Top 6 Best Liam Neeson performances

I just completed my last post and assignment in the Blockbuster Super Blogger competition and thought I'd share it with you here; the Liam Neeson performances. The 58-year-old Irishman has crafted a long and industrious career, starring in everything from award-winning films like Gangs Of New York and Les Miserables, to Hollywood blockbusters like Clash Of The Titans and Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. He might be better known for his popular turns in movies like Unknown, Clash Of The Titans and Taken, but here are my picks of the best (and one worst) Liam Neeson performances. The Best . . . . Schindler’s List (1997)

Neeson gives an Oscar-nominated turn in Steven Spielberg’s sweeping WWII blockbuster based on the heroic true to story of Oskar Schindler who saved the lives of more than a thousand Jews during the Holocaust by employing them. As Schinlder, Neeson gives an unforgettable performance as an everyday man forced to rethink his beliefs and ethics during a horrific period in world history. His breakout role, Neeson manages to paint a character that is just as human as you or I, but goes to extraordinary measures (at great risk to himself and his family) to do the right thing.

Kinsey (2004) In my opinion, Neeson’s best performance. He plays the infamous professor Alfred Kinsey who’s research on sex and sexual behaviour has helped influence social and cultural values worldwide for decades. Neeson throws himself into this fascinating look into Kinsey’s research and personal life. His immersive performance makes you just as inquisitive as the doctor and Neeson holds nothing back in this complex, hilarious, emotional and exposing role as a man who took sex from being taboo to talkable.

Michael Collins (1996) It seems only fitting that arguably one of Ireland’s greatest actors plays Ireland’s greatest revolutionary; Michael Collins. Working with experienced director Neil Jordan, Neeson gives an explosive performance as Collins – superbly showing his humanity and at the same time immortality as the face of a rebellion. Together with Julia Roberts and Alan Rickman, Neeson leads a trio of strong performances that saw him nominated for a Golden Globe. The fact he didn’t even nab an Oscar nomination is not only unbelievable, but incredibly unfair.

Five Minutes To Heaven (2010) Neeson stars in another iconic Irish story, this time as former UVF member Alistair Little. Twenty-five years after Little killed Joe Griffen's (James Nesbitt) brother, the media arrange an auspicious meeting between the two. Downfall director Oliver Hirschbiegel weaves a loaded tale that triumphs thanks to the powerful and heart-wrenching performances of Neeson and Nesbitt. It’s hard to say who actually proves the superior actor, but that’s not the point. Neeson gives one of his most calculated, building and lasting performances as a man trying to rewrite his past.

Batman Begins (2005) The opportunity to play a villain is a rare one for Neeson and he leapt at it; immersing himself in the role of Ra's Al Ghul/Henri Ducard/The Phantom Of The Opera. Just kidding about the last character, but Neeson crafted a complex, multi-layered villain who lost sight of the true meaning of justice. It was a suave turn and a great way to kick of Christopher Nolan’s Batman series alongside his co-star of 2005 Cillian Murphy.

Breakfast On Pluto (2005) Neeson re-teams with Michael Collins director Neil Jordan for a scene-stealing supporting turn in this little-seen charmer. Now, if you have only watched five minutes of Cillian Murphy’s portrayal as transgender Irsih lad/lass Kitten, then you know just how much of a compliment it is to say Neeson’s moments as Father Liam were, indeed, scene-stealing

. . . .and The Worst

The Chronicles Of Narnia franchise Sure, he’s only a voice actor in Thinly Veiled Christianity: The Franchise so at least Neeson is spared having to show his face. But the Narnia series, which has always been a poor man’s Lord Of The Rings meets Harry Potter, seemed to use Neeson's voicing of the Aslan character in such a way that when you watched that CGI lion speak nobly about bravery and faith, you couldn’t help but stifle a giggle at the ridiculousness.

The competition is open until midnight tonight, so there's still time to click HERE and give me those few final page clicks I need to get over the line.

Read more...

Wow, Inception . . .just wow.

Thank heavens for The Dark Knight, because if it wasn't for its record-breaking success, British filmmaker Christopher Nolan would not have the freedom to make his latest masterpiece.

Inception is set in a future where the technology exists to extract people's dreams through entering their subconscious. Dominic Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is an expert in the field and, along with partner Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), he is hired by corporations to steal the secrets and ideas of rivals. After their last job goes awry, a mysterious businessman (Ken Watanabe) approaches them with a proposition; he wants to plant an idea in someone's mind, a task which is considered impossible. And so begins the delicate mind-fuckery that is Inception.

From Dominic taking on `one last job' to the process of assembling a mish-mash team of experts, essentially this is a heist film set within the architecture of the mind. Yet it is so much more.

Inception is like a beautiful, intricate puzzle Nolan has created for audiences to solve.
The concept of an idea being like a virus with the potential to infect the mind is intriguing enough, but it is merely one piece of a highly complex and intelligent whole. Inception is a fully realised vision with superb performances, flawless camera work, mind-boggling special effects and a haunting score from Hans Zimmer. The gravity-defying hallway fight scene with Gordon-Levitt alone is one that will be talked about for years. It is a testament to the content of the story that the immaculate production takes a back seat.
The fact Nolan has been able to thread together multiple storylines using the same actors, yet set in different time settings and spaces, without completely alienating the audience is an accomplishment of movie making. Like the characters in the film, Inception tunnels into your subconscious planting seeds of its genius in a similar fashion to the great works of Stanley Kubrick. However, it is so detailed and complex that when you leave the cinema, trying to retain details from the film is like trying to keep water in the palm of your hands. The only way to appreciate the magnitude of its brilliance is with multiple viewings.
Inception is out now.

Read more...

Inception gets less, er, inceptioney

Seriously, could this get any more exciting?
It’s a well known fact Chris Nolan’s Inception is the film I’m most looking forward to this year. After putting together an overall wrap with the scant details that have been released through various sources online, a loose plot is beginning to filter through thanks to the magnetic full length trailer. Basically, DiCaprio’s character is a dream stealer, who slips into the subconscious and plucks away those nifty ideas. That’s as much as we have so far, but the full length trailer (below) looks fucking fantastic!

In other Inception news, besides original The Dark Knight-esque poster, there has been a cast series released featuring the key players and a line about their roles. Most importantly, Joseph Gordon-Levitt gets a poster all to himself, so I can die happy. Inception hits July 22 and I’m already clearing my calendar in preparation for critic screenings.

Read more...

The immaculate Inception

I promised a break-down on Chris Nolan’s latest project, Inception, and here it is. Complete with confirmed news, rumours and cast list. Prepare to become enthused, nay, extremely intrigued.

The concept

Batman fans went into cardiac arrest last year when Nolan announced his next film would not be a third Batman instalment, rather a film he had written several years earlier. Details of the plot are being keep under tighter wraps than Tutankhamen with the actors forbidden to give away any of the details.

When asked about the movie by MTV recently, cast member and Movie Mazz favourite Joseph Gordon-Levitt had this to say (or not say):
"Here’s the thing… I cant wait to talk to you about [Inception] but I’ve been very specifically asked not to talk about it. I want to respect [director Chris Nolan's wishes] because I love his movies and I’m so honored and grateful to be working with him. He’s got a really specific idea and way he wants people to be presented with this thing."

This, in my humble opinion, hints there are more than a few twists which would spoil the movie if known beforehand. Here is what we know about the plot so far; a CEO-type becomes involved in a blackmailing scandal. That’s it. Actually, Nolan also described the film as being set “within the architecture of the mind”. The films genre falls under the action, sci-fi, thriller categories and Nolan is no amateur at creating an amazing story. In fact, just knowing he has penned this latest effort makes me feel in safe hands considering he has previously written these masterpieces ; The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, The Prestige, Memento, Following and Doddlebug. His wife, Emma Thomas, is teaming up with him again to produce and Nolan is also directing.

I think this guy is one of the most creative cinema masterminds working and frankly I would go and see a Pizza Hut commercial if he made it. Fanaticism aside, this sounds so very, very exciting. And interesting. Inception is being shot in five countries including Morocco and a significant portion in Kananaskis, Alberta (a rural district in the Canadian Rockies). Oh, and it has a budget of $200 million. Yeah baby, $200 MILLION!

The Cast

WHAT A CAST! Seriously, I know decent cast's excite me easily but this really is incredible. There’s three actors in here high up in my hypothetical `top 10 all time favorites' list and one actress. Yet all are amazing performers and I can’t wait to see how they mesh together. They are:
Leonardo DiCaprio
The unluckiest Oscar-nominee who ever lived aka Leo, plays the lead role as the CEO-type.
Marion Cotillard Everyone’s favourite French actress (sorry Eva Green) plays Leo’s wifey.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt The power of Levittation continues with another foray into blockbusters playing an associate of Leo’s character.
Ellen Page The once-pregnant Page plays a young college grad student and Leo’s sidekick.
Ken Watanabe The man is back in villain-mode and plays the guy who is blackmailing DiCaprio’s character.
Tom Hardy A member of Leo’s team
Cillian Murphy and Michael Caine

These two ridiculously talented people are also cast, but there are no details on what parts they will be playing yet.

I’m hoping there will be a few more updates on the film before its July 22, 2010 release date here in Australia. Actually, scrap that. I’m digging the shrouding-in-secrecy vibe for a change. Bring on first posters and/or teaser trailer.

Read more...

Nolan rolls em' out

Wow. Double wow.
Chris Nolan’s next project is shaping up to be the most exciting film of 2010 in my books. Back in Febuary I mentioned it briefly in a post (click here) and since then Inception has been developing faster than Michael Phelps’ drug habit. If you recall, after the success of The Dark Knight there was a lot of talk about whether Nolan would jump straight in to the next Batman film or work on a different project. He confirmed he would be developing a script he wrote called Inception which is basically a sci-fi thriller. Things were quiet on the Inception front for a few months but . . . .here comes the `wow’ factor . . .Nolan has been assembling QUITE a cast. Leonardo DiCaprio, Cillian Murphy, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Michael Caine, Ken Watanabe and (drum roll please) JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT! Yep, my favouritist male up and comer has also scored a role in the flick which has possibly one of the best casts I’ve ever seen. Stay posted for more details on the Inception plot when they come to light. I doubt there will be anymore major cast announcements as, frankly, I don’t see how it could get any better.

Below: The power of Levitt-ation baby (sigh).

Read more...