Yes, No, Maybe So: "Albert Nobbs"

It's our tradition here at the Film Experience to manage our expectations for new movies by forcing ourselves into yes, no, maybe so breakdowns of trailers. Since we're obviously a yes on Albert Nobbs  --"Glenn Close is not going to be ignored, Fan"-- for reasons of genesis, Oscar, LGBT loyalty, and its Glennderful nature and since we've talked about the movie enough without yet seeing it, let's do things differently. This Trailer begs for a different sort of compartmentalization. It's almost like a trailer in four acts. Is it purposefully channelling its own internal identity crisis?

They had personal trainers in 19th century? Aaron Johnson is comfortable naked...

It starts out like a frothy period comedy 0:01-0:41 (oh haha!. Remember how much you love Downton Abbey and Gosford Park?!)

Glenn isn't nearly as willing to take her clothes off!

...moves into identity crisis drama 0:42-1:12 (Mr. Albert Nobbs is actually a woman named 5 time Oscar nominee Glenn Close and Mr. Hubert Page is actually a woman named Oscar nominee Janet McTeer!)

Jane Eyre clearly thinks Rochester's a better kisser than Nobbs.

...and then tips over the edge into total chaos 1:13-2:09 like it's an uncomfortable mashup between a dreamy sentimental An American Tail style musical immigrant drama (Sinead O'Connor lullaby!) and Yentl style dramedy of convenient marriages turned totally inconvenient (!) 

... before settling into its rightful place as a For Your Consideration Oscar Ad 2:10-2:30 intended to win Glenn Close that Oscar she deserved back in 1982 (The World According to Garp), 1987 (Fatal Attraction) or 1988 (Dangerous Liaisons) or all three times depending on your point of view.

the full trailer...

How would you describe your desire to see it now?

poll by twiigs.com

How about its Oscar chances in multiple categories? 
I'm currently thinking...  

Yes - Actress (Close), Supporting Actress (McTeer)
Maybe So - a fighting longshot chance at  "Original Song", Costumes, Adapted Screenplay (this would be another way to honor Glenn Close if they're really feeling it since she co-wrote), and Art Direction.
No - Everything else. 

Consider... Pee Wee

Hey, if it worked for Melissa Leo's Oscar run, maybe Pee Wee Herman can grab an Emmy nomination with his glamour shot?

image via Deadline via Facebook

...which is actually hers, but let's not split hairs tufts of fur. (Doesn't it seem like the Emmy nominations have the longest lead up time of any awards wait. I keep thinking they've got to have announced them by now but they're still six whole weeks away.)

Is Melissa Leo's "Consider..." the new "you like me. you really like me!"? Discuss.

P.S. I saw The Pee Wee Herman Show on Broadway on Broadway (duh) -- can't remember if I told you -- and though i had a g-r-e-a-t time it was basically an exercize in nostalgia. Which has its place, don't get me wrong, but I want NEW Pee Wee. I hope he has something cooking that actually gets served up in the near future.

Podcast: Now With Three Dream Layers

Actually it's just a reg'lar ol' podcast. But Nick, Joe and Katey are three and they're dreamy so that counts. My blog pals are back to discuss the Oscar race with me (if you're new I'm Nathaniel). Topics covered include...

• "Best of Sundance"
• Katey's interview with James Marsh
• Melissa Leo's personal FYC ads (see below -via)
• Just how many Oscars can The King's Speech win?
• Banksy for Exit Through The Gift Shop and other Docs
  
• The Social Network's editing
• David Fincher's frankness
• The Color Purple reunion on Oprah
• Toy Story 3 and the over-arching Pixar narrative
• Chris Nolan and Inception's Oscar hopes
• And more silliness...

Listen to podcast located at the end of this post. Join in the dreamy conversation in the comments.

wake me up. wake me uppppppppp

Melissa Leo's personal FYC ads

Podcast: The King's Kick

Truth in Advertising. FYC Ads

I had a hankering for some truth-telling. Sometimes I wish all advertising would just tell it like it is. Wrap a golden lasso 'round all marketing departments and see what bursts forth. Herewith my (photoshopped) reinterpretation of two recent FYC ads: Roger Deakins who has yet to win and Oscar and Dame Helena Bonham Carter Burton:

What fun!

If only I had time to do this for every FYC ad. How do you think this year's nominees should be advertised?

P.S. This post was inspired by The Shiznit's  amusing slideshow of truth-in-advertising posters for this year's Best Picture nominees currently hosted by The Wrap since The Shiznit is down. Here are my two favorites from their photoshop fun: 127 Hours and Winter's Bone.

Though their takes on Toy Story 3 and Black Swan are also keepers.