Skyfall and Lincoln
 

I've long enjoyed the Bond movies, though not so much as I did when I was younger, going with my uncle to them. It was a treat all the way around and we were both also big Sean Connery fans.

Daniel Craig has impressed me as Bond; I didn't think he could pull it off but he's done pretty well with the role. The new movie looks like it will be good, though I'm sure it's long on action and special effects and short on plot and dialogue. ;)

On the other side of the realm is Spielberg's "Lincoln." I've long been a fan of Lincoln and while I wouldn't say I'm an authority (by any standard), I think I've probably read more about him than any other historical figure, save for Jesus. I recall really enjoying Dale Carnegie's biography, "Lincoln the Unknown" as it wasn't your typical bio.

Thus, that's two movies I plan on seeing this holiday season.

What's on your list?

Some friends and colleagues of mine worked on "Lincoln". They all talked about how depressing and unpleasant the atmosfere on set was during filming. Daniel Day Lewis the extreme method actor he is didn't come out of his roll as Lincoln, who was extremely depressed at the end of his life, during the entire time of filming and everything was made sure he wouldn't; creating an unpleasant and dark atmosfere on set.

Besides "Lincoln" and "Skyfall", I'm looking forward to Quentin Tarantino's new "Django Unchained".

Really want to see Argo.

Lincoln was depressed. At one point, he was placed under suicide watch. The man who 'freed the slaves' and 'saved the union' was operating as President of the United States with diminished capacity. And let's not forget that he was first and foremost a LAWYER.

He not only had to press the war but he also had to deal with the death of a child due to, I think, Scarlet Fever.

And to that his wife was a bit unstable.

It would be a lot for anyone to deal with.

As to 'Skyfall', Bond is said to be giving up his vodka for beer in this episode. The rumor in the product placement field is that a $45 million deal was made with Heineken International to feature their Heineken beer.

But from a cost per viewer standpoint that could prove to be a bargain.

I'd put my money on Robert Zemekis and Denzel Washington in "Flight." Considering its from the guy that made Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, Cast Away . . . Who Framed Roger Rabbit . . . at least you know it's going to be original. ;)

I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way . . .

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPbZm7zfIt.../s1600/rr2.jpg

"Flight"
 

I am going to go see this one today, the reviews say Denzel Washington as the excellent pilot with an alcohol problem that sometimes flies drunk, turns in an excellent Oscar-worthy performance;

However, like "Fearless" with Jeff Bridges, the crash scene makes it unlikely to ever show up in the "In-Flight movie" top ten hit parade.

(Understandably).

Did see "the Master" this weekend; passing the Church of Scientology on Sunset blvd on my way home from the movie theatre made it even more surrealistic.

Saw The Master a few weeks ago. I didn't 'like it' when watching it but upon further reflection I think it was a really good movie with powerful performances. We saw The Paperboy last night. A very dark movie.

I came out really depressed; took me a long walk with the doggie to get out of it. But the performance was amazing and I love how Paul Thomas Anderson uses the camera.

Did you like the The Paperboy?

The Master didn't depress me. The Paperboy did. Again, some excellent performances, particularly by Nicole Kidman. But the movie seemed devoid of any semblance of rationality in the motivation of its characters. Locations were good.

Lincoln the movie
 

Just saw this today. A very powerful movie. I loved the wheeling and dealing that went into getting the 13th amendment passed. The guy who played Lincoln did a very nice job. His voice sounded appropriately high as I read Lincoln's was.

Great performances by Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field too.

Great characters I suppose to play as well.

Lincoln was a marvelous combination of idealist, realist, statesman and politician. I most of all appreciate his intentions toward the south after their surrender. If he had lived to carry out the reconstruction the world would most likely have looked a lot different today.

I particularly liked the fact that Tad had a pony pulling his wagon in the whitehouse!

Lincoln's Mary was a gutsy lady who was played sympathetically by Sally Field. Apparently very mentally capable but diminished by mental instability if the portrayal is accurate.

I found myslef teary eyed often during the movie with admiration of the things people had the courage to do and say....along with the obvious tragedy of the war and the loss of family members.

Note on the Gettysburg Address

Its always reassuring to be reminded that in many minds the civil war is not over.

The right to govern themselves and enslave their fellow men, thus depriving those men of any rights whatsoever.

I saw skyfall - I really liked it. I thought it had great production values, some entertaining plot twists, and played homage to the bond classics. I half expected Sean Connery to show up as the estate keeper. :)