Rita Kempley (Craig Cola/ washingtonpost.com)

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This year's Golden Globes will be doled out Sunday, Jan. 20, at 8 p.m. on NBC. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association will honor achievements in film and television for the calendar year.

Precursors to the Oscars? Big deal or no big? Bogus or Oscar bait?

Rita Kempley was online Friday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. EST, to talk about the buzz and also discuss the usual round of movie lore with the all the Unusual Suspects.

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.

Broomes Island: Dearest Rita: An early post. Im sorry but I just can't get into this AFI-Peoples Choice-Golden Globe thing. In my viewpoint, they are just trying to glom onto the reflected glory of the one-and-only-Academy Awards. (Besides I heard that the Golden Globes are selected by 12 old French sportswriters or something). Am I wrong? Is there a value-need-requirement for these awards shows?

PS: Have a nice weekend. Im seeing Beautiful Mind even though it makes me mad that it's not really a "true story".

PPS: After seeing LOTR 2x I am rereading the books. "The Two Towers" really rocks!

Rita Kempley: Good afternoon, Broomes Island: Twelve old French sportswriters would be a step up if you ask me. The Globes are awarded by the foreign press association, which has been criticized in the past for its lenient standards of membership. You could be a Volvo mechanic with a newsletter and claim to be a member of the association. They've supposedly cleaned up their act in recent years, not that the group is all that pretigious. But they do throw a good party I hear and the stars eat up the adulation.

Charlottesville, Va.: What's your take on the relevance of the Golden Globes? Are they a path toward Oscar gold or the worst sort of perk for members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association? I confess, it's amusing to watch some of the stars try to enunciate their acceptance speeches when they're blasted on bourbon, but the shocking (and well-documented) ethical lapses of the association do make one wonder if everything's for sale.

Thanks,
S. Evans

Rita Kempley: Hi Charlottesville: As negligible as the Globes are, they do tend to presage the Oscar outcomes.

Clinton, Md.: We've just seen "A Beautiful Mind" - a fabulous, must-see film - and are wondering if we should see it again specifically to look for clues along the way. Not to give anything away, but we were totally taken in, the same way we were until the very last scenes of "The Sixth Sense."

Rita Kempley: Clinton: Terrific film, even though as Broomes Island pointed out, it isn't exactly a true story. But then few biopix are.

Sir Synergy: I can't help but think that this year's Oscars are going to be a rerun of of the Titanic vs. LA Confidential Oscar race. The moneymaking epic versus the critical fave. (Gladiator vs. Traffic as well). Does LOTR have enough goodwill behind it, considering the sheer risk of the project in general? Will the controversy over Nash's life and the changes in the movie doom Mind come Oscar time?

Personally, I think Ghost World and Royal Tenenbaums might sneak in with more nominations that one might think.

Rita Kempley: Sir Syngery: I think LOTR has a lock on the Best Picture, given the AFI awards. Lots of the 100 committee members were industry types and that was their choice. I don't think the controversy will have any effect. I imagine that Gene Hackman and Steve Buscemi will at least be nominated in supporting actor categories.

Dianetics, Calif.: I personally think Travolta got robbed by the Golden Globes this year. The man is a talent, a talent I tell you.

Rita Kempley: Dianetics: No question about it.

Laurel, Md.: The Golden Globes, (sigh)

I stopped paying attention when they named Pia Zadora best actress.

Apparently that was something of a minor scandal at the time and some of their lobbying rules were tightened up; but don't they still rank somewhere between Enron and the Salt Lake City Olympic Committee on the believability and objectivity scales?

Rita Kempley: Laurel: I hear the studios no longer give them rolexes.

Alexandria, Va.: Is the John Wayne war movie gone for good? It seems that to Hollywood either our Army doesn't know what it's doing (Black Hawk Down), or it can only beat aliens and cyborgs (fill in the blank). I think folks would go for a rah-rah film right about now.

Rita Kempley: Actually, I thought Black Hawk Down emphasized the courage of the men caught up in the wretched affair. Yes, Ridley Scott et al do indicate that the mission was poorly planned, but there's no overt criticism. Otherwise the Pentagon would never have been supportive of the film. They actually protected the cast and crew during filming.

London Callin': Hi Rita - I just realized I qualify to vote on GG noms - I'm foreign (in the US anyway) and I got a juicer (fruit 'press', get it?) for Christmas. Therefore I nominate Thora Birch in Ghost World - she's a fantastic young actress.

Rita Kempley: Hi London: Do not drink cabbage juice. It causes diarrhea or so I have been told by a vegetarian yoga instructor. A very fine choice.

Laurel: Ad in today's Weekend says "I am Sam" is holding sneak previews this weekend.

Has this been screened for critics, and have you seen it?

Rita Kempley: Laurel: Yep, I saw "Sam." It's a tad on the sticky side and clearly Sean Penn's bid for attention.

WFU alumn: Talk me down! I finally got to a showing of FotR, and I absolutely LOVED it to PIECES! WOW! The only problem is, I'm now tempted to go back and rewatch the original animated/rotoscoped Bakshi attempt ...

Do you have any opinions on this original attempt?

Rita Kempley: WFU alum: If I were there in person I'd give you a good smack--you know the kind they give people who faint in the movies--to bring you to your senses. Don't waste that high on the original.

re: Thora Birch: I wouldn't be entirely surprised to see her sneak in as the fifth Best Actress nod, despite the belief that Naomi Watts has that spot. I think Ghost World has really reappeared on the buzz radar, not just Buscemi.

Rita Kempley: That might well be true. Sissy Spacek, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Tilda Swinton...there were quite a few terrific, worthy performances last year.

Arlington, Va.: You've probably answered this one already, but do you think Amelie will win the Oscar for Best Foreign Film? Or other awards? I thought it was one the best movies I've ever seen.

Rita Kempley: Certainly would be the popular choice.

EraserheadGuy, D.C.: Hi, Rita. Remember my mother, EraserheadMom? I got an e-mail from her recently that made me nearly fall out of my chair. She went to see “Mulholland Drive” and she actually sort of LIKED it while acknowledging it was “weird.” This is progress. Maybe it’s time to urge her to see “Eraserhead” -- then again, maybe not. I am sure her disclosure influenced a dream I had a few nights later, in which she got a job as a film critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, her hometown newspaper. I was seething with jealousy.

Anyhoo, the beloved E-Mom is back in town for a visit as we speak, taking in my new condo and offering some advice and perhaps a little assi$tance in furnishing it. I’ll check the transcript later: what would you recommend if we decide to take in a talkie? As before, it should be E enuf for me, but not too E for her -- although if her recent viewing habits are any indication, maybe I’ve been underestimating her tolerancE.

Rita Kempley: EraserheadGuy: Give EMom our best. Let us know if we can offer you any assistance in furnishing your new pad. I am taking a year's sabbatical starting Feb. 1 (I'll still be keeping up with the movies and doing the web chat) and I have a very nice giant ape poster that will need a home as well as my Kingpin bowling pin and Matt Damon lemon.
You and mom: Amelie might be too precious for you, although it should suit EMom. A Beautiful Mind might also work for the two of you. Yep, I believe that's the best choice.

Binghamton, N.Y.: Hello Rita,

I am back up in chilly college, and I have a conondrum for you. Whenever my friends and I want to go out to a movie, I will often say, "Oh yes, that movie got really good reviews." Inevitably, one of my friends will respond with some snappy comment telling me I shouldn't bother with reviews because they are just another person's view. Can you give me any advice as to how to defend my, and your indirectly, cinematic integrity? Thanks.

Rita Kempley: Hi Binghamtom:
Tell them that reading reviews might save them from wasting their money on a crappy movie, or might direct them to one they would especially enjoy and would otherwise miss if they hadn't bothered to check out the review.

Peoples' Republic of Alexandria, Va.: Rita me darlin',
Re: Sean Penn, I propose a new Oscar
category-"Best Performance by an Actor in
a role as a handicapped, addicted,
diseased, or condemned man". This will
become known as the Rain Man Award
and will come with an autographed photo
of Judge Wapner!

Rita Kempley: Peoples': That is an excellent idea, especially in this case. The movie's a bizarre attempt to cross "Rainman" with "Kramer vs. Kramer." In this case, I am thinking that a photo of Dr. Seuss might be more appropriate.

Washington, D.C. 19th Street: Hi Rita:

I was reading somewhere the buzz that there might be 3 African-American actors nominated this year for Oscar - Halle Berry, Will Smith and Denzel Washington. I have heard mucho buzz on Halle and Will (not that I think he will get it) but is Denzel's potential nomination for "Training Day" really earned? It seemed like the type of movie that wasnt all that.

Rita Kempley: Hi 19th Street:

I'm certain that Denzel will be nominated, but Will Smith's performance hasn't been highly praised. It's on the light side. If enough people see "Monster Ball," Berry definitely has a shot.

Washington, D.C.: Maybe you can help me out - I've been seeing commercials for a movie with Richard Gere (I think...) and the woman from Will & Grace. I cannot for the life of me figure out what the movie is all about........

Chap Stick also figures prominently.

Rita Kempley: The Mothman Prophecies: a ghost story said to be based on real, spooky goings on in West Virgina. I don't know what the chap stick has to do with anything. Perhaps product placement.

New York City, N.Y.: Just watched Herzog's "Fitzcarraldo" last night on DVD and I was quite blown away. Do you remember the film?

Rita Kempley: Yes, I do. It's amazing all right. There's also a wonderful documentary about making the film that shows how Herzog's own journey mirrored that of the hero. Suggest you see it.

London Callin': 'I am Sam' could have been worse - Robin Williams co-stars as the kindly social worker. Actually I read that Robin's playing a nasty character in his next project - have you heard anything?

Rita Kempley: London: Yes, that's true. But Michelle Pfeiffer is bad enough as the workaholic lawyer who doesn't appreciate her son until she sees how much Sean loves his little girl. The icky thing: Pfeiffer and Penn had a love scene that was blessedly cut from the movie, although there's still a hint when she says, "Is it okay if we just stay friends?" Don't know anything about Williams' project.

Mister Jimmy: Hi Rita,

Thought those pesty work people would never leave me alone so I could join the chat.

Anyways, I noticed a major faux pas in "In The Bedroom." In the kitchen scene where Sissy and hubby finally open up about their anger, the scene starts at 6:40; a few minutes later in the scene, the clock shows the time as 6:20. Even though this was low-budget, if I saw this, how could the director and all the film editors miss this?

(Missed you last week. I even asked Mr. Levey if he knew why you weren't on.)

Rita Kempley: Mister Jimmy:
I missed you too. And where in the world is Miss Edie? At a fab spa perhaps? There was some kind of scheduling thing involving Desson and now we are on every other week lest you guys get over-movie chatted. Thanks for alerting us to this continuity problem. You probably have a better eye than the director, who was probably looking at the action instead of the background.

Kittyluvr, Va.: A headline on the msn.com page reads, "Is Wes Anderson the next Quentin Tarantino?"

Gosh, I don't think so. Royal Tenenbaums reminded me of my family. Pulp Fiction helps me escape thinking about my family.

What say you, your majesty? We shall abide by your ruling.

Rita Kempley: Kittyluvr: Sounds pretty silly to me. Wes Anderson is a humanist who seems to love his characters, while Tarantino is a cynical observaor and a sensationalist. Yes, they both focus on quirky characters, but one is drawn to socialization and the other to its antithesis.

Mister Jimmy again: Actually, Miss Edie has been "furloughed" for the past 6 weeks so has been sans computer. She could certainly use some encouraging words from you and the other suspects right about now.

Rita Kempley: Furloughed! Will she be unfurloughed? Well, tell her we all miss her and if we can do anything to help, she should just say the word.

Falls Church, Va.: Queenie:

I'm sure Beautiful Mind and Ali are fine pieces of film making and acting and production values and all that, but what's the matter with a documentary? Instead of wondering how fabulous Jon Voight is as Cosell, how about Cosell as Cosell (what, there's no footage left of that guy)? Or are movie audiences such suckers that they would always prefer James Cameron's Titanic (worst dialogue ever) to Ken Burns' Titanic?

Just wondering,
Former Attorney Meese

Rita Kempley: I liked the Ali documentary a whole lot better than the movie. I think that most people would rather see a glammed up version than the real thing.

Bellvue, Washington: Tell me that the Star Wars movie is going to be better than that gawdawful trailer in the theaters would lead you to believe.

To all the Usual Suspects, "Breaking Away" comes out on DVD in 2 weeks. If you haven't seen it, rent and/or buy it immediately. It will cleanse you from any "I am Sam" or "Shipping News" residue!

Rita Kempley: Bellvue:
I'd love to reassure vis a vis Star Wars, but I don't think George Lucas has that much more to say about those characters. I can't remember a single prequel that really worked.
Breaking Away is one of my all time favorites, too.

London Callin': Rita ma cherie...Due to your rescheduling I just remembered a comment you made that 'Charlotte Gray' proves conclusively that all French men are sexier that we Brits. Clearly that's true in my case - however I'd just like to mention Sean Connery v that bloke with the big schnozzle. The Beatles v any french band you've never heard of. Jude Law v that toad like bloke from Amelie. I rest my Louis Vutton (case)!

Rita Kempley: London: Heavens, I would never say such a thing. Proves conclusively. Nobody does tall, thin and tortured better than the British. I believe I said Charlotte discoverd this. It was a joke, okay. Besides, the French are so obvious. (I've never gotten the Sean Connery thing. I can't abide him. He's so stuck on himself.) I can tell you're sexy by the way you write.

Washington, D.C.: I want Sean Bean to get nominated for SOMETHING for playing Boromir in LOTR. But it's not going to happen, is it?

Rita Kempley: Ah, I'm afraid it's not.

Distressed in Washington, D.C.: You are going on a year's sabbatical? No more reviews??

Rita Kempley: Distressed:
Not for a year, but I'll be back and I'll do my best to be more analytical and poetical and what not when we chat. It will be my first break in 23 years.

Peoples' Republic of Alexandria, Va.: Your approval encourages me to put forth my other Oscar suggestion- that the best picture award be further divided into one for best picture and a second for biggest blockbuster: Titanic, Gladiator, etc., and that this award, rather than the usual bald dude with sword be a memorial to the late Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing and be called the Giant Pander.

Rita Kempley: Another fine suggestion. I would like to suggest that Oscar get some pants.

WFU alum: So, what role do you see AI playing in the Oscar hunt this year? I have a feeling it'll get several technical nominations, and then get beat by LotR each and everytime. I have the same fears about Planet of the Apes as well (though maybe that'll win out over the Orcs for costuming...)

Rita Kempley: That will probably be the case.

Washington, D.C.: The new Robin Williams thing is One Hour Photo, where I believe he's a clerk type who develops an obsession with a woman whose photos he develops. Sundance. Michael Vartan. Connie Nielsen. Sounds intriguing to me.

Rita Kempley: Thanks

Meeseville: Regarding prequels, if Godfather II was a prequel, then that one worked. I'm trying to think of others that might have, but it's hard enough to think of any prequel.

Meese

Rita Kempley: Meeseville: Yes, thanks. I knew somebody would come up with one or two. I was generalizing.

Dogpatch: Lady R-

Help! Already seen LOTR and Royal Tenenbaums...what should I see next? Fave directors Wes Anderson, David O. Russell and Alexander Payne...

HELP HELP HELP! I'M SO LOST!!!

Amen

Rita Kempley: Dogpatch:
Did you see "In the Bedroom?" That might suit.

Washington, D.C.: I'm wondering about your thoughts and insight on the topic of movie theatres. After more than several bad experiences over the past year with both Loews Cineplex and General Cinema I am truly fed up with the way the theatres are treating the public. After my third bad experience in as many visits at Mazza Gallerie last weekend I spoke to the manager and contacted General Cinema. Higher prices, dirtier conditions, declining (or should I say absence of) service are all making me think seriously about bypassing them completely now. I'd rather go ahead and buy a good home system and wait for the DVD to watch at my convenience. What do you think the future is for theatres and when will the production and distribution people start bypassing the theatres for releases?

Rita Kempley: I think that home theaters will cut into their business, especially when it comes to family fare. But I imagine people will still want something to do on a rainy afternoon so they don't go stir crazy. Teens will want to get out of the house and so forth. Did the manager offer to give you free tickets. If not, you should insist. The guy at Mazza is awfully accommodating.
.

Alexandria, Va.: Queen R-

I read a quote from Kevin Smith recently that basically said that some of the best filmmaking today is on HBO in their series', especially The Sopranos (amazing), Sex in the City (how cute is SJP), Curb Your Enthusiasm (which I personally can't stand) and Six Feet Under (Mmmmm...Peter Krause).

Your thoughts?

Rita Kempley: I find it easy to curb my enthusiasm as well. I agree with Smith, although I am beginning to wish the Sexy Citizens would find something to talk about besides.....

Washington, D.C.: We hear a lot of the lax membership of groups that vote for the Golden Globes (and the People's choice is more of a popularity contest than anything else). Obviously by defining a particular membership, you can influence voting outcomes. That is, a group of movie critics would vote differently than sportswriters, who would vote differently than historians, who would vote differently than farmers, and so on.

What about the Oscars? Who votes for them and what makes them the most qualified people?

Rita Kempley: I think you're right to some degree, but I do believe that the majority of movie-goers, be they farmers, historians or critics, tend to like and enjoy quality entertainment. Critics tend to see--and have access to--many more indie and foreign films. And anything that's different tends to please us. Actors who are Academy members select the nominees for best actor categories, directors for best director, and so on. All members vote for the best picture nominees. Then the whole membership votes for the winner.

Albuquerque, N.M.: I just saw the trailer for the Count of Monty Cristo and wondered if you have any thoughts on this movie. It seems like it has been "on the horizon" forever, but now it appears to be opening soon

Rita Kempley: Yes, it will open here next week. The studio wanted to put a lot of distance between the Count and the Musketeer adaptation that opened last fall.

Washington, D.C.: Any hope for Memento getting an oscar nod?

Rita Kempley: I'd like to see it nominated for director and actor, but I have a feeling it will turn up in writing and editing categories.

Virginia: I know,I come terribly late to it, but--I finally saw Moulin Rouge and I adored it. (I've already seen it twice since then--in the span of about two weeks!) I sure hope it garners some awards. I found that people who aren't the "musical" type (ie, accepting the inherent sort of silliness and contrivedness of the genre) hated it. Musical lovers liked it.

Rita Kempley: I admire Baz Luhrmann's gutsiness. I think it has a legitimate shot at the best picture category.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Rita:

Happy New Year. You've started a great tradition, and hopefully will stay with it for a long time. These award shows do motivate me to go see all the "best" movies of the year. I guess Hollywood producers know how to advertise their products.

I just saw Castaway and was very impressed by it. I am glad to have waited this long, and be able to appreciate Tom Hanks now more than when the picture came out. I think I was tired of him being in the spotlight for so long. I have the same feeling with Russell Crowe in "A Beautiful Mind." Unless you recommend for me to go anyway. Is it that good? Thank you.

Rita Kempley: Hi Washington:
Always go with your instincts. I think Beautiful Mind will play just as well on a small screen. The film's carried by the performances and I've noticed that these stand out better or as well on video or DVD.

Suggestion for Binghamton: Ask your friend to make a list of 5 really stinko and five really good movies you've seen. Then look them up on rottentomatoes.com.

Most films rate either less than 25% or more than 75% favorability, and I almost always agree.

Rita Kempley: Thanks, I'll pass this along.

Washington, D.C.: I love and hate the Golden Globes and the Oscars. They are a fun spectacle, and I love film so much that it is nice to see it celebrated. But rarely do the people I think deserve to win, win. And often they are not even nominated.

I am not a professional critic, as you are. But I think there are awards given by groups of critics. Critics Choice, NY Film Critics, etc. I wonder if you vote with any of these groups, and do your choices ever get to win?

Rita Kempley: I think the Oscars are entertaining in the same way. Although nobody has been much fun since Roberto Benigni. I voted for the AFI Awards this year as well as the best American films last year. I have never joined any of the critic's groups because I think they're kind of snotty.

Washington, D.C.: In light of the current patriotism sweeping America, do you think critics are afraid to be critical of Black Hawk Down out of fear of being branded unpatriotic? And do you think that anti-war or us military films as "the three kings" would be green-lighted or praised in the press now?

Rita Kempley: Most critics that I know wouldn't hesitate to criticize a film regardless of the zeitgeist. That's not to say that we all aren't affected by what's happening around us. Black Hawk Down has it's problems--and the few reviews I've seen have mentioned them. If you haven't read the book it's hard to tell the characters apart or to know exactly what is going on. Scott makes no attempt to address any of the political issues etc.
If the public responds positively to this film, then other war movies will be greenlighted.

Rita Kempley: Thanks for stopping by. As usual, I'm sorry i couldn't get to more of your comments and questions. We'll be doing a special romantical show for Valentine's Day, so everybody stock up on viagra for Feb. 14.
Bye for now.

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