ALFRED HITCHCOCK: THE DARK SILHOUETTE OF THE MAN

The name alone conjures up a variety of different images to different people. Genius. Visionary. Perfectionist. Mogul. Bully. Misogynist. His stature and physique is just as widely recognizable to who he is as his name is known by anyone. His silhouette alone would become his calling card and the introduction of every “ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS” episode that originally aired on NBC between 1955 through 1962. But there was more to the man who spoke slowly and selectively that some knew of but many kept a secret for a very long time…

ALFRED HITCHCOCK

Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock is deemed by many to be one of the greatest film directors that came out of the twentieth century. Others consider him to be the “Master of Suspense” and will always be recognized and synonymous with the works of such directorial classics as NORTH BY NORTHWEST, THE BIRDS and PSYCHO. A certain belief of the image that is Hitchcock has been fabricated… either by scrupulous Marketing execs within the film studios, self created or placed upon by on- lookers… is one that shows a quiet man of a few words and an atonement for getting what he wants, both on the screen or in his personal life.

INGRID BERGMAN

Latest discoveries and recent interviews and literature have collectively unveiled that many new layers have been peeled back to reveal a darker side of Hitchcock that were carefully hidden from the public’s eye for many, many years until now. The more notable ‘layer’ to show some true colors was a tell- all book written by author Donald Spoto entitled “Spellbound By Beauty: Alfred Hitchcock and His Leading Ladies” released in October of 2009. The book focuses its attention on three of Hitchcock’s most famous leading ladies: Ingrid Bergman (SPELLBOUND, NOTORIOUS), Grace Kelly (DIAL M FOR MURDER, REAR WINDOW, TO CATCH A THIEF) and ‘Tippi’ Hedren (THE BIRDS, MARNIE) to which some would describe as an obsessive behavior with his main actresses, respectfully, during production of each film.

GRACE KELLY

Ingrid Bergman was said to had ignored the advances by Mr. Hitchcock, however, the pair did develop a long- lasting friendship. Leaving Hollywood at the peak of her career, Grace Kelly left acting behind in order to marry Prince Rainier III of Monaco, leaving Hitchcock in need of finding a replacement. Enters newcomer Nathalie Kay ‘Tippi’ Hedren.

‘Tippi’ Hedren was discovered by Hitchcock when he saw her in a 1962 TV commercial as a cover girl. He immediately contacted her to star in his next project, THE BIRDS (1963), in which he placed her under personal contract. She was 33; he was 64 during the time of production. A made for cable film entitled THE GIRL was released in October 2012 starring Sienna Miller as Tippi and Toby Jones as Hitchcock. The film, based on Spoto’s book (he shares co-writing credit on the teleplay) illustrates the escalating and obsessive behavior Hitchcock blatantly thrusted upon the frail Hedren.

Toby Jones and Sienna Miller in THE GIRL

It is only now, after 50 years of silence, that Ms. Hedren is finally putting closure to her dark past by interviews, talks and the release of THE GIRL. As what had occurred in real life and passages from the “Spellbound By Beauty” book and the film it’s based from, she finally finds the voice to say that Hitchcock’s sexual harassment of her, both physical and verbal, is now being told. Hedren said that there were two sides to Hitchcock that is a contrast… one being the director, or ‘artist’, as she refers him as. This is was the side that she enjoyed working with as both her directorial director and as a ‘drama coach’ that presented itself with memorable moments. Hitchcock was well respected in Hollywood and would constantly have visitors on the set: various actors, directors and other Hollywood elite was an overwhelming sight for the newcomer! The other side of ‘Hitch’ was the darker side… as she referred to as being ‘evil’ because a sense of obsession was placed on her. Feeling locked into a seven year contract, Hedren couldn’t work with other studios or directors. He would remind her that she needed to abide by the drawn contract to help support her and her daughter, Melanie Griffith, who was six years old at the time THE BIRDS was being filmed. 

HERE IS A LOOK AT THE CLASSIC 1963 FILM: "THE BIRDS"

"TIPPI" HEDREN

At one point during the filming of THE BIRDS, Tippi walked into Hitch’s office and asked for two days off to fly to New York to receive an award on television’s late- night talk show THE TONIGHT SHOW. Hitch called the request ‘outrageous’ and said that he would ruin her career if she decided to leave against his wishes. Her reply was, “do what you have to do” and she walked out the door. Hitchcock would make do of his promise to Tippi.

Upon arriving back from New York, a pivotal screen was being set up for filming and Tippi was asked to immediately report to wardrobe and make- up. Arriving onto the set, Hitchcock had devised a scene in which Tippi’s character was being attacked by various birds with different angles and shots included. The impression that Hitch made was that mechanical birds were going to be used… that was not the case. As Tippi crawled into a mesh- wired room that had a couple of hired bird wranglers, Hitch would cue the wranglers to throw live birds at her face for a realistic close- up effect. The scene was relentlessly shot in two extensive days with actual abrasions to Tippi’s face. Not to mention the emotional anguish and continual birds flying at her. A doctor had to be brought onto the set and production shut down for a couple of days while Tippi was placed on bed rest. Hitch would continue shooting other scenes without her as to not slow down principal photography.

HITCH and TIPPI at CANNES for THE BIRDS

Shortly after production had wrapped- up on THE BIRDS, Tippi had to play- off to photographers and the press. What was it like to work with the legendary director? What’s next for the newly- found leading lady? Are you signed- on to star in Hitchcock’s next project? Hedren was taught to smile and answer with carefully devised replies… everything the press loved to gobble- up! At a budget of an estimated $2,500,000.00, the film grossed over $11 million dollars… another success for Hitchcock. It was now time to plan his next film.

Now looking back at the next collaborative effort by director/ leading lady, there are some very noticeable elements of frustration on Hitchcock’s behalf that are evident in MARNIE (1964). The underlining rejections from Hedren of Hitchcock’s advances show his frustrated obsession and her cold anguish.

The key plot point presented in MARNIE is to keep a dark secret away from the eyes of the law. Tippi’s character is a kleptomaniac who relies on her looks to deceive and allure the unsuspected. Let’s stop right here for a moment and analyze that sentence… could Hitchcock feel a ‘victim’ of sorts to the alluring beauty that Hedren naturally was? Remember, Hitch discovered her when she was a cover girl modeling. What could have been going through his head and he hoped for a chance to become intimate with a model, especially a man of his age and repulsive physique? When he couldn’t be physical with her, because of the numerous rejections, Hitchcock found other means to torment and get a rise from her. 

THE 1964 TRAILER FOR HITCHCOCK'S "MARNIE"

On the set of both THE BIRDS and MARNIE, Hitch was infamous for reciting dirty limericks and crude jokes. It was an act that Hedren found to be repulsive and sounds that she didn’t want echoing in her head as he continuously drew from the approvals and laughs from the crowds consisting of his production staff and actors alike.

ALMA HITCHCOCK

But wait…stop the presses! What about Alma, Hitchcock’s wife who was known to be around the sets periodically and his personal assistant, Peggy Robertson? Surely, they had to have witnessed many kinds of tries with his various leading ladies… if so, was there an acceptance (or fear) surrounding the possible approach and making the awareness evident?

Hedren would quote Alma as an ‘enigma’ claiming that no one knew exactly what kind of relationship came from their union. Tippi recalls a point in which Alma approached her and said, “Tippi, I’m so sorry you have to go through with this.” Hedren looked her in the eyes and replied, “But you could stop it”, Alma’s eyes glazed over and she merely walked away without a reply.

Another view point to account for is the time and place that these incidents occurred from. It’s Hollywood 1962- 1964. The age of sexual awareness is beginning to peak. The Playboy magazine celebrated its 10^th anniversary of publication and with sex goddesses the likes of Marylyn Monroe, Jane Russell, Mamie Van Doren and Bettie Page already gracing the tabloids or silver screen, men had become the gentleman’s gentleman. He was James Bond or Spencer Tracy when it came to putting a woman in her place and reminding her that she was there to his service! Sexual harassment 1963 is not anywhere as close to what it is today in 2013.

TIPPI HEDREN: 2013

Again, it took 50 years for the silence to seize. But was it even worth it now to talk about Hitchcock this way and not being able to defend himself since his death in 1980? What, if any, is Hedren’s ulterior motive in releasing damaging information that alters his reputation as a sex- obsessed monster and not the revered Hollywood director that has become such an icon?

It comes to the attention of this critic that things happen and that we are allowed many choices in life to decide the path that should be followed. Could Hedren find a voice to confront Hitchcock and walk away from an illustrious career? The answer is YES because she did do just that. She found the voice and stood up to the powerful giant and walked away from his advances and a promising career. However, others may not have the same gusto, ‘balls’ or cajones to do the same. Fear takes over and reputations, careers and lives play a key point in what chess move is made next. The power to appose such behaviors does exist in the 21^st century and laws are governed, based on the state or country you live in. Find the voice to speak, be it your own or a legal mouthpiece, use it wisely and swiftly. The more refusals and rejections brought forth will tear down the fabric of such behaviors and will make the wrong- doer stand down and cease with no remorse. Bravo to you, Ms. Hedren. 

AN INTERVIEW WITH TIPPI ABOUT HITCHCOCK

MY PERSONAL VIEWPOINT: I am apposed by the behaviors of Mr. Hitchcock towards women. No one person should ever have to suffer such mental and emotional deconstruction. I consider myself a fan, however, of the man who is the ‘artist’, as Ms. Hedren stated. I would and could separate the man from the monster and admire the works of his directorial classics as well as any film fan should. Keep in mind that the man is mortal and with flaws… the ones that do not show its ugly blemishes when projected in abnormal sizes onto the silver screen. ‘Let those without sin cast the first stone’ was quoted by a Man who knew mortality and the sins of being human… for He too was of flesh and blood. 
No one can truly explain why people do what they do... what sets someone out to ruin the life of another because of rejection? What causes obsession? Could wealth and power be the added keg- powder that may had pushed Hitchcock into the explosive reactor he was or were their deeper issues that we may never know about? We could ponder plenty but it is the revealed truth that we have to focus on instead. 

I met Tippi Hedren during a Las Vegas Convention back in the early 1990's. She was very classy in both appearance and demeanor. She graciously signed an autograph and even drew little gulls floating around her name. Perhaps Ms. Hedren feels that 'the birds' will always circle her name and being for the rest of her life. Perhaps it symbolizes the over- night success that a model was given by the appearance and guidance of a Mogul who wanted the attention that couldn't be returned!

My autographed photo of TIPPI HEDREN

What are your thoughts about this week's blog topic? What are your feelings about Tippi's coming out with the truth and your viewpoints on Alfred Hitchcock? Does it change anything for either or does knowing the truth shift your ideals of either?

This is a topic that I would love to hear different opinions on and I welcome all remarks and comments.

I look forward to hearing from you and all remarks shared will be posted and replied with within a day. Thank you so much for visiting and please look forward to the next topic coming at you on FRIDAY MARCH 12th!

Have you visited the official CINEMA: COUNTERPOINT page on YOUTUBE? Check out classic and contemporary trailers, scenes and other great trips down memory lane! Just click the link and check out the "Favorites" on our site! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/user/cinemacounterpoint?feature=mhee

OSCARS 2013: WINNERS, MUSIC AND BOOBS!

Another year has come to pass and another Academy Awards ceremony has called it a ‘wrap!’ Having its worldwide broadcast on Sunday February 24^th, 2013, the telecast presented the best in film: from Art Direction and Set Design to Actors and Films alike. So, after the glitter has faded and the gowns have been sent to the dry cleaners… what were we left with and what will be the memories that will stay in our thoughts for weeks, months or even years to come?

My blog topic will be recapturing the possible highs (and lows) of what was and has been the 85^th Annual Academy Awards!

Presented from the newly- christened Dolby Theatre, (formally the Kodak Theatre, just steps away from the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, CA) the show’s host was first- timer Seth McFarlane. The evening's youthful presenter was able to nab a 19% increase in viewers from last year’s telecast and was considered the most watched ceremony since the 76^th Annual Academy Awards in 2004, with 42.40 million viewers.

HOST: SETH McFARLANE

THE HOST: Creator of the hit television series “Family Guy” and the writer and director of TED, Seth McFarlane created a riff of lovers and haters as this year’s host and the duties performed. The show’s producers actually took a huge gamble with McFarlane, who is infamous for unapologetic, truthful and vulgar humor, yet proved to be a breath of fresh air, to this critic’s opinion. He’s more than a triple threat…he is young and good looking, charming and crude at the same time, witty, a singer and dancer…God, I hate him! Is there nothing this talented twit cannot do? Nonetheless, he held the show together and presented a sense of liveliness viewers hasn’t seen since the glory years of Billy Crystal, Johnny Carson or Bob Hope.

McFarlane looks at the video image of Captain Kirk!

Taking a page from his signature sense of humor, McFarlane had help from some of Hollywood’s best to pull off some incredible humorous moments! He coaxed William Shatner to return to the Enterprise’s Captain’s chair to play James T. Kirk who visits McFarlane via video screen to inform the host of the catastrophic reviews that would await him the following morning based off of his own tasteless humor… including a proposed opening musical number entitled "We Saw Your Boobs" dedicated to “boobs” seen in cinema over the years and the actresses who have bared them! McFarlane also involved Best Actress nominated Sally Field in his own “Flying Nun” fetish- like skit and talking her into an evening of booze and sex…including a nice lip- locked smooch to seal the deal! Amongst other skits and jabs, actor Mark Wahlberg was reunited with his childhood buddy Ted in presenting the Awards for Best Sound Editing and Sound Mixing. Ted kept coaching Wahlberg along to play Jewish so that he could stay in good with Hollywood’s elite... and stay employed!

The DOLBY THEATRE in Hollywood, CA

THE TELECAST: The Dolby Theatre is a spectacle all its own, the interiors looks like they may have had a face-lift from its previous Kodak owners, showing off some very lavish décor. The theatre was literally built with the intensions of becoming the permanent home for future Academy Award presentations, so it definitely knows how to show off great stage space and design. Production of this year’s telecast presented a very refine and classic film look…using everything from state- of - the- art screens to vintage movie cameras and film reels to dress backdrops.

Dancing! (l) TATUM and (r) THERON

This year’s theme was all about movie musicals and there were plenty of numbers throughout the broadcast! Beginning with the lampoonish “We Saw Your Boobs” musical number, as crude as the homage was intended to be, it was presented with a certain through-back flare that reminded me of something along the lines of the “Inquisition” number from Mel Brooks’ HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART I! Things, thank God, got classier from that moment on… highlighting the wonderfully graceful dance number that included surprising performances from the coupling of Channing Tatum and Charlize Theron. She in a stunning white gown and he in the classic black and white tux with spats, the number was a mere reminder of the Golden Era when Fred Astaire danced with Ginger Rogers! Actors Joseph Gordon- Levitt and Daniel Radcliffe joined host McFarlane in a “Rat Pack”- type song and soft- shoe number that probably surprised many viewers but added “singing” to the extensive list of talents portrayed by McFarlane. You wanna talk about music and musicals? Here are some of the highlights in regards!

(l) Gordon- Levitt (c) McFarlane (r) Ratcliffe

MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS:  We can go classic and talk about the wonderfully choreographed number danced by Mr. Tatum and Ms. Theron to “The Way You Looked Tonight” or the “High Hopes” sing- along with Mr. Gordon- Levitt, Mr. Radcliffe and Mr. McFarlane…but that would just the very tip of the extraordinary iceberg that would come cascading down the slopes!

As previously mentioned on a blog topic here on CINEMA: JER’S POINT, this is the year of Bond celebrating its glorious 50 years of excitement! The Academy took serious note and put together a wonderful montage of classic clips highlighting memorable moments and the themes that have become a staple in Pop Culture as well. Notably, who can deny the sultry sounds of Dame Shirley Bassey’s popular theme to GOLDFINGER? The elegance of the 76 year old singer appearing on stage at the tale end of the homage only clued any fan that Ms. Bassey was about to treat everyone to a very ‘live’ rendition of the hit tune! Not missing a beat and still capable of sending chills with every jazzy note and ending on an extended high note only proves that great singer never disappear! Bravo, indeed!

Moving from a more classical to contemporary view, a trilogy of tributes was bestowed to three modern classics. First off, the lovely and very sexy Catherine Zeta- Jones rose from below the stage on top of a piano surrounded by jazz dancers to perform the hit song “All That Jazz” from the Academy Award winning film CHICAGO… razzamatazz and oh so taboo, Zeta- Jones was smoldering and just as sensual as she appeared in the film ten years ago! Up next, Academy Award winning Supporting Actress Jennifer Hudson performs the show- stopping “And I’m Telling You Now” from her film debut, DREAMGIRLS… every note found a chill to be caused with her powerhouse rendition! 

THE CAST OF "LES MIS" AT OSCARS 2013

And finally… the ‘dream’ cast from LES MISERABLES: Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks, Aaron Tveit, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter all take to the stage in a medley of songs from the film. Beginning with Jackman’s appearance, the medley began with the Oscar nominated song “Suddenly”, Hathaway then comes in with “I Dream A Dream” with other members coming in to reunite with “One More Day” coming to a climatic finale.

Finally, Grammy Award winner Adele takes to the stage to perform the opening number from the James Bond hit SKYFALL. Her classic features and smoky voice brought a feel for one of those European Jazz clubs that Bond could walk into and order a Martini from. Sky- blue crystal beads draped as a backdrop along with looming darkness mixed with rich colors to create the setting with great visuals. Shortly thereafter the performance, we would learn that it would win Best Original Song! Congratulations! 

ADELE SINGS THE OSCAR- WINNING THEME: "SKYFALL"

BARBRA STREISAND remembers MARVIN HAMLISCH

“In Memoriam” tributes are always difficult to see and deal with. It’s never easy to see images of talented individuals that have brought so much to our worlds through entertainment and being reminded of our own morality when we pay tribute to those dearly departed. This year presented a very special tribute as in the ending of the montage; we are reminded of the passing of American composer and conductor Marvin Hamlisch (June 2, 1944- August 6, 2012) as the music from one of his beloved compositions, “Memories”, is played at a low orchestrated presentation. The screen lifts and we are greeted by the silhouette of Barbra Streisand who pays a verbal tribute to the composer who wrote many hits for her and others over the years before singing out the song to a darkened close.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AWARD WINNERS: A rarity as uncommon as an original screenplay these days is having a tie announced anytime throughout the ceremony… and it was! Presented by Mark Wahlberg for Best Sound Editing, the ‘winners’ were Per Halberg and Karen Baker Landers for SKYFALL and Paul NJ Ottosson for ZERO DARK THIRTY! This is only the sixth time it has occurred in Oscar history.

This can only be a sign of many other surprises that that dabbled the night through… this is a list of the more prolific accounts of the evening:

BEST FOREIGN FILM: AMOUR

Widely touted but not necessarily a Best Picture favorite, it would seem as if the French- language drama AMOUR found a home on the Best Foreign Film category instead. The story of two retired music teachers in heir eighties find their lives turned upside down when Anne (Best Actress nominee Emmanuelle Riva) suffers a stroke one day and the testament of their love is put to the test with every trying moment of dealing with the issues in hand and the sudden visitation of their daughter and her views of what should happen to her mother.

BEST ANIIMATED FEATURE: BRAVE

The magic dream machine that is Pixar strikes Gold again this year with BRAVE solidifying another victorious win for the extended creative world of Disney. BRAVE becomes so many things: a feast of spectacles for the eyes, a rousing Celtic churn of melodies and sutle female swooners gave way to the ears and a well- balanced presentation of touching drama mixed in with over- the- top humor. BRAVE speaks of taking chances and loving the ones who care for us along the way.

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: ARGO

I don’t believe that was any real surprise here with writer Chris Terrio’s win in this category. ARGO is a great film…period and behind every great film is a great story line with great dialog to help in the telling. The screenplay found many opportunities to heighten very dramatic, pivotal moments and still be able to laugh at itself when it came down to the operative of making a fake movie as a means to free Americans on the wrong side of the Iranian border. Intense. Humorous. Bold.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: DJANGO UNCHAINED

There is a lot to be said about the characterizations that have been brought to life from the twisted mind of Quentin Tarantino! Along with these memorable embodiments, has also come an explosion of new catch- phrases that have been a part of modern pop culture for more than twenty years now. DJANGO UNCHAINED has quickly found itself in the arms of Americana cinema for the upright boldness of making a film with a black slave as the hero! Dialog so derogatory and controversial, that only Tarantino is found laughing and pulling his pants down at the face of censorship and high- brow goodie- goodies! He is cool and ethnic, in his own world of where he comes from and his grindhouse- like upbringing!

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: CHRISTOPH WALTZ= DJANGO UNCHAINED

Waltz’ stand- out performance as the German bounty hunter Dr. King Shultz was nothing less than an absolute treat to watch and a gift to contemporary cinematic characterization. Dating back a mere four years when his Nazi- infused portrayal of Col. Hans Landa in INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (also directed by Quentin Tarantino) it was evident that Waltz was a force to be reckoned with. The ability to some how masterfully articulate a certain kind of sarcastic twist mixed in with the foreign accent is looked upon with child-like delight at the marvel of he performance enhanced by the colorful dialog provided by Tarantino’s script.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: ANNE HATHAWAY= LES MISERABLES

Anyone who was surprised by this win needs to check themselves at the theater lobby! From the moment that we were reeled into the early previews of LES MISERABLES almost a year ago, one defining moment was made clear and that was the sobbing and choking rendition of “I Dream A Dream” sung by Hathaway with an acapella- sense before crescendoing into an orchestrated fusion of sorrow and chills! The film’s performance only proved to be the deal- sealer to allow Hathaway her first Academy Award!

BEST DIRECTOR: ANG LEE= LIFE OF PI

A surprise in my book, but not to many who have been singing the praises of this extraordinary fantasy adventure intended to be enjoyed and watched in a panoramic 3D theater! A possible “shoe-in” (at least in this critic’s opinion) was Steven Spielberg for LINCOLN, which was one of the evening’s surprise upsets. There is no doubt that one thing sticks out clearly of Lee’s directing and that is that he is willing to take risks and does not fall under any specific genre or category when it comes to his roster. CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON, THE HULK and BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN are but a brief glimpse of rich history surrounding this very innovating and contemporary director.

BEST ACTRESS: JENNIFER LAWRENCE= SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

Many believed that this category was locked- in for Jessica Chastain for her performance in ZERO DARK THIRTY, the slight upset finally went to Ms Lawrence who has proven to be an Oscar winner since her stand- out performance in WINTER’S BONE, which garnered her Best Supporting Actress nomination back in 2010. If Hollywood plays its cards right, we will see a very talented actress continue to build her repertoire over the next few years and go grow into a world of one of Hollywood’s most respected and hard- working actresses. Continued success!

BEST ACTOR: DANIEL DAY- LEWIS= LINCOLN

Here is an actor who has followed along with the recipe for success that I just mapped out for Ms Lawrence… a man who had immediately began to build an impressive list of early appearances in films like GANDHI, 1984’s THE BOUNY and A ROOM WITH A VIEW, before finally stepping out of the shadows with the impressive portrayal of Christy Brown in his first Academy Award winning role in 1989’s MY LEFT FOOT. It would less than ten years later in which Day- Lewis would win his second Oscar in 2008’s THERE WILL BE BLOOD, which now brings us four years later to his third win for LINCOLN. A man of few words, it would seem as if the words that are worth saying are expressed throughout the fine acting that one has come to expect.

ARGO Producers: (l) GRANT HESLOV, (c) BEN AFFLECK and (r) GEORGE CLOONEY

BEST PICTURE: ARGO

I had the opportunity to see ARGO twice, once before my blog topic discussing my choices for Oscar and once more after my topic had been posted. I felt that I may have placed all my chips on the wrong number when I elected LES MISERABLES as my pick for Best Picture and the Academy took my winnings! Granted, I may have lost that bet, but there was no loss aimed at a well- constructed film that is ARGO by any means. I believe that director Ben Affleck was literally robbed of a nomination (and a win) and I feel that justice was served that fateful Sunday evening as he stood along side his fellow producers: Grant Heslov (who has acted in films like TRUE LIES, CONGO and GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK) and George Clooney (OCEAN’S 11, THE IDES OF MARCH) to receive their appointed Oscars for ARGO! The film spoke of an era and a time almost forgotten; it should educate a generation that our government is not all about greed and corruption. As long as the public is aware of agents willing to stick their necks out for the safety of our country and people, then we will continue to sing the praises that rightfully need to be heard.

THE TRAILER FOR BEST PICTURE: "ARGO"

First Lady: MICHELLE OBAMA

SO… IN CONCLUSION…

A political thriller winning BEST PICTURE could only fittingly be announced by First Lady Michelle Obama. Receiving the envelope at The White House, Mrs. Obama read off the winner live! 

This year’s presentation of the Academy Awards saw a spike from previous ceremonies for quite some time. That can’t be bad for business, right? Host Seth McFarlane might very well have been what the doctor had ordered…even though a small audience was not willing to take the medication as prescribed! Will we see the likes of Mr. McFarlane returning back for future ceremonies? If not, can we keep Tina Fey’s and Amy Poehler’s cell numbers on speed dial? Only time will prevail the fate of hosts to come and the audiences it will attract. For now, this show has been laid to rest and a new year will bring a crop of new hopefuls for February 2014!

To you, the reader: what were your thoughts on this year’s telecast? Was it a disgrace or was it the best you have seen in years? What were the highlights or downfalls of the ceremony? I continually welcome all of your thoughts and comments and will post all replies within a short period of time! I look forward to your views!

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for my next posted scheduled for FRIDAY MARCH 22^nd! Until then, support Independent Filmmakers and Great Cinema!