Desson Howe

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Behind The Screen
With Desson Howe
Washington Post Film Critic
Monday, March 12, 2001; 12:30 p.m. EST

Washington Post film critic Desson Howe brings Behind The Screen Live Online for a discussion on filmmaking and the art of the cinema. Have you ever wanted to know what the director had in mind when making a particular film? Or why the producer altered the original screenplay? Why was an actor or actress cast over another? Howe has answers to these and other questions about filmmaking.

Howe has been a movie critic at The Washington Post for 13 years. He was raised in England, where he attended private school in Surrey. Although he was entranced, like most children, by Walt Disney movies, he says it was a visit to the local theater in the mid 1960s, to see David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia," that made him realize movies had to be a part of his life.

A transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Desson Howe: Good morning everyone. As we edge closer to the Oscars, there seem to be some signs of inevitability: Gladiator feels like the front runner all over again. But that Tiger is still crouching and ready to leap. What are your thoughts, not just on the Oscar race, but other things too? I just came from a great movie on the way here, called Memento. It opens in the next few weeks. So we can talk about that too. And this weekend, there'll be two decent films to enjoy: Series 7, a funny parody of reality TV, and Chunhyang, a Korean mythical story that opens at the Visions Cinema/Bistro. Fire away.

Arlington, Va.: What are the chances of anyone other than Russell Crowe winning best actor at the Oscars?

Julia appears to be a lock on her Oscar now. It would be a major upset/scandal if anyone else won.

LJ

Desson Howe: It's a supple competition, the male actors' one, this year. I get the feeling he's in front, because of the Gladiator coat-tail deal. But it always seems that one category gets stiffed when it comes to coat-tail sweeps. Peter O' Toole did not get best actor for Lawrence of Arabia when the movie went on to win so many other awards.

As for Julia, this really seems like her time. I'm rooting for Laura Linney, but I expect Roberts to win. The whole industry needs her to be a winner because she's so good for the industry. So is Crowe and so is a film like Gladiator.

Washington, D.C.: Desson,

What did you think of Julia Roberts' SAG award acceptance speech last night? I think it may go down in the Sally Field Book of Overstating One's Talent and Admiration from others.

Desson Howe: I missed it, I'm afraid. But I'm aware of the winners. Her win is clearcut evidence that she's got a lock on the prize. Actors vote for actors in the acting category. So if she won the screen actors guild award, she might as well prepare her speech now. Also winners from the SAG awards were Benicio Del Toro for Traffic, and in the best supporting prizes: Judi Dench for Chocolat and Albert Finney for Erin Brockovich, which certainly suggests good momentum for their Oscar pizes.

Crouching Boston, Hidden Amherst: Gladiator unfortunately will win because the academy equates huge=art.

It's sort of like when Braveheart beat Babe in 1995 or English Patient over Fargo in 1996.

Desson Howe: You may be right.

Indianapolis, Ind.: Way to go, Ang Lee! The DGA award is a very good sign indeed. It really is a shame that "Gladiator" is going to dominate the proceedings for the most part. Can anyone truthfully say that Gladiator will stand the test of time when film classics are discussed?

Also, is it a law that Judi Densch has to win an award every year?

Desson Howe: Ang Lee's award is big news for Crouching. Since 1949 the winner of the Directors Guild Award has always won the Director's Award at the Oscars. But this doesn't necessarily mean the big picture award. But it's fun to feel a sense of competiveness still in the air.

Washington, D.C.: I just saw Wonder Boys this weekend (loved it!). Remind why Michael Douglas didn't get nominated for this -- he absolutely disappeared into the role.

Desson Howe: Who gets nominated and who deserves to get nominated are not necessarily on the same list.

Somewhere, USA: Does anyone remember this, or did I dream it? In the '50s, when Eva Marie Saint won the Oscar for Best Acress/On The Waterfront, did she really say the "S" word in her thank you speech? (I believe her first response on mike was "Aw s____") I have vivid memories of headlines in the Hollywood gossip columns, "Oooh What She Said!" and "A Saint She Ain't!"

Desson Howe: I'm not aware of that one. She did say, "I think I may have the baby right here." She was pregnant at the time, when she accepted her best supporting award. The movie won 8 awards that year. The expletive I'm not aware of.

Laurel, Md.: I hope this isn't off-the-wall:

Is there really point or merit is trying to decide whether Gladiator or Crouching Tiger is the "Best Picture," when it comes to something as subjective as comparing two totally different films.

Some films are obviously better than others, but among films that are at least "good" doesn't politics essentially have to take over, because the apples, oranges and kiwi fruit are too different to really judge?

Desson Howe: Well, you make sense. And you're right. But the Oscars are all about making those political, and obviously silly, decisions!

Arlington, Va.: Gotta quibble with the huge=art argument. The Academy rarely treats blockbusters to much acclaim (Titanic notwithstanding). Shakespeare in Love wasn't a huge movie -- just really well marketed. My money's on Traffic.

Desson Howe: OK, thanks. It's always hard to separate art from huge, or art from entertainment, since the two are pretty closely linked.

Washington, D.C.: What is your opinion of director John Woo?

"Acclaimed Action Director" You must be kidding me?? His over-use of closeups, and slow motion shots have pushed me to the limit!

Desson Howe: Well, I loved him in his Hong Kong years. His Hollywood work is workmanlike but not as inspired as it used to be.

Washington, D.C. 20007: I'm trying to see all of the major nominees before the big night -- picked off Pollack list night (and loved it -- that Marcia gay Hardin was terrif!)

Question: do I really have to see Chocolat? Please give me an excuse to blow it off.

Desson Howe: Well, I thought Chocolat was mediocre. It's pleasant but hardly as great as Like Water for Chocolate, which is another food-as-life movie.

Elko, Nev.: In your opinion, which actor, actress, film, etc., gets the nod for most undeserving nomination?

Desson Howe: Anyone in Chocolat.

Cameo, Fla.: What does the 2001 movie season look like? I'm wondering if people like you who follow the industry news and is knowleadgable about it can tell in advance if it looks like a weak or strong year. There's always room for failed predictions, of course, but I'm still surprised at how boring 2000 was, particularly compared to 1999. Could anyone tell in early 2000? Thanks.

Desson Howe: 2000 was an uneven year. It had a slow Summer, but then it caught up and became one of the most successful (financially) of all, thanks to the Grinch and other late comers. This year could be interesting, with Pearl Harbor as the big release, Jurassic Park 3, and Spielberg's A.I. as potential heavy hitters.

Washington, D.C. Filmnut: Have you had a chance to catch "When Brendan Met Trudy"? What a treat! I had no advance warning of this. I was just wandering through G'town and thought I'd see a movie at the Foundry, when I discovered this. As it happened, I was reading "Paddy Clarke Ha-Ha" by Roddy Doyle, and seeing a new irish movie written by him just brightened my whole day. This was -before- I saw the movie!

Most Irish movies are painfully mawkish (witness "The Boxer" and "Anglea's Ashes," to say nothing of "A Circle of Friends") "When Brendan Met Trudy" falls into none of these movies' traps; funny, smart, and snappy, Kieron Walsh's follow-up to "I Went Down" manages to be touching without annoying. You can give Doyle's wry and street smart script credit for that miracle. What a treat!

Desson Howe: Glad you enjoyed it. I liked it too, but Doyle's other films: The Commitments, the Snapper and the Van are even better.

City living: Desson,

What's the word on "The Price of Milk"? Do you know when it's going to open in the D.C. area? I know it's in New York presently.

Desson Howe: It opens the weekend after this at Visions theater, Dupont Circle. It's a sweetnatured, interesting, whimsical film from New Zealand.

Arlington, Va.: My vote for best food-as-life movie: Eat Drink Man Woman -- Ang Lee rules.

Desson Howe: That's up there too.

Herndon, Va.: Mr. H: Saw "Ebert and whoever" do their Oscar picks last night (who they think should win -- not who they think will win). Both semi-trashed "Gladiator." I think it's a decent epic in a year without strong competition. Does it have a good shot at best picture? Crowe for best actor? Special effects?

Desson Howe: There's a lot of conflicting evidence, as in previous discussions. Ang Lee wins Directors Award, for instance.

McLean, Va.: Desson, hope this isn't a repeat of a past question but I am wondering about the Oscars. I have seen all the five performances nominated for best actor. Javier Bardem and Ed Harris are so far above the others, in my opinion. Yet by all accounts they don't stand a chance. I have been a fan of Russell Crowe for many years and believe he had a chance last year, but not for Gladiator. Or will they reward him for last year and ignore these other individuals? Or will they just give it to Tom Hanks for being himself? Thanks for any insight you can give on how this works.

Desson Howe: I think it's between Crowe, Hanks and Geoffrey Rush.

Newton, Mass.: How would you handicap the best supporting actor category? Having seen Willem Dafoe in Shadow of a Vampire, it's difficult for me to imagine anyone else getting it.

Desson Howe: Forget it. Benicio Del Toro owns it, will win it, and deserves it.

Tysons Corner, Va.: What do you hear about Series 7?

Desson Howe: I saw it. It's pretty funny, I think. Not the greatest satire in the world. But funny.

Hohenems, Austria: Greetings!

Unfortunately just a few people saw Wonder Boys. I enjoyed it too.

Regarding Memento: Is it really as clever as I heard so far? I´m looking forward to your review.

Thanks

Desson Howe: yes, it's very clever. It's great.

Arlington, Va.: Desson --

How do you think the Oscars will shape up for Best Supporting Actor since Del Toro and Finney both one a SAG but will be competing against each other come Oscar time?

Desson Howe: I'm betting on Del Toro.

Ashburn, Va.: I'm wondering if you can settle an argument that I am having with a friend of mine. We saw 13 Days a little over a month ago and I was upset with a mic boom kept showing up in the picture. I wanted to complain to the management about the poor job the projectionist was doing but my friend convinced me that it was just poor editing. Did you experience the same problem when you saw the movie?

Desson Howe: We've discussed this before. I believe the problem has to do with the masking of the black frame around the screen in the theater. Since I didn't see it in other theaters, I'm sure this is the case. It's the tehater's fault, not the filmmakers. They're supposed to mask the outer edge of the picture. If they didn't do that, you'd see boom mics all the time.

Virginia Beach, Va.: Mr. Howe,

Why do major studios back so-so or stinker movies? "The Mexican" and others like it aside, my wife and I see previews that make us shake our heads and wonder how anyone persuaded WB or Paramount to put their names on them. Is it solely to get visibility prior to leaving the silver screen for the lucrative video rental world?

Thanks,

JJB

Desson Howe: Yes, in many case, the afterlife will be the profitable one for a movie. The video afterlife I mean. The studios simply want to make money. Dignity and quality are very low on their lists.

Oscar speeches: Do the winners usually write their own speeches or are they concocted by their agents/PR people?

Desson Howe: God question. I'm sure it's a combination. I bet many don't write a speech for superstition's sake.

Peter O'Toole Query: Hi Desson,

How could O'Toole not have won for Lawrence? Who did win the O that year? Did he win for Lion in Winter? He is still alive isn't he?

Thanks Desson.

Desson Howe: Yes he's alive. He hasn't ever won. But he's been nominated many times, incl. for Lion in Winter. Gregory Peck beat him (in the Lawrence year) for To Kill A Mockingbird.

Brooklyn, N.Y.: Last night's discovery: I HAVE to send all your readers running to the video store to rent "The Apostle" directed by and starring Robert Duvall. Great art, so dramatic AND so realistic.

A question for Washingtonians: Has anyone seen "Instrument"? I am a Fugazi fan from way back and am hunting it down in the video stores.

Desson Howe: Yes, Apostle was great. Thanks.

University Park, Md.: Can a movie get more gruesome than Hannibal? Is this movie pushing the envelop? Isn't it a big disappointment to see Hopkins in it?

Desson Howe: Yes. No. Yes.

Arlington, Va.: How can Julia R. campaign as much as she has for the Oscar and then act like a bloomin' idiot when she wins? first, that odd remark at the museum of the moving image about seeing her eyebrows unplucked in early movies then her attempt to say it was a team effort last night. why don't they give the crew your $20 mil, Julie?

Desson Howe: Good points.

Chicago, Ill.: The DGA has missed matching with the Oscar four times -- but, I hope they're right this year!

Desson Howe: Me too.

Washington, D.C.: Who do you think is the favorite now in the Best Supporting Actress category now with Judi Dench winning the SAG award after Kate Hudson won the Golden Globe?

Desson Howe: SAG would point to Judy. The SAG voters are the same as the Oscar voters. The Globes are a bunch of foreign journalist dufusses.

Herndon, Va.: Mr. H: Eva Marie Saint -- the "s" word wasn't at the Oscars, as I recall. About the same time she was getting some award, being recognized for something, whatever, and the mc apparently went on and on about her "niceness," so she decided to change her image slightly and said "Oh, shi-" It was huge news at the time -- today it might make the last minute of "Inside Hollywood" on a bad day.

Desson Howe: Thanks!

Rockville: Tell us about Momento! I've been hearing interesting things about for a while, mostly about its unusual structure. But does it transcend the gimmick (for lack of better generalization) or get bogged down in Mike Figgis-check-out-my-narrative-device land?

Desson Howe: I think it transcends that stuff.

Upper NW: Finally! I am soooo excited about Memento. Don't tell me too much about the plot, because I want to be surprised by it -- but do you think it will do well? Is it too unconventional and weird for mainstream audiences? Will it be hurt by its lack of starpower (as much as I love Guy Pearce and Carrie-Anne Moss, it's not like they open movies in the Pitt-Roberts vein)?

Desson Howe: It's not big, simple, star-studded and stupid enough to be hugely successful. In other words, run don't walk to see it.

Silver Spring, Md.: What was wrong with Chocolat? Was there something wrong with the story? Was there anything wrong with any of the acting (be specific, please)? Did anything ring untrue to the fable? Was the cinematography off? Or is it just that it was not a "rip out your guts saga" like the bloodfest computer generated Gladiator? Or the pseudo-realism of Traffic (I can't wait to see the real head of the DEA himself do the kind of things Michael Douglas did in that film)? So, pray tell, what was wrong with Chocolat to earn your disdain?

Desson Howe: It was competent. Everyone did their job. But my issue is mediocrity. The worst crime of all because, like escaping gas, it's hard to notice. If you see its peer films on the same kind of subject, Like Water for Chocolate, Babette's Feast, and so on, I think you might even agree that it's second best. This is my opinion, let me remind you.

Fairfax, Va.: Desson,

I generally refuse to read movie reviews before seeing the films for fear of spoilers, however, I do read some reviews after seeing the films to see how my opinion matches up with those in the paper. I tend to agree mostly with yours, and so wanted to hear your opinion of 15 minutes.

I saw it this weekend, and though that while the premise was good, it was a plodding movie for the most part. DeNiro was nothing special, but the lead criminal, I thought, was much better.

Desson Howe: I wasn't impressed with it, as my Friday review indicated. It was weighed down with its own Heavy Thoughts. and it was disgustingly violent without any redeeming quality.

Saudi Arabia: Hi. Are you familiar with a series of old British films (circa 1950s) about St. Trinian's School? The first was entitled "The Belles of St. Trinian's"; Alastair Sim played several roles. My father and I loved to see these films when they were rerun on TV -- they were extremely funny. ARe they likely to be on video, or are they largely forgotten? Thanks.

Desson Howe: I grew up watching that stuff. I loved those films. You had to be in England to see them. And I imagine you could find them in British videostores but not in America.

Tampa, Fla.: Any chance that Paul Bartell will be nominated for a posthumous lifetime achievement type award?

Desson Howe: I doubt it, myself.

Route 66, Virginia: Re: Oscars. There's always some disbelief at why some were nominated and others not -- and who finally wins. Never fails. As was said earlier: the Oscars are in one way a forum for silly and political decisions. Merit will sometimes make an appearance (i.e., Lawrence of Arabia winning, had to do the shameless reference).

I feel it's important to remember who is choosing the awards, which since it is the Academy who's voting. At best, it's peers voting for peers (how they've been hyping the SAG awards), at worst it's self-congratulatory silliness. But then again, critics have their own set of awards -- and apparently the "people" have the People's Choice Awards, though I've never met these people and am not sure if I'd like to.

How about you and Rita host a Washington Post Online Persnickety Film Fan Awards show? (WPOPFFA!)

Desson Howe: Thanks. Rita and I already do our own online shows every week. She might have plans for a show like that, herself, I don't know.

Arlington, Va.: I really hope that Judi Dench does not walk home with the Oscar. First of all, Chocolat is a terrible film (treacly, saccharine, predictable) and, secondly, I don't think anyone should get two Oscars just for showing up for a few scenes and delivering a bunch of sarcastic comments and jokes.

Desson Howe: I rather agree with you. Having a frumpy British accent shouldn't be enough.

Arlington, Va.: Desson,

Good afternoon. I haven't heard anything about Spielberg's next project. What does A.I. stand for and what is the buzz?

Thank you.

Desson Howe: Artificial Intelligence. It's going to be huge this summer. Later this summer. Jude Law and Haley Joel OSment will be in it.

New York, N.Y.: Although no sensible observer thinks movies proximally and directly cause violence, or that censorship should be instituted, there is no doubt that movies drenched in violence have coarsened American culture. As we watch school shooting after school shooting, is it enough to simply pretend that the flood of violent images has no impact whatever on our culture?

Desson Howe: That's a huge subject, which has been explored ad nauseum. And all of the talks shows, articles and Hill hearings have failed to reached consensus on what the answer is. It's an important issue and I believe violence has reached a disgusting ubiquitousness. Even the Motion Picture Association of America censors are inured to it. They'll slap an R on sex in a hurry, but a PG-13 on violence.

Capitol Hill: RE: "Instrument"-seeker

The documentary on Fugazi has been airing on the Independent Film Channel as of late -- check their Web site to see when it will air again.

Desson Howe: Thanks.

Brookline, Mass.: Hi Desson,

Heard anything about The Black Adder? I saw a few minutes of it on PBS last night and it looked very funny.

Desson Howe: A hugely successful series in England. Very funny.

Washington, D.C.: I know this is a TV question (bad reader! bad reader!), but I was wondering if you'd seen a British show I've discovered on Bravo called Cold Feet. Really been enjoying it.

Desson Howe: Yes, I've read about it And would love to see it. Glad you're enjoying.

Alexandria, Va.: Hey Desson,

I didn't watch the SAG awards live last night -- Inside the Actors Studio had Gwyneth Paltrow, and then there was The Sopranos (still say that Gandolfini was robbed though I LOVE the West Wing). She was interesting, but what's up with the Actors Studio having young pups on -- she and Affleck haven't exactly burned up screens with big important work yet. I mean, would you tune in to hear what she had to say about the craft of acting?

Desson Howe: No, I wouldn't listen to a thing she has to say about acting. When she gets one wrinkle on her face, maybe I'd pay attention!

McLean, Va.: Have you viewed the movie "Chunhyang" yet, do you recommend it and where is it playing?

Thanks!

Desson Howe: I'm reviewing it this Friday. Loved it. It's playng at Visions of Dupont Circle.

Cameo, Fla.: Hi Desson, do you know of any "movie clubs" in the D.C. metro area and around? Groups of people that get together to watch a movie and then discuss it at a coffee shop or something like this. Nothing high-brow. I'll be moving shortly to Bethesda and my husband isn't so fond of movies. And in the last three years that I've lived in the U.S., I've missed terribly my group of college friends; it didn't really matter if the movie was good or bad because we'd just have as much fun hating it afterwards. Thanks.

Desson Howe: Key Sunday Cinema Club and Talk Cinema are the main ones. Check on the web. Key Club number is 202-965-4401. Don't know Talk's but they have an 800 number.

College Park, Md.: Do you think a movie about a top college basketball program with a hard drinking (and driving) coach, like the University of Maryland, will ever be produced?

Desson Howe: Seems like I see that movie every two years or so.

Disapointed in Virginia: Desson, I'm trying to see most, if not all, of the major movies nominated for Academy Awards before March 25. Unfornately, Requiem for A Dream is not playing anywhere, and it's not available on video until May. I'm disappointed in that I, and most likely others, would probably still pay to go to a local theater and see movies such as this that are up for an award.

I saw Billy Elliot over the weekend. Phenonemal and inspiring is all I can say. I also rented The Contender. I agree on Joan Allen's and Jeff Bridge's nominations. Both were outstanding but the plot of the movie was too dark for me as it reassured me how much I really can't stand politics.

I probably won't make it to see Malena or Vatel -- did you see either of those?

I'm going to try to see Pollock, Quills, and Shadow of a Vampire before the awards. All are still playing at least at one local theater. If you were to rate these in order of being seen, what would it be? I trust your judgment as you and I have shared similar taste in film.

Desson Howe: Pollock, Quills and Shadow are all good.

EraserheadGuy, D.C.: Desson, when the discussion turns to soccer, you often refer to “Manchester United” and “Arsenal.” I was looking through my CD collection the other night and came across “Your Arsenal” by eccEntric British singer Morrissey, who I believe hails from Manchester. I now wonder whether the title is a soccer reference. Do you have any idea? If not, how ‘bout just telling us what kind of music/bands you like and grew up with?

Desson Howe: Last q! Yes, that's a reference to the team Arsenal, hated by many non-Arse fans. I love the Smiths and Morrissey. I grew up with the Rolling Stones, the Who and the whole so-called British Invasion: Kinks, Traffic, Beatles, etc. I also got into glam rock: David Bowie, T-Rex and all. I like the Clash, too.

Desson Howe: Thanks for posting these q's everyone. See you all next week!

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