So okay. Having said that, do you think that if you do not, if you're not a Bob Dylan fan, do you think you can appreciate this movie and enjoy it? Yes you can. There's an enjoyable film, and a concentration about four years of his life early career. Gives it a strong focus. Now is now? Yeah, and the music's great as well, Sandy, you are somebody who loves your music. Where does Bob Dylan sit in your your head in terms of of talent? And are you interested in him, you know, as a musician compared to others. The only the only album I like from Bob Dylan is his very last one, this latest one that he put out a couple of years ago. Now, I've never been a fan. Of his music. I do like his poetry, but I could never stand his voice. I think, in my opinion, should have stuck to writing lyrics and maybe maybe done a book rather than some a whole bunch of songs. But I get his appeal for people who could live with that. I like this movie, although it was too music driven for my taste. That's interesting. So it's too music driven where and a lot of you a lot of what you like his music. So yeah, but I. Don't like his music. I don't like very much from that folk era or music. Maybe that's my age. I'm a little bit too young for that era. But some of it I liked, but there was Yeah, I didn't really love the music. All that much. This I liked the story, I liked the the his journey. I liked his kutzpah and and his confidence and his cheekiness. I didn't like the way he treated women, particularly. I didn't think that the woman, the actress playing Joan Baiers. Did that very well. In terms if she was much better looking than Joan Baiers with whom Bob Dylan had a scene. I had no problem with that whatsoever, Sandy. We liked the way she looked. Yeah, okay, but it. Wasn't Sorry, that's a very resisious thing to say. I thought I thought her voice was extraordinary. I really did you not think she had a good voice? I just didem'ed like what they were singing. I mean, I just I kind of you sat there through the songs and wanted to get back to the action. I like. I like. By the way we're talking about Monticaro was what was the machine top gun? The most recent top Gun? Is that? Why? That's that's back of my head somewhere, Peter. Do you know whether Monica Bomaro was in the most recent top Gun movie? I don't know. I'd have to look it up. That's all right, No, No, that's fine. All right. Well, let's talk a little bit about the film just so we've got a bit more of a context. So it focuses, as Greg said, on what he did and how he did it between nineteen sixty one and sixty five, so it's a very finite period, the very early days. And he sort of arrives unannounced with a guitar in hand, this nineteen year old kid. Yeah, I'll just interrupted Alis. She wasn't top gun Maverick. Oh, thank you, Greg, I appreciate our good Okay, Yeah, I don't know why, just so yeah, okay. Now he seeks out the legendary Woody Guthrie, who is in a veterans hospital in New Jersey, and with Guthrie alongside him, is a fellow. So focusing here of renown in Pete Seeger and Dylan plays Guthrie, who is in a really bad way. He's unable to speak. He's actually got Huntingdon's disease. He plays Guthrie a song that he wrote especially for him, and both Seger and Guthrie immediately recognize his talent. Seger is the one who actually opens doors for him, and without pretense, with just raw talent, Dylan taps into the culture of that time, and we're talking about eighty war and civil rights activism being prominent. So the US is sort of grappling with profound social, political, and cultural upheaval. Now Dylan's rise is meteoric, so too is his discomfort with the fandom that follows, notwithstanding his pleasure to receive the endorsement of one of the biggest names at that time, Johnny Cash and the film, and this is again where Sandy references his relationships. The film explores Dylan's intimate relationship, so specifically, it covers his time with an artist and freedom fighter called Sylvie Russo. Now I didn't better. You might be able to explain this, and you usually go a little bit of depth there. Sylvie Russo is a surrogate for the real life Sues Rottolo. So I don't understand why they wouldn't have used the Sues Rottolo rather than Sylvie Russo. Do you have any understanding of that? Pardon me, sus didn't let them use their name of some sort of legal Ah okay, all right, thank you, I feel well informed now, So okay, So there were those two characters, Joan Biez of course being the other, and Dylan is very much painted as this wandering soul who was sickle in affairs of the heart. And although he was wholeheartedly embraced by the folk music movement, the movie A Complete Unknown shows how he upset the status quo by adopting the electric guitar. Right, that was a no no as far as the folk movement was concerned. So everything comes to a head at the nineteen sixty five Newport Folk Festival. So you know, that's kind of it's that's the zenith I feel like of the film, and I really enjoyed it. I thought it was a really captured the essence of one of the most accomplished singer songwriters in history. Co written with Jay Cox, who did Silenced by the director of the film James Mangold. Very fine director actually for Versus Ferrari was an excellent movie as well that he did, and his dedication to authenticity I've found really impressive. The look that the feel, the sound of the times all captured very skillfully. And as Dylan wrote, dare I use a cliche, the times they are a change and the actors and this is what really I thought that at a brilliant job. They did their own singing and playing and because of COVID, they basically had five years to work on this and that really has paid off. Vocally, they're awesome, and of course the music. While the music is that the hits and the less and no numbers. And I happen to be a huge Dylan fan, so I don't need to say any more than that. But even if you're not, I think this story is really beautifully told. And Timothy Chalomay is quite luminous as the enigma that is Bob Dylan. He's driven by the beat of his own drum, and he's aloof he's restless, he's unrelenting. And you've got el Fanning wearing her heart on a sleeve of Silvie Russo, who time and again had her heart broken and her adoration and her disappointment clearly on show. And I've mentioned Monica Babaro melifluous that the tone in her voice she's I found her quite what's the word revelatory as baias Joan Bias. I could readily lose myself in those golden tonsils any day. I'd actually go to a concert that she gives. Her voice is that powerful and that good. And I really like Edward Norton as Pete Seeger painted as sort of one of the good guys whose love of the art form folk music knows no bounds. And Scoot McNair is is quite a tragic but revered figure as the ailing Woody Guthrie, and Boyd Holbrook imbues Johnny Cash with muscularity. So I reckon this is a very very fine James Mangold is to be congratulated. Timothy shallamay ol. It captures the essence of a musical genius who refused to be tamed. So let's start with you on this one, Peter, what did you think of a complete unknown? I was very impressed by the film because as a biopic it wasn't afraid to be a warts and all sort of characterization of Bob Dylan and the way he did treat women, et cetera, which was very stand offish. Look, it's remarkably well production designed. Certainly the sixties are really well evoked, and all the actors, as he said, are excellentists, especially the ones who were singing for themselves rather than being dubbed. And chalamay is superb in the in the title role. Was I really like this film? I'm not a great Bob Dylan fan, but I was impressed by the story and by the characterization, and by the sixties time period and how he slotted in to that time period. So yep, I highly recommend a film. And Sandy, you start off with some remarks. What more can you say about a complete unknown? Sandy? Yeah, sorry, sorry, I really did like it. It's a great story. His life is super interesting, especially during that period, and how you revolutionized the whole music industry is just fascinating. I hated the casting of the guy who played Johnny Cash. I thought that was really bad, but I will go along with you with everybody else apart from apart from what's her name was cast well to Bayers, thank. You character you okay? Yeah, but I thought in saying that the acting was great, the singing was great. I did. I did really enjoy it. And it's a long movie, but it didn't feel like a long movie because you wanted to keep watching and see what happened. That moved along very well. I enjoyed it. Now, Greg, you said you like this more than the Brutalist. Yes, I did, but there's any justification I reckon. Timothy Shell made deserves an Oscar. But yeah, it he in habits to carry with Bob John From the first time you see him on screen with that hat, carrying a guitar and jacket, which is straight off one of his album covers, you accept this is Bob Dylan. Isn't it. I mean we talked about great actors. Timothy shallow may is certainly from I think it was twenty seventeen that he came on board with Call Me by Your Name, and boy did he announce himself. And it's hard to believe he's for such a strong career. He's only a young guy, right, I mean we're relatively young guy, so you know, he hasn't been around forever. But what he touches seems to turn a gold and you know, I commend him for that because you know he's had a huge impact, more than most his age, don't you agree. Yeah, well, it's just amazing now that Adrian radio wife when he won. His first SOS cut, Well I believe he's only twenty nine, isn't is that? So that was aiding Roy wife when he won his first So yeah, okay, anyway, Look, we've had a number of music bio pips in recent years. Things like Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocketman, Elvis better Managecter. But I think A Completely Unknown is one of the best entries in this subgenre, and the fact that it concentrates on one sort of pivotcul period in his life, rather than following his entire story, gives the film a stronger focus. And Eve, if you're not a particular fan of. Dylan Rory's music, this is an absorbing biopic that a chemps to capture the essence of this thing is prickly elusive and reclusive personality there. And I thought Timothy E. Challer May. In Habits of Charactery highlights the contradictions and contrary nature of Dyllian's character. He deliver was his most impressive performance today, I. Think, And in the fact that he does his own singing, he captures Dylan's particularly distinctive nasally style. Added to the. Film, I thought, and I agree ed Norton was superb as Seega, bringing an essential air of distancing integrity to the character. I thought, even though you don't like even though. Sandy didn't like Boyd Horrook as Johnny Cashier, he did capture his signature shotgun style guitar playing though, And I like the film, I thought, and Peter's mentioned the period detail is really beautifully done there. The cinematography Immerses is into this aesthetic of New York in the early sixties where it's smoke, film, music clubs and all that kind of stuff. And I thought, I like chat Change Mangbol as a director. I think his mascular direction and attention to detail works for this film. And the soundtrack is later with plenty of hits from the era. So yeah, I like this film for me. It's one of the rest films for the years so far. Now I want to ask you about Monique Babari. You haven't commented on her. That's saying he didn't sort of appreciate this. All right as John Bayers? Yeah, okay, fair enough? And what about sorry, Greg, I've got nothing really about drained by his to compare or with. So I'm sure she did a job of capting her m hmm. The well Jackie, you and Dylan and what what do you think of a complete unknown? I'm a Gyllan fan. I've seen him in Melbourne Live twice. Yeah, yeah, did he have his back to when he played? So? Did he did he have his back to you when he played? Did he have his back to me when he played? He has many times performed on stage and had he's back to your Had he's back to the audience. All the time? Oh he didn't, another guy, isn't he? Yeah, when he was at Blues Fester about three or four years three or four years ago. Apparently he's had his back to the audience the whole time you play. So is that is that about the fandom thing that is obviously captured that he does uncomfortable? Yeah? Yeah, or he is a lootiss on stage? Yeah? Okay, Jacky excellent film. It captures that era, It captures the vibe and the era and this young man sort of you know, launching himself out into the music world. His obsession with music is what really comes through in this film. And I think that you mentioned, you know, him being thickle with women and that like he was nineteen twenty twenty. One, you know, you know a lot of young guys. I didn't think it. I didn't think that said his character so much. It showed what he was up to, yes, but I. Didn't judge him really really. Okay. That stuns me actually, because I must admit I have felt the same way as Andy. I thought, you know what a heel I like clearly the amalgam character that he treated her shamefully. I didn't think there was any excuse for that anyway. Yes years old, okay, So I've got no idea. You know, I don't know his background and how he was brought up, et cetera, et cetera, but he kind of he sort of stamped all over her, and I just didn't think that was appropriate. But anyway, that's just me. Well, maybe he. Wasn't one hundred percent passionately in love with her, and you know, there were intimate conversations that this film doesn't make us privy toy. So anyway, that didn't worry me so much. It was an interesting. Part of his growth period here, and talking of it being, as Peter said, just a very short period of his life really intensified it for me. And I would see this film again for every four year period of Pop Killen's life if it was done as well. As Part seven of Villains. How old is he now? Is eighty three or something? Right? Eighty five? Okay, So Jackie, you can break that up for me, shall you? Three and so I'm going. To interrupt, this film works much better as a film about Dylan that thing I'm not there, the one where from Tom's six different. I agree, Yes, yeah, it's it's much more use of frowd should. We what do you have? An insightful I thought? I wonder, wonder? Sorry, both of you agree. One of the things that struck me though we talked about this, that he had they had five years, if you like, in terms of perfecting their singing and whatever. I think that was a luxury that you know, very few filmmakers have, and it just because because of the times, I think that made it a better film. Do you not agree with that? I'm tired, and I. Don't know whether the time made it a better film or not. I think it's just the way to it all hang together worked. From the film in as much as obviously, if you're going to suddenly adopt the singing of somebody who still exists, that's a hell of a it's a hell of an ask right not only to sing, but actually sing. In that same show, you've. Got the bipits like better Man of Robbie Williams who is still around, Rocketman about Elton John who's still around, so that doesn't seem. To be an issue. Okay, sorry, Jackie, please go ahead. I agree with you, Alex. I think that was one of the pivotal things about this film that I was gobsmacked when I first heard Timothy Chalomy singing with Dylan's voice. I was blown away. I thought he was just spot on with that, and it really showed a commitment to his craft in that, and the guitar work as well, and the what's that thing called the harmonica monitor work that he did as well. Was very pleased you mention that, Jackie, because that really was it was very special. Yeah. I agree, And of course it was. Also covered that period of time when you know, as he rose in fame, you know, quite dramatic and and was dealing with that to then turn his back on folk music. This is the critical point of the film to you know, sort of about two thirds. Through and goes electric. You know, how his relationship with his passionate huge following really turns there. That's I found that interesting. One thing I would have liked more of there was some uh some relationship with him finding his protest voice and singing and that becoming very popular in the current of which saw some of the current affairs that was that on the TV usually. Was where it came up. I would have liked even more of that, you know, more setting in. The times, more of what was going on. And I think that could feel be more but but nevertheless it was well done that way. Terrific. Okay, So let's get some scores. Let's start with you, Sandy, Complete Unknown. It's M rated. It's one hundred and forty one minutes, two hours, twenty one score out of ten, eight eight out of ten, okay, Greg Greek King nine out of ten, Peter nine out of ten, from me, Jacqueline nine out of ten, and eight and a half from me. Well, there's a strong consistency there that is most impressive. A complete Unknown on Jaya. You're talking to Alex First and Jackie Hamilton, to Sandy Kay, to Peter Kraus and to Greg King. Now Maria talking about biopics, et cetera. Embrated two hours and three minutes. The lauded American born Greek opera singer Maria Kallis, who lived from nineteen twenty three to nineteen seventy seven, so a relatively short life. Her final days are captured in this movie, and by then her famed soprano voice has gone and she hasn't performed in years, and she's played by Angelina Jolie. She's holed up in her luxury Paris apartment with her her two loyal staff for Ruccio and Bruna, along with a couple of small dogs. I'm sure you would appreciate that, Jackie. Anyway, she's popping pills as if their lollyes and having frequent hallucinations, and she pines for the love of her life, shipping magnate Aristotle onasses. Now, a television crew led by an interviewer called Mandrax, filled by an Australian actor called Cody Smith McPhee arrives to film a documentary on her life and she's prevailed upon to make one final attempt at singing like she used to, which proves futile. Now in her mind, she remains the diva for which she was noted as being, and she can be aloof, she can be dismissive, indignant, but she still covets atiation. So it's very much an interpretation of Callus's end by the writer Stephen Knight and the director Pablo Lorraine, who also collaborated on I Might Say on Spencer, and it flits between black and white and color interspersed with actual footage of callous performing, and the picture of painters is hardly a pretty one. The film reveals how she met and was pursued by Aristotle Onasses while she was still married, and it details how he did not want her to sing, and it harks back to her difficult, impoverished childhood with her sister and how she was estranged from her mother. And it's difficult discern how much of what's presented is actually fact and how much is fiction. One thing is clear hers was hardly a trouble free life, and while watching Marie, I couldn't help but think of Loraine's earlier biopic Jackie, that was on the first Lady Jacqueline Kennedy on as Eventually, there are similarities in style, elements of fantasy and whimsy, and Angelina Jolly inhabits the soul of callous with style. She sings well. Although I wasn't always sold on the lip syncing. I found that troubling, especially early on. I appreciated the representation of the man servant for Ruccio and basically, he tried everything possible to try to help Callous in spite of herself. Having said that, it became perfectly clear that the end was near, and she do what she ultimately wanted to do. Ultimately, there's a turbulence and sadness about Maria the film and its representation of a fated songstress who lived for the stage and has shown in this movie. She soared and then she stumbled. So, okay, let's do a comparison here, Jackie, what did you think of Maria compared to a complete unknown and Maria on its own? Oh, Alexa barely gave Maria a pass? Really? Okay? Dollars dishwater? Yeah? Yeah, so you wanted, you wanted more, you wanted There wasn't enough substance to it. Is that what you say? You said? It's time too hard to be mysterious? And artists, I think, and I didn't feel as though I got to know the person. And even Angelaine Shaley is highly respect as an actress. I think she's amazing. She just didn't look right in this. Maybe she was too beautiful or maybe she was. Real that's interesting, Okay. I actually thought she represented Callus very very well. I kind of wondered whether the whole idea of I'm not sure how many months it represents, but you know, the focusing on the end of her life and whatever. I kind of wondered whether that was the right choice. Actually, I don't know whether you thought that while you were watching it. I think I agree with you, or that there's definitely something off about it that just didn't didn't get into me. Yep, okay to jet I was going to call you next to Anyways, Where's Go? This movie focuses only on the last week of her lifetly, only the last seven days, which seems to be a very strange choice for somebody who ultimately dies. Right. It's very very dark, and I didn't get a sense. Of the joy that Maria Callis either felt while she was singing. In her in her heyday or the joy she gave to an audience. So there was no there was no cutting into the timeline to kind of reflect on what she had been. What we see is a very sorry woman. I don't think Angelina Jolie was the right woman to play this part. She does play it quite well, but she doesn't look anything like Maria Callis. Maria Callis was charted. As being one of the most beautiful women in the world. But with the end credits role and you see what she actually looked like. I kind of found myself going why because she was no beauty in my humble opinion, But. I didn't think. I mean, I think Angelina Jolie is a very attractive lady. Yeah I do, but she didn't look a thing like Maria Callis. I think there are a. Whole lot of actresses out there that could have sometimes doesn't matter, you can believe anyway if they didn't. And I thought that that Angelina was way too skinny. Now I do know that Maria Callis lost a whole lot of weight between nineteen fifty three and ninety four. That made it harder for her to support her vocal parrots. All about her losing this voice of hers and not being able to sing anymore. Right. She suffered from. A disease called dermatomysotis, which is an auto autoimmune disease that causes muscle inflammation and weakness difficulty swallowing. She was nearly blind on stage. She couldn't see anything anymore. She had a neuromuscular disease She was also clearly addicted to speed and other sedatives, and she was overworked. She was a shell of her former self, which is okay if that's the bit of her that you want to explore. Personally, if it was my life, I wouldn't want my worst bits highlighted like that. I've at least pay some attention to my best bits. And that's what the director did, both with the Jackie film and with the Princess Diana. One that he did too. It wasn't all just darkness. To make a film about you. Will remember you saying that we'll focus on your best bit sake, thank you, Jackie. That would be great, and it was very diplomatically put as well. I thought's any we'll focus on your best bits. But there you go. Having having said that, it's the down nature of this that you seem to be picking up on that makes it a hard watch. Is that what you're saying? Well, it was. It was all dark. There was no light and shade about it at all. It was just all shade, and as a result, it's pretty boring. I mean I didn't really give it. Damn. Whether she died today or in a few days time, Okay. Fair enough there you go straight to the point, Peter, are you going to give it any any greater credence than we have thus far? Well. I admire the director Pablo Lorraine because this is the third part of his trilogy dealing with prominent women who in the last week or so of their life had to deal with a number of personal issues. And so I think after Jackie and Spencer and then now with Maria, he's done a reasonable job in trying to portray that. And yes, Maria's last week or so of her life is somewhat darker. It's interesting to note that this is a semi remake of a film that was made twenty years ago. Would start Fanny Adult as Maria Callous, which also dealt with the last week of her life, but dealt with it in a somewhat more positive sort of way. And there was an excellent documentary Maria by Callous about seven years ago, which dealt with the whole persona of Maria Callous. So I didn't mind this film. I thought he'd done a reasonable job in trying to portray the personal issues that she had to deal with in the last week of her life. I just didn't feel that it was a strong enough depiction of Maria Kallis, and yes we had to see the real Maria Kallos in the newsreels and so on at the end of the film to have perhaps a bit more understanding of who she was, although not not particularly much. The Cody smit McPhee character was totally unnecessary and was a device put in just to show that she wanted to talk about her life, but it was just it didn't do anything for me, So look overall, a mild disappointment, but nevertheless, there's enough in the film to admire, and I think Angelina Joly did a reasonable job in trying to mimic the last week of Maria Kallis's life. Now, Greg, we're short on time. I'm sorry to say that to you, but what were your thoughts about Maria. I thought it a super gamb didn't do anything more. The multiple different formats you use, you know, jumps in time. There is no real idea of what time frame we're in. Half the time and that character that you alluded to, Peter, the Cody Smith mcfree character named man Rex. I read somewhere that that's actually the name of a drug that Maria Calis was on. That's where that name came from. Shit, he was just a big minute of her imagination. Yeah. I didn't like this film at all. When you're compared for complete unknown, this is. Awful. Okay, So Greg, what are you kiving Maria? Which is m run for two hours three minutes out of ten? Do four hour ten? Four out of ten? Okay, Sandy, I'll give it. Five and a half, just because I'm that kind of person. Yeah, they going to person, Okay. Jacqueline, Well, I gave it fast five and a half. Two okay, two five and a half. Peter, I gave it six out of ten because there are some aspects of it that I admired, and as seven. Out of ten. So there we go. All right, So compared to the others, this is not Oscar witting material. Let's be honest. That's what we're all saying. Look, it's been a real pleasure, guys, Thank you very much. Indeed, it's so much better to get you not that it is male and female, but it's really great to have a greater sense of balance than we often do. So thank you very much, indeed for your contribution. Jackie, Sandy, Greg and Peter and we will do it again very very soon. First, on film and entertainment, Enjoy yourselves, go to the movies. Enjoy going to the films and being dark in places. Speak to you very soon.