tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569750317755310322.post1267454904421453358..comments2023-11-19T04:43:33.827+11:00Comments on Matt vs. the Academy: 1964 - My Fair LadyMatt Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317583098531787395noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569750317755310322.post-79020515193319683092010-02-01T00:23:28.319+11:002010-02-01T00:23:28.319+11:00My Fair Lady was the only nominated film I did not...My Fair Lady was the only nominated film I did not see in 1964. In fact, I don't believe I ever watched it all in one sitting. So, I can thank Matt vs. The Academy for getting me to watch it on DVD. I have seen Pygmalion a number of times over the years.<br /><br />Just about everything in it can be considered classic, from the sets, costumes, score to the acting and direction. I'm sure Julie Andrews would have shined in the role, but Audrey Hepburn was stunning. She may have been a little old for the part, but you'd never tell it watching her youthful beauty on screen. I also could have done with a few less "Ow! I'm a good girl, I ams." As for the dubbing of Marnie Nixon, it was very well done. Certainly the looping was seamless - much better than Stanley Holloway's job he did on his own voice for "Get Me to the Church on Time." Cukor should have reminded him that he needed to mouth the words all the way through while dancing. <br /><br />I don't usually think of Rex Harrison when considering the great British thespians, but he was perfect for the part. I kept picturing the other's that were considered (Grant, O'Toole) and even thought about Olivier, Niven and Burton, but I don't think they would have topped Harrison.<br /><br />I'd have to say that with all the famous songs, it isn't anywhere near my favorite musical score. Nice as they are, I prefer the melodies of Richard Rodgers to Frederick Loewe. I wonder what Rodgers and Hammerstein would have turned out (they were offered the job first). <br /><br />So, now I can check off one of the few remaining Best Picture Winners I had never seen in its entirety. <br /><br />Have fun with Colonel Pickering, Matt. I understand there's a possibility of a film remake with Kiera Knightly. The IMDB boards are pushing for Michael Caine or Hugh Laurie for Higgins, but I think another Hugh - Hugh Jackman would be a good choice. So, knock 'em dead and maybe we'll see you up on the big screen, singing "Why Can't the English?" with one of the Hughs.Mike Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14953461679716236054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569750317755310322.post-16120233833068344972010-01-31T13:05:41.146+11:002010-01-31T13:05:41.146+11:00To comment first on you Nominations predictions - ...To comment first on you Nominations predictions - all 20 exactly match mine. I'd say amazing, but there appear to be many other Oscar geeks that match us as well. The lead acting choices are particularly set this year. The only other name that crops up fairly regularly is Emily Blunt (The Young Victoria) in place of Helen Mirren. Last night I watched Bright Star, and must say Abbie Cornish was very good and quite deserving herself. <br /><br />As for the pictures, I guess there are three or four others that may creep into the 6 to ten slots. Sometimes, big performances carry over to picture nominations, so Crazy Heart and/or The Blind side could sneak in. Personally, I was hoping that expanding to ten titles would open the door to films that were often marginally excluded before. The animated UP is the most probable this year, but wouldn't it be interesting if a foreign film like The White Ribbon or Summer Hours, or perhaps a documentary such as Anvil gets in. I think last year's Man on Wire would have been a strong contender if released this year. <br /><br />I'll comment on My Fair Lady in another post.Mike Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14953461679716236054noreply@blogger.com