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Behind The Screen
With Desson Howe
Washington Post Film Critic
Monday, March 31, 2003; 12:30 p.m. ET
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, a movie critic at The Washington Post for 15 years, was raised in England where he was entranced, like most, by Hollywood movies. And it was a visit to see David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia," that made him realize movies had to be a part of his life.
The 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 afternoon, everyone. We're back after a fortnight of increasingly nastier war, war, war. Let's try and focus on the more enjoyable aspect of being alive today: watching movies, for one thing. Fire away.
Arlington, Va:
Do you think they'll be able to get Tom Wilkinson to do the sequel to Black Knight? I hear that after his Oscar nomination, he's got a big head. Entertainment Weekly says the Black Knight II producers might not be able to lure back the British star to reprise his role as the drunken, forlorn English lord.
Desson Howe: For Tom, this is a good problem. But until dudes in the mall stop their skateboards when they hear the words: Tom Wilkinson, he'd better keep working those sequels in to his schedule, methinks.
Somewhere, USA:
Why did racial and other stereotypes suddenly become more popular than ever again in films, as material for comedy? "Bringing Down the House," "Head of State," "Boat Trip" and others. Audiences apparently love this stuff. Depressing.
Desson Howe: I know what you mean. But not everyone looks for high quality in their entertainment. They want easy, relaxed and, frankly, many just want stupid.
Towson, Md.:
How will the movie-going experience be different/better five years from now? What advances in theaters, sound, picture quality are you aware of that are in our not-so-distant future?
Desson Howe: The box office continues to be strong. That means, as the English say, bums in seats. And I draw encouragement that, whatever the increased sophistication in home entertainment, there is always a need for people to go out to the movies. With each other. And there's great rewards to be had in watching a movie with an audience--assuming they can all keep their mouths shut for 2 hours.
Georgetown, Washington, D.C.:
I finally caught Mulholland Drive on DVD over the weekend, and my brain still hurts.
How do think it holds up in retrospect?
Desson Howe: It didn't hold up back then--at least for me. It was amazingly well directed. But its scheme, for me, was a big sham and disappointment. It was the stylistic potboiler of the year, sexy, weird, fascinating but ultimately meaningless.
Washington, D.C.:
Remember the old Batman? Every time they showed an evil character the camera tilted. How come producers never use this technique any longer?
Desson Howe: People should appreciate the greatness of low-tech effects! I guess that's what you call advancement. Now we're all too techno-smooth to do anything like that. Even if people used such techniques it would be cool-retro rather than straighforward cheap effects.
Blanco, Tex.:
Who's life story is just begging to be made into the next great bio-pic?
Desson Howe: I put that to everyone. Whose life would you want to see in a movie and why?
Falls Church, Va.:
Desson and Company,
This question maybe a bit specific, but surgery left one of us bedridden and at the same time revealed the woeful lack of depth in the collection of our favored video chain.
Do you, or any of the chatters, have preferences for video stores, particularly in the Northern Virginina or Falls Church area?
thanks
P.S. We went to see "Bend It ..." like you, I found it somewhat familiar, but would hestiate to call it chessy. It was a welcome relief from the seriousness of some namy of the best picture nominees.
Desson Howe: Good question. Would some Arlington and other nearby residents like to respond? Of course, the best v-store in Oldtown is the Video Vault.
Peter the Great :
Desson,
I recently watched "Being There" and was simply blown away by Peter Sellers. I found him both heartbreaking and hysterical. He truly brought Chance to life. What other Sellers films (besides Strangelove) should I see? Is he considered a great actor in England? I am so sorry he is no longer with us.
Desson Howe: Really enjoyed Being There when I saw it. Makes me want to see it again. Now if you haven't seen Peter Sellers in his comedies, you are missing great experiences. Just for starters, you should see: all the Pink Panther series movies, in which he plays INspector Clouseau; also The Party; and almost any movie, actually, he's got some terrific donation. My favorite roles of his include Dr. Strangelove (his ultimate movie, in which he plays 3 roles); and Lolita, in which he plays Clare Quilty. All of those old Brit films he was in I loved, too. The Ladykillers, I;m Alright Jadck, the Mouse that Roared, etc. Obviously these have to be found in netflix.com or cool video stores like Potomac Video or Video Americain or The Video Vault.
Baltimore, Md.:
Have you seen "Irreversible"? What did you think of it? Do you know when it will open in the D.C. area?
Desson Howe: I see it tomorrow. It opens this Friday.
Virginia:
Can you recommend a book or two to give to a college student who would like to be able to watch movies more thoughtfully? He has seen most of the movies on the AFI 100 list and would like to explore more of the older films and understand a little of the history and aesthetics of film.
Desson Howe: That's a huge question. There are history of the movies books. And there are books on individual films. It's a huge trove of information. I would search American U's list of college courses for history of motion pictures and check their reading lists. Or go to the film section of a big bookstore. You'll see a ton of stuff there. Or he/she could take a summer course at AU or another college offering such stuff; then you get a film prof who will be very proactive and help you.
Arlington, Va:
Could you describe how naked Travolta is in the shower scene in Basic? His wife is proud.
Desson Howe: You see the jungle but not the trees.
Mt. Rainier, Md.:
Desson, thanks so much for the explanation and review of "Bend It Like Beckham." I'm not a football fan -- or even a sports fan really -- but you really convinced me to see this film. Is it just my imagination, or are we now getting really good films (maybe even great ones?) from cultures that we haven't expected them from? India is famous for the Bollywood schlock, but now we have "Monsoon Wedding" and "Bend It," and Africa is creating "Amandla" and "Nowhere in Africa." Maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention.
Desson Howe: I appreciate your comments. And since others are posing questions in this chat about Bend It Like Beckham. My esteemed helper back at Post.com is about to post two things: my article last Thurs about David Beckham plus my review of the movie.
And yes, other cultures are making great, great movies. Don't forget the films from Iran and China. Fantastic films from those 2 countries, whether those countries are on the State Dept's approved list or not.
Washington, D.C.:
Hi Desson,
If anyone would know this, it'd be you. Is the documentary "Winged Migration" ever coming to the D.C. area? It would be such a shame to miss watching this on the big screen -- somehow I don't think a video on the TV screen will have the same affect.
Thanks!
Desson Howe: It's coming! As of now, the loose date is May. I saw it, and it has some fantastic footage.
Suggestion for Life Bio:
Perhaps Cheesy, but how about Mr. Rogers?
Desson Howe: Interesting. And now, who'd be Mr R?
washingtonpost.com:
Here is Michael O'Sullivan's review: 'Head of State Rocks the Vote', (March 28)
Southern Maryland:
Did the Academy voters wonder what the average American would think about an Oscar for Roman Polanski? Everyone I know believes, to some degree, in the old stereotype about Hollywood immorality. People like Pat Robertson and Donald Wildmon have built empires catering to that stereotype. And Hollywood-bashing has gotten worse with the debate over invading Iraq.
Don't get me wrong. I know that the Academy voters weren't deliberately trying to reward Polanski for his rapist past. But that's the way it looks to the rest of the country. If for no other reason than public relations, why couldn't the Academy have kept Polanski off the ballot? Look at the example of Pete Rose -- the commissioner knew that the sport was more important than any single player.
Desson Howe: It's an interesting debate. Artists should be able to have their work judged as art, I think. But they shouldn't get away with how they conduct their lives. And it's the job of people like yourself to raise those moral questions. But you also have to ask yourself, isn't there a thing called forgiveness? Can't people be forgiven for things they have done which they regret, or do you get to disapprove of them every time they try to get on with their lives?
Mr. Rogers!:
Oh, I hope a film is made about him! And Kevin Spacey could definitely pull that one off!
Desson Howe: More and more fascinating.
washingtonpost.com:
Here is Desson's review: 'Bend It Like Beckham: Quite a Kick, (March 28)
Vienna, Va.:
Desson,
Why didn't anyone from the post review "Head of State?" I was looking all over the place to find a review on Friday I ended up putting off seeing the movie until this week.
Also, there seems to be an unbelievable amount of flat movies this year. Nothing over the top. Do you have any predictions for big box office hits?
Desson Howe: Actually, the movie WAS reviewed. Again, we'll be posting the url on that one review (or two). Watch for it on this chat.
Mister Rogers:
That's an easy one ... Jim Carrey.
Desson Howe: I was thinking of someone who could play him without irony or giggly contortions.
Re: Video stores:
If they don't mind going on-line and getting DVD's by mail, you can't beat Netflix's selection. They at least attempt to have every DVD out there in their rental store. That was my solution after being extremely disappointed with the selections of video stores that were reasonably accessible to me.
Desson Howe: Thanks.
Jack, Potomac:
Everyone: Don't see "The Core." We saw it at a screening last week, and the preview audience laughed it out of the theater. The acting is bad, the writing is bad, the directing is bad, and even the special effects are bad at times. There's no character development, no character chemistry, no humor, no suspense, no pacing, no story arc, and no surprises. It's a ripoff of about 1,000 previous science fiction and horror films, and it does nothing to improve on them and it does nothing to offer any ingenuity. It's a bad movie.
Desson Howe: What did you actually think of the movie? You've been so diplomatic.
Re: Biopics:
Teddy Roosevelt would be a great subject, and I don't think it's been done before. On the other hand, I doubt the ability of today's Hollywood to do a good job, and I can't imagine who would play him.
Desson Howe: And I can't imagine any studio person thinking for one second the kids in the malls and the college dorms would want to watch a movie about someone they don't really know much about. Not that he wouldn't be a great subject. Maybe Freddie Prinze Jr. could play him!
Fairfax, Va.:
Potomac Video is a good choice for film buffs. They've got several locations and great indie collections.
Desson Howe: Right.
Arlington, Va:
Tom Wilkinson as Daniel Patrick Moynihan?
Desson Howe: Hahahahaha.
washingtonpost.com:
Here is Desson's article on David Beckham: David Beckham, Scoring a Goal at the Box Office, (March 27)
Richmond, Va.:
Desson, what did you think of anti-war activist Tim Robbins' encounter with your co-worker Lloyd Grove? He seems like a hypocrite. I'm boycotting any movie he appears in from now on.
Desson Howe: I don't want to get political myself. But happy to hear anyone else's take on this.
Bethesda, Md.:
Why is Bend It Like Beckham only playing in Georgetown instead of in the burbs where the majority of the soccer players (who might drag their families to this film) live? Will a less than stellar take in Georgetown
stop the film from expanding to other screens?
Desson Howe: Good point. This is what they call a platform release, in which one theater gets so much intensity that it builds word of mouth and then expands to other cinemas in the burbs. This could be a huge hit among the soccer families of America. And I'm sure the studio is contemplating expansion.
Washington, D.C.:
Saw Spirited Away this weekend. Very good. Amazing anaimation. And a story with more depth than nearly all live-action films. Highly recommended. For anyone who can't catch it during its re-release in theaters, it is due to come out on DVD in a couple of weeks.
Desson Howe: Right on with your comments. Thanks. Great animation.
Washington, D.C.:
Saw "The Quiet American" over the weekend.
I recommend it highly to anyone who is a Michael Caine fan, and to everyone who may need a brushing up on what can happen to a world power that invades a much smaller country, with the overt purpose of bringing "democracy" to that country.
Desson Howe: Oooh, that wouldn't be political would it? :) Yes, you are absolutely right. Caine is great and the movie couldn't be more prescient.
Rockville, Md.:
When will Bend it Like Beckham make it out the suburbs?
Desson Howe: Echo the last comment about expansion.
Gaithersburg, Md.:
Desson,
I agree about Kevin Spacey as Mr. Rogers ... brilliant idea!
What's this about seeing the jungle but not the trees? Is he like a real estate agent where he has multiple listings? What does it all mean?
Thanks
Desson Howe: Nudity in general but kept nonspecific.
12th Floor Metro Center:
Hi Desson, I saw "Bend it Like Beckham" over the weekend and 'really' enjoyed it. Why is it only showing at one theater? I can understand trying to build up momentum, but come on, there's a bigger audience out there for this than just the Georgetown theater.
Also, I saw the trailer from the new Chris Guest movie and I have to agree with you, at least from the trailer ... not up to their usual stuff. Disappointing. But I'll go see it anyways.
Desson Howe: Hey 12th. Glad you enjoyed Beckham. Again, hope it expands to the audience that wants it. I know what you mean about A Mighty Wind. I want to support it one way or another because I love Guest and his team.
20011:
I note that "Beckham" is rated PG-13.
I hope that I don't see TOO many little soccer kids there!
Desson Howe: Tell them not to watch CNN either. Oops, better not go there.
Nani/Tex.:
Billy Bob Thornton as Mr. Rogers. I'm serious.
Desson Howe: I like that.
Rhode Island:
While I beleive that there can always be forgivness for Polanski. This should only be done after due punishment. He doesn't think our country's rules aply to him. He remains a fugitive, but doesn't mind taking advantage of our wealth and media in the form of box office receipts. I think he should be able to be awarded an Oscar, but has to come here to collect.
Desson Howe: Haha. As in: Osama, we have your winning ticket.
Re: Mr. R:
After seeing him at the Oscars, Peter O'Toole is in my mind the PERFECT Mr. Rogers!
Desson Howe: Too much alcoholic baggage. But great for a sort of crazy casting idea.
Mr. Rogers Cheesy?:
Desson:
I always thought that "cheesy" meant cheap or meretricious. While his sets may have been cheesy, no one rightly would argue that Fred Rogers (or his life) was. Boring perhaps, so predictable as to not lend itself to the drama of filmed biopic, certainly, but cheesy? Never!
Desson Howe: Agreed! He was the prince of non-irony.
Re: Polanski:
I think that the big issue for a lot of people (outside of Hollywood)is that Polanski not only commited rape, he then ran from justice and continues to be a fugitive. Those hardly seem like the actions of someone who regrets their actions and wants forgiveness.
Desson Howe: It's the actions of someone who is scared of being arrested. As to his regrets, I don't know if he does regret or not. I would think he does. I know his victim has forgiven him ages ago. I just don't know one way or the other. It's easy to have the first reaction of revulsion. But as to the aftermath, I'm sure it's a little more complex. Obviously he needs to pay for his crime in some way.
Vienna, Va.:
Saw a review a month or so back about "Blind Spot", but have yet to see it anywhere in the D.C. area. Has it come and gone or is it expected sometime soon?
Desson Howe: It's come and gone. Look for it on video.
Arlington, Va.:
Tobey MCguire as the YOUNG Mr. Rogers.
Desson Howe: Uhhhh...
Nudity:
I hear a lot about nudity being "important to the story" when actors agree to de-robe for the camera.
However, we all know Halle Berry's topless scene in "Swordfish" was all about ticket sales -- and it worked once the word got out, right?
My question -- Who the HECK wants to see John Travolta naked?!
Desson Howe: I would think many people would answer that in the affirmative.
Washington, D.C.:
Will Kusterica's "The Man Without A Country" play D.C? I'm still waiting for Godard's "In Praise Of Love."
Desson Howe: Have you thought about moving to New York?
Robbins/Grove:
My take? Tim Robbins is a crybaby who obviously doesn't read Lloyd regularly. How can anyone be mad at him?!
Desson Howe: Thanks.
Tysons, Va.:
I'm heading to the new Loews Georgetown tonight to see a preview tonight of a "family film" called "Holes," starring Sigourney Weaver and John Voight.
Questions:
Have you seen the movie, or heard any buzz about it? Frankly, my hopes aren't too high. But I'm going mainly to check out the new Georgetown theater. Which leads to my other question:
Have you had good or bad experiences at the Loews Georgetown theater? I'm taking the Rosslyn shuttle into Georgetown, so I don't have to worry about parking.
Desson Howe: My wife and kid are going too. He's looking forward to it! I have high hopes for it. Haven't heard negative Bzzzz. As for parking, it costs $5 in two lots next to the theater. It's better than you think, the parking situation. But not great.
Gaithersburg, Md.:
Reading Peter O'Toole's remarks after he received his award made me think that he was the most gracious and articulate winner I've ever seen/heard. If he does really have a drinking problem then I think alcohol ought to be mandatory for all actors!
Desson Howe: Haha. Yes he was gracious and wonderful.
Silver Spring, Md.:
"Beckham" is coming to Landmark Bethesda Row next month.
Desson Howe: Spoken with authority!
Arlington, Va.:
Desson, it's to your credit that the only person who could play you in your biopic would be Ralph Fiennes.
That must make you feel like a man.
I'm stuck with my biopic being optioned out to Rick Schroeder.
Desson Howe: Well, I'm flattered. But I won't hold my breath. Maybe Tim Curry. If Rick Sch plays you, that's not bad is it?
Washington, D.C.:
Thinking about going to see "Bend it like Beckham" this weekend. Your thoughts? I haven't seen any previews or commercials for it. Is it in the same vein as other British hits, i.e., Four Weddings and a Funeral, Full Monty?
Desson Howe: See the posted review/article!
Somewhere, USA:
Mr. Polanski's work should be judged and awarded on its own as should all Oscar contenders. Perhaps he is filled with remorse, but deathly afraid of prison. A child molester/rapist doesn't last long in jail.
Desson Howe: okay, too icky to go any further on this subject. But thanks.
Washington, D.C.:
A question on theater runs, why do movies stay for such short times in theaters when they come to town? Think of the Four Feathers. A recent exception would be Titanic which if I can remember ran for eight or nine months. But how could a movie, like the silent 1925 MGM Ben-Hur run at a single German theater for 7-8 years even transcending the switchover to sound?
Desson Howe: Too many movies, too few theaters. In a nutshell, that's it. Movies have to perform instantly or they're out of there. And into video.
Re: Next Great Biopic:
I saw the JFK Jr. movie on TBS and it was horrible -- patronizing, sell-out kind of stuff. However, I do think there is a story to be told there, and it could be done by more talented people with better intentions. And I vote for Sean Penn to play JFK Jr.
Desson Howe: Interesting.
Arlington, Va.:
Were you a bit biased on Bend It ... because you are such a soccer nut? I saw it months ago and I wasn't impressed with it, it was a mix of a lot of "feel good" movies done before and simply didn't do anything for me.
Desson Howe: Yes I was biased.
Arlington, Va.:
Is Russell Crowe's star on the decline?
Desson Howe: Well, he can still get more money to make a movie than you or me.
No Way:
No offense to Jim Carrey fans, but that is NOT how Mr. Rogers should be remembered on film.
Desson Howe: Right.
McLean, Va.:
Christopher Walken as Bob Thornton playing Mr. Rogers, a behind the scenes look at the making of "Bob Thornton as Mr. Rogers". Brilliant stuff. I'm calling my agent.
Desson Howe: Hey, I want a cut for getting you inspired.
Washington, D.C.:
Who's life in a biography ... Lance Armstrong. Almost lost his life to cancer and then came back and has won 4 Tour de France's in a row!
Side note: Unfortunatly, due to the anti-American attitude, he might not ride it this year. He could be a target for terrorism. Sad ...
Desson Howe: He is the man. For sure.
Somewhere, USA:
Okay, I know you said you didn't want to get political but may I?
Michael Moore was criticized for a political speech he made at the Oscars; even though some there cheered.
He had just won an Oscar for a controversial political film. What? Did they expect a controversial filmmaker to remain silent?
My only problem was Moore inviting the other nominees onstage. They might have thought he was going to congratulate them. Other than that, I say BRAVO!
Freedom of speech applies to celebrities, too, you know.
Thank you for allowing MY freedom of speech.
Desson Howe: You're welcome.
Alrington, Va.:
Hey Desson, interested to know if you've had a chance to preview Better Luck Tomorrow? Why is this film generating buzz, is it warranted?
Desson Howe: Seen it. It's quite a film. Liked it.
Bethesda, Md.:
Desson,
Love your reviews. I almost always agree.
Recently, I saw "Tortilla Soup" on Video, which was great. But then I saw "Eat Drink Man Woman" on IFC and realized that "Tortilla Soup" was essentially the same movie but in "Spanglish" (Half English half Spanish) rather than Chinese. What gives?
Thanks!
Desson Howe: Thanks for your comments. Those kind of movies, with family/ethnic politics have pertinence to all cultures. And each new accent puts a new flavor on the same soup.
Ballston, Va.:
Life Story BioPic:
FDR -
Just finished reading a biography to our 3rd Grader, and gosh, FDR was a Great Man.
Desson Howe: Yes. But would the teens and 20somethings watch?
Springfield, Va.:
Hi Desson, What was the last movie you watched that really made you cry? And I mean good old-fashioned crocodile tears.
Desson Howe: Crocodile tears mean false tears, right? You mean genuine tears, right? Hmmm. I usually cry when something reminds me of something in my own life that's painful, or gets to my weakness (like a child being hurt), and usually it's something in quick passing in the movie, not necessarily because the movie was so good. Can't remember the last time I really bawled over the movie. I'll have to think about that. Old Yeller was years ago, wasn't it?
Fairfax, Va.:
Life Story Bio:
Rosemary Clooney ... have no idea who would play her throughout the ages. Just keep Mariah Carey away from it.
Desson Howe: Agreed on all counts!
Somewhere, USA:
Cast Eminem as FDR and watch those teens and 20s fill the theaters!
Desson Howe: Hahaha. And on that note....
Not too far out in the boondocks:
Where in the world do you see these "short subjects" that win in the Oscars? Do you have to live in big cities like New York? I have never heard or seen advertised any of them over the years.
Desson Howe: Check Visions cinema in Dupont Circle. They were playing there for the last 2 weeks. Website is visionsdc.com
Arlington, Va.:
Have you noticed that audience members talk during films more than ever? Surprisingly, it always seems to be middle-aged filmgoers who chatter away while those seated near them try to concentrate on the movie. I'm not letting younger viewers off the hook ... they're the ones who answer their cell phones.
Desson Howe: A never ending problem!
Alexandria, Va.:
Now that Head of State is number one, do you think that its female lead Tamala Jones will become a major star, perhaps the first black female superstar?
I first saw her in the N'Sync movie On the Line (one of the ten best films of all time, check it out) and was totally smitten with her.
I would love to see Tamala Jones in a big budget film with a major director.
Desson Howe: Undoubtedly she'll be a big star. Especially if she breaks into a crossover movie.
New York, N.Y.:
Hi Desson, could you recomend a few lesser known films starring Humphrey Bogart (other than movies like Casablanca, African Queen, Sierra Madre, Maltese Falcon)? Thanks much!
Desson Howe: Let's get into that next week. Or 2 weeks from now.
Desson Howe: Thanks everyone! See you all in 2 weeks. It's been fun. Ciao.
washingtonpost.com:
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion.
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