The Nutcracker (pre-premier rehearsal)

This afternoon I received the script for my first paid theatrical performance, The Nutcracker. This script is a boring read, but reads to be so interesting in performance. There is extensive audience participation, which in itself is slightly daunting, and in addition the audience is children, mainly school groups. As I read and reread the script, I just see places where I will get hit with a sword in the shin or I will have to lead the volunteer to the right answer. That said, I am excited about the project. Basically, I need to calm down and not count on anything until it happens; if I worry about possible problem, I will overcompensate and trust the director less. The script says it is the forth edition, finished in 2003, so I think the director and the current actors have a pretty good handle on what to expect and will be able to direct me in the appropriate direction. I feel like so much of my experience in LA has been a flop or let-down that I refuse to let myself get excited until something is happening. I excited that I am twelve hours away from this getting started.
Also, side note, the first Nutcracker picture makes me think of Norwegian Winter nights filled with warmth and stories passed down from generation to generation.



This second Nutcracker picture represents where I am, everything is outlined, I just need to add color. I also play four of the parts represented in the picture. There is a second version of this picture that is all colored/filled in, I don't believe I will be adding that in the final post. I wanted to state that so I didn't feel I was working towards some slightly interesting end.

Lawrence of Arabia

Lawrence of Arabia poster
Originally uploaded by bobbychristian

I was told upon arriving in Los Angeles that Lawrence of Arabia is one of the best films of all time, but must be seen for the first time on the big screen. Two years later, I collide with the film on a big screen at the Egyptian Theatre
Before I start talking about the movie, I want to say that the Egyptian Theatre is definitely worth checking out at least once; the people that work there are polite (not in a forced corporate way, but like really polite caring people) the atmosphere, while I can't quite put a finger on why, is mystical (it feels like the golden age of Hollywood just left the seat you sit in).
Now for the movie, I didn't feel the time, but, since facts are facts, it is long, very long. The epic scale of the movie wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be except that it was real life action, which I had to keep reminding myself.
Highlights:
Actors in Black Face: I don't particularly believe black face acting to be racist, but, since most people do, it was cool to see a flashback to old Hollywood.
The Script: While I was watching the film I was surprised by several of the character choices. I don't believe the writing was trying to be different, but it was written in a different atmosphere and different time. The choice that stuck out the most was when Lawrence's original guide through the desert was shot by Sherif Ali. Following the shooting Sherif Ali offered his friendship to Lawrence who turned it down saying "none of my friends are murderers."
Drags
Peter O'Toole: O'Toole did a fantastic job conveying this complex character. That said, there is a quote, "if O'Toole was any prettier the movie would be called Florence of Arabia." That is completely true. He as a ton of 'pretty' shoots in the film. Which brings me to point two.
Make-up: It was a different time, but sometimes the make-up was a little much. This does not contradict my blackface comment.

Overall, the movie is great. The story was so much more complex than I had expected or imagined. Maybe I'm just growing up, but alot of the older epic films I watched in my life have a simple plot which good guys and bad guys and not too much gray area, but this was different. This was one of the few films where I feel a great complication in the character, and I knew Lawrence and O'Toole were struggling to define who they are. There was alot of complex plot to the movie as well, but having such a clear character complication made the movie so much more real. Additionally, I think it's important to state that making the movie more real in this manner didn't take away from the fantasy or the fantastic nature of the story, somehow it strengthened it.

Fred Claus

As the lights dropped down, Jade turned and stated, "Who would bring their kids to this movie?" It then hit me, "This is a kids movie, not Wedding Crashers 2."
Despite my initial misgivings, this film was fun to watch and funny. I also think this is the first 'kids' movie I've seen since I've become an adult that had a truly split audience. I have seen alot of kids movies, but mostly with adult only audiences; being young at heart is different from being young. I can say that there were about six adults in the audience and about 30 kids. I know this because whenever there would be a overly-done sight gag, kids would laugh. When ever there was a good bit of word play, the six adults would laugh.
I think everyone in the audience enjoyed the movie, so i would say due to its diverse audience it was twice as successful as most films.
Vince Vaughn is hilarious, and Paul Giamatti compliments him well.
This film is one everyone who likes to laugh should see.

Be Kind Rewind and Michel Gondry

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Originally uploaded by bobbychristian

Michel Gondry has yet to let me down. All of his work, from his music videos to his short films to his features all show a innovative approach to film making coupled with fresh story ideas. His upcoming film, Be Kind Please Rewind, stars Jack Black and Mos Def. First off, I'm not a huge Jack Black fan, but I think he is talented and the right director can bring out the best in him. Secondly, most film critics forget to mention Mos Def when they recount the rappers turned actors, but Mos Def is awesome.
This movie looks hilarious, new, and has a very promising cast.
I forgot to mention Danny Glover - Danny Glover is in this.

No Country for Old Men

No Country for Old Men Poster.jpg
Originally uploaded by bobbychristian

Last night I made the choice to see "No Country for Old Men. My assessment of the film was a classic Cormac McCarthy, long breaks and character driven; a slice of life film. The acting was amazing, especially Javier Bardem. He was the reason I wanted to see the film in the first place, based on his performance in The Sea Inside. in addition to the acting, the text was so good; each word was so specific; While there was nothing put into the script solely for humor, the 'real-ness' several times got a laugh. There were also points where there was so much tention, but barely anything was said. This is the type of script actors live for.
My girlfriend felt the film was a bit too violent, especially at first; it was not overly gory. My impression of the movie was tainted by two things. First, I was in the mood to feel connected to the characters, and, while I don't like the term 'heart-warming', I wanted to empathize with characters. Second, on the way in, the production company was handing out surveys due to the limited release of the film. I have to admit, whether I like a film or not, I want the original cut/idea, not the studio adjusted version that appeals to a broader audience. Overall, I like this film. It's worth listening to, if not seeing; though some people might find it slow at points ".

LARS and the Real Girl

LARS and the real girl Ryan.jpg
Originally uploaded by bobbychristian

I recently saw LARS and the Real Girl. Usually I wouldn't post a comment about a movie I saw about a week ago, but this movie reminded me what I first liked about film. The story itself is interesting and new, but the bigger impact this film had on me was the connection I felt for the characters. After seeing a few dozen other movies this year without any kind of feeling for the characters, this movie was like a breath of fresh air. Caring for the plight of the characters and feeling affected by their pitfalls and choices really moved me. I definatley recommend LARS and the Real Girl.

Vidi-Greet Round 2

I am roughly two hours away from shooting a second installment with Sandwick Films and Vidi-Greet. In our previous clip, I played a man who resorted to buying a blow-up sex doll once my girlfriend left town. Alas, I did not get to enjoy the sex doll because I was overzealous and pumped her up until she popped. The clip can be seen here:

VidiGreet

Today I will play "Santa in the Bathroom". I not exactly sure what that entails, but I have been told to bring business attire. Anyway, it pays; that's always good. We're shooting at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, which is a far cry from the guest house of the director in which we shot the previous clip. Call time is an early 6:15am. I'm excited to do another clip for this company.