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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: Welcome back everyone. I know it's been a long time since our last confession and all that. We find ourselves getting ever closer to Halloween. And this brings up the subject of scary movies. My friend and colleague Richard Harrington has been dispatched to watch the movie Bones, starring Snoop Doggy Dog, or whatever he calls himself (Snoop, not Richard) these days. This week, I'll see 13 Ghosts. And there's always horror films in the past to talk about. But if you have anything else in mind, we'll talk about that too.

Mclean, Va.: I am submitting this early in hopes you may be able to answer it. I just saw "The Others." I thought when I read the orginal promos for it, they said Christopher Eccelston was playing Nicole Kidman's butler. When did the switch to her husband take place?

Desson Howe: I didn't see those promos you mention. But he was always the husband from what I can see. Did you like the movie?

Arlington, Va.: What were they thinking when they decided to put those glasses on James Gandolfini in "The Last Castle"? He looks like a big George Costanza.

Desson Howe: And if only he'd been as funny as George. That's not my only question about that movie.

EraserheadGuy, D.C.: Any buzz on the Coen brothers’ "The Man Who Wasn't There?" I hope it’s something that will really light up the Eraserhead-o-meter, a feat they haven’t quite managed since “Barton Fink.” (“Fargo” came closest.) Desson, you and I have gone back and forth on the merits of “Fink,” which you don’t care for. So what is your favorite Coen's flick? I hope it’s “Miller’s Crossing,” which is my second favorite of theirs.

Desson Howe: I saw it. And I liked it very much. It's a slight work, almost throwaway. Like a riff more than a film. But I certainly enjoyed it, particularly Billy Bob Thornton's performance as a laconic barber who gets caught up in a strange set of circumstances. I didn't hate Barton. I just think it didn't rise to its own standard as much as I would have liked. I loved Miller's Crossing, a real underappreciated piece of work. There are many movies of the Coens that I have appreciated, particularly Blood Simple, Fargo and The Big Lebowski. I pretty much like all of them in some way or another, with the possible exception of the Hudsucker Proxy.

Washington, D.C.: What did you think of "Training Day?" I thought it was excessively violent and did not think it lived up to the hype I had heard.

Desson Howe: Michael O'Sullivan, my colleague, saw it. He liked it as far as Denzel Washington's performance. My wife saw it, liked Denzel too. (They all like Denzel). But she also was sickened by the violence. So there seems to be a common complaint here.

Bowie: Saw Ghost World. Thank God for the Greenbelt Theatre, which shows some art films.

I'm afraid I didn't understand the significance of the opening, which was a 60's jazz stage dance intercut with scenes of lonely people in tenements. I suppose it had something to do with people's disconnection with society, but otherwise I didn't see its relevance.

Desson Howe: Definitely the sense of being distanced from society is there, I think. With these people being out of step with the dance of normal life. Something like that.

Boonies, Va.: As a Dave Barry fan, I was eagerly awaiting the release of "Big Trouble." However, they postponed it due to the terrorist attacks. Do you know if there has been a rescheduling of the release?

Desson Howe: It's scheduled for next year, at this point....

McLean, Va.: I did like the movie, but I wish they would have developed why the father came back. Was the movie based on a book?

Desson Howe: The director, who's Spanish, wrote the script. It was originally conceived as a ghost story set in South America, with a sort of magic realism aspect to it. But they switched to the island of Jersey, because they wanted to have a Victorian ghost story feel to it.

Wiredog: Horror movies? How about "The Washington Redskins 2001 Season". Maybe "The Manhole Demons Return". "MTV: Anthrax Unplugged" (the second rate metal band, not the disease). The last being, I hope, fictional.

Desson Howe: You do raise a good point: Real life is scarier than anything a bunch of hack filmmakers could dream up. And the Redskins are hardly worth ringing your hands over. Poor old Gene Weingarten, our Post writer, who had proposed a Bad Wagon over the team (in which there would be a perfect losing score) has been greatly disappointed by the Skins' win this weekend.

Reston, Va.: Saw a random ad over the weekend about a new movie with Kevin Klein that's supposedly getting buzz, which got my hopes up for a new Oscar-contender. Any word on that?

Desson Howe: Yes, the movie is called K-PAX, which stars Kevin Spacey and is about a stranger with no apparent identity (Spacey) who claims to be an alien from the planet K-PAX. Jeff Bridges is the shrink assigned to assess him. It's very entertaining. I had problems with the way it answers its questions. But for the most part, absorbing. Thanks to Spacey, mostly.

Arlington, Va.: I did like "The Others." I've tried to convince others to see it. Nicole Kidman was very convincing.

Desson Howe: Great!

Wiredog: Upcoming horror movie: Scooby Doo! OK, maybe not scary, but definitely a horror.

Desson Howe: Could be. If you saw the latest Kevin Smith movie, there's a scene in which the two characters (Jay and Silent Bob) thumb a ride, only to find themselves in a big van with the (non-cartoon) cast of Scooby Doo.

Washington, D.C.: Any buzz on Harry Potter? I'm 29, no kids -- not exactly the demo they're targetting. I can't wait, though ...

Desson Howe: I am a Johnny Come Lately fan. Am reading the first book now, ahead of the movie openining (Nov 16 I believe). And it's a terrific, witty read. Enjoy it much. I;m also looking forward to it.

Washington, D.C.: Will there be any special showings of scary movies on Halloween night in D.C. or environs?

Desson Howe: I don't know of any, off hand. But Weekend is compiling a list of Halloween events, coming soon. And the person who's compiling those events might be able to answer the question. You can call later today at Weekend and check. Weekend's # is 202-334-6808.

Hell's Kitchen, N.Y.C.: I'm looking forward to seeing "From Hell." It'll be a refreshing change of pace to see Heather Graham playing something besides a fluffy blonde. What's the word on her performance?

Desson Howe: I'm sorry to inform you, she plays a fluffy blonde. A fluffy blonde hooker.

Oops!: Looks like you misread a question earlier about Kevin KLINE -- you responded as if the writer asked about Kevin SPACEY ...

Desson Howe: Oops is right. I got my Kevins mixed up. The movie the person was originally asking about is Kevin Kline in Life As a House, in which Kline plays a washed-up architect who decides to raze his seaside house and rebuild as the dream house he always wanted. It's a character movie and is going to be appealing to audiences that like Kline and gentle movies that aren't full of collaterol damage. I saw it and thought it was a decent film. Not bowl me over fantastic. Decent. It so happens that both Kevins will be opening at the same time, which is why I got confused. Sorry.

Arlington, Va.: Desson,

It is good to have you back. My husband and I are trying to catch up on movies that came out prior to when we were sentient. Or movies that we might have seen but not appreciated because we were too young. We just rented "The Sting" and absolutely loved it. Now I understand why Robert Redford was so popular, (I've always adored Newman). And Robert Shaw was amazing. Any Shaw movies to recommend aside from Jaws? We might go for "Butch Cassidy" next. Any other suggestions?

Thanks ever so.

Desson Howe: Lordy lordy, if you haven't seen Butch Cassidy yet, you're missing one of the great American movies! See it now! The late Robert Shaw has had a great run: He was the veteran shark hunter in Jaws, and was Henry VIII in the great A Man for All Seasons. I first remember him in the English movies, The Lavender Hill Mob (1951) and The Dam Busters (1954. And he was the scary killer on the train in James Bond's From Russia With Love (both 1963). He was also in the film version of Harold Pinter's The Caretaker and The Birthday Party. Also: Royal Hunt of the Sun, The Sting, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three The Deep and Black Sunday. He was also a prolific playwright and author.

Herndon, Va.: Mr. H: I'm not sure that "fluffy" is the right adjective for the good Ms. Graham. Your esteemed colleague, Mr. Hunter, spent a good portion of his time on the esteemed Mr. Kornheiser's radio show last Friday rhapsodizing about Ms. Graham's low-cut 1880s "hookers" gowns and her "dirigibles." AND, in an aside, can we cut some of the blood and guts onscreen? "Psycho" is still one of the "bloodiest" out there, with it all implied.

Desson Howe: I was being facetious, somewhat. But her role in the movie, From Hell, is thinly written. The movie's all about atmospherics and not about much else. And since she plays a hooker (thinly written), it leads me to demean the role itself as fluffy. And don't worry about my colleague Steven. He is always medicated and restrained with harnesses before he gets dangerous. We let him out only briefly on Saturday afternoons.
I think you're right about blood and guts--and how unncessary it is to evoke horror. Pyscho being a perfect case in point.

Re: Robert Shaw: Yes, he was great on film, but he viewed that part of his life with no small amount of disdain. He thought of himself first and foremost as an author, and was very disappointed that he was not renowned as such.

Desson Howe: That sounds right from what I've read about him.

Herndon, Va.: Mr. H: "The Taking of Pellham One Two Three" -- glad to be reminded of it. One of the "forgotten" gems in the thrill genre. Walter Matthau is great, as is Shaw, plus ALL the supporting actors, and one of the best uses on record of a character's having the flu as a plot device!

Desson Howe: Enjoyed that one myself.

Arlington, Va.: I thought "Riding in Cars with Boys" was inexcusably sad and depressing. It was a horrible experience sitting through it. Am I alone on this?

Desson Howe: No.

TMA-1 Lexington Park, Md.: Mr. Howe:

Although not a theatrical release, please let us know if you've been watching "Band of Brothers" on HBO and your impressions. I had very high expectations for this series, and it far exceeds my hopes -- very intense, honed for action and nothing extraneous or sentimental ...
Also: I hear that "2001" will indeed get a 70mm run at the Uptown this December. Any thoughts, and do you know if there is a celebratory event planned for its opening? Thanks and best regards.

Desson Howe: I'm sorry. Haven't tuned in. But delighted to hear it's so good. I'll see it when I get a chance. Indeed you are right about 2001. It will be coming to the Uptown Nov 2 as a Warner Bros. release.

Alexandria, Va.: K-Pax -- my potential problem with the movies, based on the previews, is that it could be cutesy and sentimental. I always like Spacey's performances, and I find he makes even bad movies watchable if his role is big enough, but I'm also wary that actors like him can start resorting to mannerisms (i.e., phoning in a performance), and I was afraid this role could reward mannerisms. Are my fears justified in this case?

Desson Howe: Well, he uses mannerisms to the hilt. But I enjoy them in his case. I think the movie, as I said, isn't the greatest at the end. But it has you going for a long time. Maybe many people will enjoy the whole thing, I don't know. I just hate it when Hollywood convention overshadows a potentially good story which is what happens here, in my opin.

London, England (Hell's Living Room): Hi Desson

'The Lavender Hill Mob' What a fantastic, funny movie. I'm amazed it hasn't been ruined, sorry remade again in Hollywood. Audrey Hepburn was in it along with Alec Guinness! And in a six degrees of sep.-type thing it was of course directed by Charles Crighton who also directed A Fish Called Wanda which starred Kevin Kline -- or was it Spacey?

Desson Howe: I asked for that, didn't I? Yes, it was Kline. And yes, what a great little flick. You're right: Fish is the great return of the late Charles Crichton who made Lavendar.

Boston, Mass.: Is it me or are movies getting worse and worse? Why are really good movies becoming so rare?

Desson Howe: I think Hollywood is getting success with lazily conceived formula, and people (unfortunately) are supporting it. We're in such a commercial time, it seems to matter to people only who's in the movie, not what it's about.

San Francisco: C'mon E-man, The Big Lebowski was pure genius. Citizen Kane for the slacker generation.

I was reading an old interview with Pauline Kael last week in which she praised a movie called "Mumford," directed by Lawrence Kasdan. Rented it this weekend and really enjoyed it -- about a small-town psychologist. Lots of great characters, very funny and incisive. Seen it?

Desson Howe: Yes, I saw Mumford. Underappreciated film. Very funny. I did enjoy Lebowski.

EraserheadGuy, D.C.: Horror movies: Desson, last week I attended and enjoyed a Smithsonian lecture on the films of David Lynch, and learned that he was influenced, especially on “Eraserhead,” by one Hans Richter, a German filmmaker who made an experimental film in the 40s called “Dreams That Money Can Buy.” Do you know this film/director? BTW, the next time you review a Lynch flick, I hope you can work in a reference to “Eraserhead.” It’s not that much of a stretch to mention it as a historical reference point. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Desson Howe: What a shock, that you attended a lecture on the films of ... David Lynch. I HAD NO IDEA you like that guy. As for Hans Richter, I studied him in film school somewhat. He was a big pioneer in movie avant-garde, including expressionism, dadaism, constructivism and surrealism. Thanks for the suggestion of Eraserhead, but I'd rather keep my options open. Maybe I'll mention it and maybe I won't.

Washington, D.C.: "Shallow Hal." Don't know why these dumb comedies always appeal to me ... previews made me laugh ... love Jack Black, can't stand Gwyneth but will pay good money to see her in a fat suit ... What have you heard?

Desson Howe: The preview looks HORRIBLE. But I too appreciate Jack Black. He was transcendent in High Fidelity.

Metro Center: Everything I have heard about "K-PAX" so far has made it sound like a, shall we say, "close adaptation" (although the term "rip-off" also comes to mind) of the sci-fi cult classic "Man Facing Southeast," just dumbed down for a mass audience. Ever seen that one, Desson?

Desson Howe: Yes, I saw Man Facing Southeast. I don't see much of a connection, apart from a man isolated from society and unfathomable. 2 different worlds.

Nani/Texas: May not be a horror film, but the original Diabolique was really scary. And wasn't the young Simone Signoret so beautiful!

Desson Howe: Diabolique is one of the greatest suspense movies ever made. One of my personal favorites.

Hohenems, Austria: Hello Desson!

Saw "The Pledge" last week and found it great. Nicholson´s performance was one of his finest (I think that means something, doesn´t it?). Penn´s directing has improved a lot since "Crossing Guard". Great work.

Well, horror movies:

It´s good (and surprising) to see some well executed, subtle works these days like "The Sixth Sense", "Echoes" and now "The Others" (I have to wait a few weeks to see this one). O.K. they are not classic horror films -- more "Mystery" but that´s some sort of evolution I think.

But what the hell is going on with Carpenter? It´s a pity ...

Desson Howe: Carpenter has not impressed me in many years! I think you will like The Others when it comes your way.

McLean, Va.: What movie do you recommend for this weekend?

Desson Howe: Waking Life by Richard Linklater. And Donnie Darko by Richard Kelly. Read Weekend this Friday!

Reston, Va.: "Black Sunday" might not be a good one for the twitchy/paranoid to watch these days ...

Desson Howe: Good point.

Washington, D.C.: We just rented Bunuel's "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoise." Humorous with a straight face. What do you think of Bunuel's films?

Desson Howe: He's a genius.

Re: Heather Graham: Aaaack! I thought she was at least playing a fluffy redhead. Doesn't playing a hooker un-fluff her?

Desson Howe: It's not exactly the existential question of the week.

Local Boy: Desson, when a film has a "sneak preview" in D.C. a couple weeks in advance of the "official" release, does that have any bearing on possible changes to the final cut, or is it just a marketing ploy?

Desson Howe: It's a mrketing plot. They just want to generate word of mouth. Sometimes it's changed, if the preview is shown way ahead of opening. But then it's a test marketing screening. A sneak preview usu means it's coming out soon.

Florida: Two old, but excellent, horror movies: The Hitcher, and another one I can't remember the name of -- it was Nicole Kidman's first U.S.- released movie and had her on a boat with Sam O'Neill of Jurassic Park fame. Good edge-of-your-seat flicks.

Desson Howe: Yes, the movie was called Dead Calm. Very very good until the finale.

Bethesda, Md.: Have you heard anything re: The Royal Tenenbaums?

Desson Howe: Well, only about its casting and so forth. But I adore Wes Anderson and I'm very much looking forward to it.

Desson Howe: Comment that follows may be considered a spoiler alert for the movie The Others. So pass over it, if you want to see the movie.

The Others: In answer to the earlier question, I believe the husband in "The Others" came back to see his family one last time, and then returned to the battle front, where he had died.

I believe that's traditionally what happens to ghosts: they end up haunting the spot where they died. Obviously, I don't know myself. (Or maybe I do . . . booOOOooo!)

Desson Howe: OK thanks.

Laurel: Desson,

The year is 80% over and it doesn't look like there's any strong choice for Best Picture, or even a good set of contenders. At this time last year we were hoping that one of the December releases (Chocolat, Quills or Cast Away) would at least give Gladiator a run and none of them did.

This year, is there anything that would be both a likely and deserving nominee? I've seen seven really good films this year, and I don't think I've overlooked anything top-notch, and:

Ghost World, Deep End and Sexy Beast are art films
Closet is foreign
Moulin Rouge is different, but not really excellent
Memento is pretty ordinary, except for the reverse chronology

Best Hollywood Pic so far this year is -- Joy Ride. But it just doesn't seem like the kind of film to win BP.

Desson Howe: Thanks. There'll be more movies at Christmas and in 2 weeks I'll talk about them. I disagree with you about Memento. I think it's better than that. But thanks for your take.

Laurel: Someone just recommended The Hitcher. YUCK!

Joy Ride, currently in theaters is pretty much the same film, but much much better.

Desson Howe: They're similar films, for sure. Merits to both, I think. I did enjoy Joy Ride a great deal more though.

HEYITSAD in FALLS CHURCH, VA.: I saw Serendipity and for the first time I disagreed with you. I did leave feeling pretty good and thought it was one of the better romance movies I've seen since possibly Sleepless in Seattle.

I also saw Don't Say A Word and thought Brittany Murphy had the best acting in the movie. Do you think she has the potential to be a great actress down the road or do you think she is a great one now?

I also saw Ghost World. What a delightful movie. I only saw it based on your review and it reminded me a lot of my rebellious years in high school and somewhat college too.

Anyway, I missed seeing your chats online. I pray that they keep on coming ...

Desson Howe: Thanks so much! I cannot change my tune on Serendipity. But I';m glad you enjoyed it.

D.C.: "From Hell" -- after seeing Burton's "Sleepy Hllow" -- how would you feel about a Burton version of a "Ripper Flick"?

Desson Howe: I didn't care for Sleepy Hollow beyond its atmospherics. So I wouldn;'t want him to do a Ripper flick necessarily.

Desson Howe: I've run out of time before I could get to everyone. Sorry. Hope we can pick up the thread in a fortnight. Take care and thanks for coming back to this chat. All the best.

washingtonpost.com:

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