Supporting roles in TV-shows - As important as the main characters?

Sure, what would 'The Sopranos' be without James Gandolfini? Would Breaking Bad have made it to 5 seasons if it hadn't been for the amazing job Bryan Cranston has done with his character? Could anyone else have pulled off the role of Luther as good as Idris Elba did in the self-titled show?

1. (Probably not much)
2. (Absolutely not)
3. (No)

If a TV-show lacks a believable lead character, chances are it won't make it past a pilot, let alone a season. You can probably add a few adjectives to the last sentence. Sympathetic, likable, interesting, complex... They're not all definite. I do love Breaking Bad and Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Walter White, however I do not find his character very sympathetic or likable. Interesting however, very much so.

However, for me to really enjoy a TV-show, there needs to be other ingredients working in the recipe as well. It can't all be meat. You need the gravy, the red wine and your vegetables as well. Here's where the supporting cast comes in, and the characters (and casting of them) are essential. I've already written about some of my favorite supporting roles in TV-shows here.

Here follows a couple of characters I feel really contributes to their respective TV-show:

Mike - Breaking Bad

played by Jonathan Banks

Jonathan Banks as Mike in Breaking Bad

Showed up at the end of season 2, and quickly became one of my favorite characters on the show. Stone cold killer with a coolness and sense of old-school gangsterism that gave a new dimension to the show. Whereas most of the bad guys in the show up until this point had been young drug-dealers, Mike was instantly on par with his co-actors with his deep voice and calm presence. Continuing on my food-allorgy, Mike would definitely have been the gravy. 

Mike was also in one of the funniest scenes from the show, as he and Walter completely ignores Jesse's attempt of suggesting the use of magnets for one of their little... side projects: 

Alice Morgan - Luther

played by Ruth Wilson

Ruth Wilson IS Alice Morgan

In the pilot episode of 'Luther', one of the most interesting relationships in modern TV is formed, that of Luther and Alice Morgan. With her parents found dead, Alice is brought in for questioning, and magic happens. Idris Elba is brilliant as Luther, but Alice Morgan is the red wine, the gravy and quite possibly the vegetables as well in this masterpiece of a TV-show. 

Doug Stamper - House of Cards

Played by Michael Kelly

Michael Kelly as the right-hand man in 'House of Cards'. 

Although possibly slightly overrated, 'House of Cards' was/is still a very good show, with Kevin Spacey in a role pretty much perfect for him. Robin Wright is impressive in her role as well, but to me Michael Kelly was one of, if not THE most, impressive bit players in the show. Michael Kelly is made for these roles, business-types or agents, but he still shone in Kevin Spacey's presence. An honorable mention also to Corey Stoll as Peter Russo who did an exceptional job as well. 

In addition to these, here are a few personal favorites from other TV-shows. Some as part of the main cast (though not lead-character), some in smaller parts. 

Rachel Menken in Mad Men - played by Maggie Siff

- One of the first women that challenged Don Draper. Loved her on the show, and still enjoy her performances on 'Sons of Anarchy', where she was especially impressive in her last scene last season.

Sloan in The Newsroom - played by Olivia Munn

- Socially awkard and brutally intelligent in her field. Together with Thomas Sadoski as Don Keefer quite possibly the most interesting and funny characters of the show so far in season 2. 

Rebecca Halliday in The Newsroom - played by Marcia Gay Harden

- Very little screen-time so far, but the addition of Marcia Gay Harden in the second season is promising. Great actress, and she's already done much with the little time she's been given. More of Rebecca, please!

Pamela in Louie - played by Pamela Adlon

- The chemistry between Louis C.K. and Pamela is amazing. Some of the best scenes of the show are the ones with the two of them together. 

Chris Sanchez in Damages/Reese Lansing in The Newsroom - both played by Chris Messina

I like Chris Messina. He's got something. He can perfectly well play an asshole, but is equally good as one of the good guys. Did a great job on Damages, as most of the supporting cast, and I always enjoy his smugness as Reese Lansing in The Newsroom. 

Which are your favorites?

Movies: What to look forward to

As this summer's box office is dominated by sequels (Red, Grown-ups, Despicable Me), spin-off movies (Wolverine) and questionable comedies (again, Growns Ups 2, R.I.P.D. and The Heat), I look to the next six months of new releases. And there seems to be quite a lot to look forward to in the next few months. Here's a a rundown of what I am looking forward to, for various reasons:

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Although it isn't released until early January, there is already lots of buzz about this movie. Unfortunately, some of the buzz has come from the news on Mandela's illness, but there seems to be a lot of reasons to look forward to the movie either way. Idris Elba has quickly become a very popular man in Hollywood. The British actor rose to fame during his time on 'The Wire', where he portrayed the business-style gangster Stringer Bell. With an accent that even had Americans fooled, he was one of the best characters on the show, and this summer he is one of the stars of the blockbuster-movie Pacific Rim. During his three seasons as the lead in the brilliant BBC-show 'Luther', he has proven himself to be one to watch. In the trailer for the Mandela-movie, he seems to be able to also pull of a perfect South-African accent, which is impressive enough. The movie looks at Mandela's life all the way from his youth until his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. Will this movie give Idris Elba his first Oscar-nomination (and possibly award)? Naomie Harris plays Winnie Mandela. 

Release date: Varies from country to country, but December/January seems to be it. 

Trailer: 

The Counselor

Ridley Scott is the director, and the cast looks really interesting. Although not much is revealed in the trailer (and that is a good thing), it definitely pokes my interest. The movie is based on an original screenplay by Cormac McCarthy (who wrote the novel 'No Country for Old Men'), and the cast includes Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Javier Bardem, Natalie Dormer, Bruno Ganz, Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz. Also Dean Norris ('Breaking Bad') is in the cast, interestingly enough again connected to a project in El Paso (see trailer). "A lawyer finds himself in over his head when he gets involved in drug trafficking", says the plot. Not very original maybe, but this still looks like one to look forward to.

Release date: October 25th

Trailer: 

12 Years a Slave

Director Steve McQueen ('Shame') returns with a movie about a free black man who is abducted and sold as a slave. I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess he was held as a slave for 12 years. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays the lead character, Solomon Northup, in what is a rare lead role for the British actor. I am looking forward to seeing him in a bigger role then he is usually given, though. The cast is impressive, with Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Giamatti, Paul Dano, Michael K. Williams, Michael Fassbender, Chris Chalk, Alfre Woodard and Sarah Paulson. Also the movie features Quvenzhané Wallis in her second feature film, the first being the lead role in 'Beasts of the Southern Wild'. Based on a true story, the film is based on the memoirs of Solomon Northup released as a book in the 1850s. 

Release date: Early January most places

Trailer: 

The Monuments Men

Bill Murray making the cast laugh. Of course.

George Clooney returns as a director in this movie based on the story of an Allied group during the last year of World War II. Their mission was to save pieces of art and important cultural items before Hitler was able to destroy them. Although a trailer has not been released yet, this movie has the cast working for it. In addition to buddies George Clooney and Matt Damon (who replaced Daniel Craig), it also stars Cate Blanchett and Jean Dujardin ('The Artist'). Add to this two of my favorites all-time, Bill Murray and John Goodman, and you've got yourself a movie that definitely finds its way to the "must-see"-list. Bill Murray. And John Goodman. In the same movie.

Release date: Early January most places

Trailer: 

Out of the Furnace

Maybe on of the movies I'm most looking forward to lately. Christian Bale is the lead role, and the trailer depicts a movie that somewhat resembles 'Winter's Bone', in that it centers around someone looking for a family-member up in "the hills". When Rodney Baze Jr. (Casey Affleck) goes missing, his older brother Russell (Bale) takes matters into his own hands looking for him, as the authorities seems to be out of their depth. Forest Whitaker, Woody Harrelson, William Defoe, Zoe Saldana and Sam Shepard also stars in this movie, which definitely seems to be a dark horse for a few Oscar-nominations come March. 

Release date: Late 2013/Early 2014. 

Trailer: 

Prince Avalanche

Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch teams up in this movie which looks strangely funny by the looks of the trailer. Basically, the plot is this: Two highway road-workers spend a summer together doing... highway road-work. In the middle of nowhere. (So maybe not highway road-work, but just road-work). Emile Hirsch has done this before ('Into the Wild'), and the chemistry between him and Paul Rudd seems to be reason enough to watch this. Especially if you appreciate the quirky humor of Paul Rudd (as I do), and the occasional "let's not set every movie to a big city"-film (as I do). 

Release date: August 9th (US), September/October (Europe)

Trailer: 

Wolf of Wall Street

Probably one of the coolest trailers in a long time, this movie is likely one of the most anticipated movies for the coming months. Martin Scorsese teams up with Leonardo DiCaprio yet again, and the screenplay is written by Terence Winter ('The Sopranos', 'Boardwalk Empire'). The movie is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a wealthy stockbroker, and his rather crazy life. The cast includes Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Jean Dujardin, Shea Whigham and Cristin Milioti. This is the fifth collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio, and to be honost, I don't mind.

PS: Nice touch with on the song in the trailer (Kanye West - Black Skinhead)

Release date: November 15th (US), December (most European countries)

Trailer: 

The Butler

Director Lee Daniels ('Precious') directs this movie about a Cecil Gaines, a butler working at the White House. It is based on the real-life account of Eugene Allen, who was a butler at the White House through eight American presidencies (1952-1986). The movie looks into the social situation during the time of his tenure at the White House, and with Forest Whitaker at his best, this could be another Oscar in the making for the accomplished actor. The cast also includes Robin Williams (Dwight Eisenhower), James Marsden (John F. Kennedy), John Cusack (Richard Nixon), Alan Rickman (Ronald Reagan), Terrence Howard, Jane Fonda,  Vanessa Redgrave, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Oprah Winfrey. Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz are also in the cast, as they were in Lee Daniels' Oscar-nominated movie 'Precious'. 

Release date: August 16th (US), September (Europe)

Trailer: 

American Hustle

Director David O. Russell had huge success with his latest film 'Silver Linings Playbook', and he probably hopes that teaming up Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper again will prove a winning formula. Add Christian Bale, Jeremy Renner and Amy Adams to the mix, and I'm guessing he's onto something. Con artists, FBI agents, mobsters and politicians are key words in this movie, and as the trailer depicts, so is heartbreak, drama, money and... beards. Together with the trailer to 'Wolf on Wall Street', probably the most promising trailer I've seen in quite a while. Christian Bale might be finished playing Batman, but he is definitely not finished kicking ass on the screen.

Release date: December 25th (US), Late December/Early 2014 (Europe)

Trailer: 

A picture can speak volumes

Here's a selection of a few great photos of actors/actresses/movies. I recommend following FilmmakerIQ.com on Facebook or Twitter for lots of great (often rare) photos from the world of film. The photos are all from their pages.

R.I.P. James Gandolfini (1961-2013)

Tommy Lee Jones looking happy as ever, and Meryl Streep highly entertained.

Mads Mikkelsen, who has done a great job portraying a young Hannibal Lecter in the show 'Hannibal'

Sir Anthony Hopkins, who made Hannibal one of the most notorious characters in film history.

Claudia Cardinale, one of the stars of 'Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)

Melanie Laurent in 'Inglorious Basterds. She can sing too.

Robert De Niro and a mirror. Say no more...

Audrey Tautou far from her role in 'Amélie'

The wonderful Marion Cotillard playing around...

Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling, the stars of 'Crazy, Stupid, Love'

Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese and Harvey Keitel. Legends.

Patricia Arquette and Christian Slater in the highly entertaining 'True Romance'

The Denzel. 

Marion Cotillard. Photo by Annie Leibovitz.

Meryl Streep and Al Pacino. Two of the greats.

Paul Rudd suiting up. And then some...

And his co-star of 'I Love You, Man', Rashida Jones. 

Robert De Niro and his partner-in-crime Joe Pesci

Daniel Day-Lewis, an actor's actor. 

Sandra Bullock. Gotta love her...

Justified - Kentucky Fried Entertainment

Justified is, in my opinion, one of the best TV-shows that are currently on the air. The fourth season wrapped up about a month and a half ago, and I'm still struggling coming to terms with the fact I have to wait until January 2014 for more Kentucky-style action. Having recently watched the opening scene of the very first episode again, it hit me again how the opening totally contrasts with the general 'feel' of the show. Set in Miami, a world TV-fans probably more links with another TV-show, namely 'Dexter' and it's Cuban-style music, beaches and bright colors, 'Justified' is quite the opposite. In 'Justified' you're served quirky characters with hillbilly-tendencies, bluegrass and country-music, dust, trucks, whiskey and bourbon.

Walton Goggins and Timothy Olyphant

The star of the show is Timothy Olyphant, who turns 45 years old today, on the 20th of May. One of the stars of 'Deadwood', the character of Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is a perfect fit for the actor. Olyphant has never really "made it" in the movies, but he's definitely done great in Television, his guest appearance in 'Damages' included. Just as Mr. Olyphant was one of many excellent bit players in 'Damages', the Kentucky-set show 'Justified' has a great number of amazing characters (and casting to match it).

If you haven't seen the show, it comes highly recommended. Not only is it obviously different from most TV-shows out there, but it is extremely well written, both when it comes to the dialogues, the story arches and the characters. Also, it has the obvious advantage of having the brilliant Walton Goggins in it's cast. Goggins' portrayal of Shane in 'The Shield' is probably one of the finest performances in TV. Ever. He also did a great job this year in both 'Lincoln' and especially in a couple of his scenes in 'Django Unchained'. 

Here are a few of my favorite characters of the show: 

Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson

played by Jacob Pitts

Jacob Pitts as Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson

Jacob Pitts does a brilliant job as Tim Gutterson. The former army-sniper has a strange sense of humor, but a certain coolness about him that keeps you wondering "what IS he really up to?" There's a mystique to the character, and some of his scenes - especially in newer seasons - are definite highlights of the show. Underrated character, in my opinion. 

Winona Hawkins

Played by Natalie Zea

Natalie Zea in 'Justified'

She appeared in a couple of episodes of 'The Shield', and in 'Justified' she is one of the regulars. That is a good thing. Great actress, with great chemistry with her ex-husband Raylan Givens. I watched the start of 'The Following' partly to watch her in that show as well, but couldn't really take all the other cringeworthy-ness that dominates that show. Stick to 'Justified' Natalie. 

Boyd Crowder

Played by Walton Goggins

Walton Goggins

The most eloquent-speaking bad guy you will ever meet. He was, as previously mentioned, perfect in 'The Shield'. It is amazing to see him dive into such a complex character yet again after his riveting portrayal of Shane in the LA Cop-drama. But he does it. And he does it well. Listening and watching Boyd Crowder speak, it is sometimes very difficult to know if what he is saying is something he actually believes himself. A man of many words, but also many layers. He'll make you laugh, he'll make you angry, and he will make you look forward the next episode. And he will make you pray Walton Goggins will forever have a character on a good TV-show. 

Limehouse

Played by Mykelti Williamson

Mykelti Williamson in 'Justified'

Season 3 introduced us to Limehouse, another great character of 'Justified'. He runs the little community called Noble's Holler, and as the butcher of the town, he runs the diner where pretty much everyone eats. Obviously, he doesn't just run a diner... Interesting character, and Mykeltin is a perfect fit for the role. More Limehouse, please!

Wynn Duffy

Played by Jere Burns

Jere Burns as Wynn Duffy

Quirky and funny, sometimes a little scary, and sometimes mostly scared. Wynn Duffy is like a bug that  just never leaves the room. Although one gets the feeling that Raylan Givens hates the guy, in certain ways you kind of sense that Raylan Givens finds the man almost entertaining. Nevertheless, Jere Burns does a great job, and his creepiness was picked up by the casting agents of 'Bates Motel', where he is a reoccurring bit player in it's first season.

Colton 'Colt' Rhodes

Played by Ron Eldard

Ron Eldard in 'Justfied'

I was surprised when I saw Ron Eldard cast in 'Justified'. I've enjoyed his performances on 'E.R' and even 'Men Behaving Badly', and also remembered him from his short scene in 'Scent of a Woman' and in the 90s sleeper-classic 'Sleepers' (which I hold in high regard). As the war-veteran struggling with... well, all types of shit, Ron Eldard does a great performance as 'Colt', an old friend of Boyd Crowder. His tough-guy appearance suits him, and so does the character. 

Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens

Played by Timothy Olyphant

It shouldn't really be necessary to highlight the main character of the show. However, here's a little bit of the Givens-magic from 'Justified'. 

If you think I've forgotten about Margo Martindale, I haven't. Arguably one of the best characters on the show, which is why I've written about her in a previous post. Read it here. 

John Goodman - Mr. Awesome

Photo by Paola Kudacki

With 133 credits to his name on imdb.com, the go-to-site for movie-enthusiasts, John Goodman might be considered one of the most busy actors in the industry. Naturally, with such an extensive list of movies, some are less memorable than others. The fact remains, however, that this is one of the most awesome guys in film. Ever. Although Jeff Bridges plays The Dude in 'The Big Lebowski', in many ways John Goodman seems to be The Dude in real life.

John Goodman is one of those actors that makes me go from "Probably not gonna see that movie" to "Oh, I'll definitely check it out". He has this special aura about him that makes you want him as your best friend, as he was to The Dude in 'The Big Lebowski', and for Denzel Washington's character in "Flight". In the former he provided us with some of the most hilarious moments of the movie, while in the latter he provided Denzel's character with some of the most illegal substances of the movie. Nevertheless, you can always count on John Goodman to provide you with something highly entertaining, and here are some of my favorite John Goodman-performances (in random order):

Fallen

Denzel Washington and John Goodman is a good combination, and this movie is an entertaining flick. Not a great movie, but definitely one worth watching if you appreciate fine acting. As well as perfect use of a Rolling Stones-classic. Not only does the movie have the aforementioned duo in the cast, but also starring in the movie are James Gandolfini, Elias Kostas and Donald Sutherland (the cool Sutherland). 

Trailer: 

The Big Lebowski

One of his most memorable roles, obviously. This is also the movie he has said to have his favorite project to have been working on. The eulogy-speech is one of the funniest moments in the movie (in any movie), but it is just one of his many amazing lines in this movie. Walter Sobchak - the man who would never bring a dog bowling, and who definitely wouldn't roll on Shabbos. 

John Goodman in 'The Big Lebowski'

Bringing out the Dead

The underrated Martin Scorsese movie had several great things about it. Nicolas Cage in one of his best roles, greatly helped obviously by the chemistry he had with John Goodman was one of it. Despite the dark content of the movie, there is still room for a couple of laughs, Goodman often being the provider of this. Also watch out for a cameo by singer Marc Anthony (and a funny one too). The movie has certain resemblances with Scorsese's earlier work, especially 'Taxi Driver'. Although obviously not as good as the 70s classic, the movie depicts loneliness, helplessness, a gritty New York City and the screenplay was written by the same person, Paul Schrader. 

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

There's a good chance John Goodman will at least play a bit part when it comes to a movie by the Coen Brothers, and this movie is no exception. One of my favorite movies by the Coen-brothers, and Goodman delivers... as usual. 

Flight

In a movie carried by Denzel Washington's strong performance, John Goodman's appearance is a genius touch. His hippie style, and give-a-f*** attitude is a much needed breath of fresh air in a movie mostly dominated by the tragic look at the life of a person struggling with alcoholism. Here's one of his scenes from the movie, accompanied by Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones was, as mentioned, also used in 'Fallen', another Denzel/John Goodman movie). 

West Wing

John Goodman made a guest-appearence in four episodes of this amazing show, with this probably being the most memorable one: 

Damages

As Howard T. Erickson, John Goodman was brilliant in the fourth season of 'Damages'. The show has consistently had great seasonal guest appearances, and John Goodman was no exception. Here's a clip of him talking about his role on the show: 

Vera Farmiga - Jersey Girl

The wonderful Vera Farmiga

A while back I wrote about Titus Welliver, an actor I really do appreciate, yet feel doesn't get the attention he deserves. In a way, I'd say the same goes for Vera Farmiga. Born in New Jersey, she was raised Catholic by her Ukrainian parents, and didn't even learn English until she was 6 years old. Though nominated for an Oscar back in 2009 for her role in 'Up in the Air', her name is not too often seen dominating the film scene. However, she has been cast in a few more leading roles after her oscar-nomination, and her acting talent has given her a nice collection of nominations and great parts. These days she can be seen as Norma Bates on the TV-show 'Bates Motel', a sort of prequel to the story of the infamous Norman Bates in Hitchcocks classic movie 'Psycho'. A somewhat brave decision from Farmiga, as taking on the role of such a famous character is bound to upset a few film fans, especially considering the show is pushed forward to the present date. Having only seen the pilot episode, Farmiga shines in the role, and is as mesmerizing as she is creepy as the young Norman Bates' manipulating mother.

Vera Farmiga in 'Bates Motel'

Playing in the big league

It was in 'Running Scared' I first really took notice of Vera Farmiga. The movie is one of those movies that really never lets you catch your breath, and a very positive surprise. Farmiga stars as Teresa Gazelle, the girlfriend of an undercover federal agent played by Paul Walker (!). Fast-paced with lots of memorable scenes, it's one to watch if you are looking for a roller coaster movie. However, it was in another movie released that year she really started making a name for herself, playing with some of the finest actors in film. In 'The Departed', she does a great job as Madolyn. Martin Scorsese had originally wanted a more known actress for the part (such as Hilary Swank), but eventually decided to go for a less known actress. Farmiga did not disappoint, and she has some great scenes with Matt Damon in the movie. 

Vera Farmiga and Matt Damon in 'The Departed'

She went on to star in the critically acclaimed 'Boy in the Striped Pyjamas', before she starred as George Clooney's love interest one night stand in 'Up in The Air'. A great performance in the movie gave her an Oscar-nomination, and she has later been seen in movies such as 'Source Code', 'Orphan' and 'Safe House'. She also made her directorial debut in 2011 with the movie 'Higher Ground'.

Vera today

As mentioned, today Vera Farmiga can be seen in the TV-show 'Bates Motel', and this summer you can see her in the horror/thriller 'The Conjuring'. Although not a huge fan of horror, Vera Farmiga is good enough a reason for me to check out the movie. Here are a few trailers of movies featuring the actress. 

'The Conjuring'

'Running Scared'

'Bates Motel' (TV-show)

'Up in the Air'

'The Departed'

Those eyes...

Al Pacino - An actor's actor

It's hard to believe now, 41 years later, that Al Pacino was very close to losing out on the part as Michael Corleone in 'The Godfather'. Francis Ford Coppola had to fight Paramount to keep both the job as a director, and the young Pacino as the main character. Paramount wanted a bigger name for the part, but luckily Coppola managed to keep both himself and Pacino attached to the project all the way through. 41 years after the release of the movie, Al Pacino has starred in almost 50 movies, and is widely regarded as one of the finest actors in film history.

Discussions around the casting of Michael Corleone, including auditions from both James Caan and Martin Sheen for the part.

It's hard not to like Al Pacino. Not only is he an accomplished actor who has given us so many memorable moments, but he also shows a true love for the work he does. Maybe that is the reason why he's never been married? Although 50 movies might seem a low number compared to some of the old-timers, it's a very impressive number if you consider the content of his work. Not only has he done great and demanding character portrayals on film, but he has also done quite a lot of work in the theatre. He also did a brilliant performance in the HBO Miniseries 'Angels in America'.

The Bronx-born actor has one Academy Award, for his performance in 'Scent of a Woman', in which he plays a retired blind Lieutenant Col. in the US army. Chris O'Donnell said about working with Pacino in the movie:

"... at the same time I thought this is gonna be great, cause he'll be watching me, and I'll get some.. some really constructive feedback from him. Well, we finished up shooting and hadn't really heard anything from him, and.. we had the wrap party, and hadn't really heard anything from him.. and finally I got a letter from him.. which I saved, and.. was very excited to get a letter from Al Pacino. He says: I couldn't tell what you were doing, because I sort of never saw you. Although it felt as if you were always with me, and from what I've heard your performance is outstanding."

This quote does show Al Pacino's unique ability to really go deep into his characters. His character was blind, so essentially Al Pacino himself was also blind during the shooting. A brilliant performance well worthy of an Oscar, it is still puzzling that he's "only" received one Academy Award throughout his career. Many would argue he has earned quite a few, although he does have 8 nominations in total. When he won the lead role for 'Scent of a Woman' in 1992, he was also nominated for his supporting role in 'Glengarry Glen Ross'. He has also received Oscar-nominations for 'The Godfather', 'Dick Tracy' (supporting roles), 'Serpico', 'The Godfather Part II', 'Dog Day Afternoon' and '...And Justice For All'. Add to this 4 Golden Globes and 2 Emmy's, as well as numerous other awards and achievements.

Some of his best moments

Here are a couple of Al Pacino's most memorable moments on film, including two of those speeches that will be right there on the top of the lists when it comes to Film Monologues. 

Any Given Sunday

Now that is what you call a proper pep talk. 

Scent of a Woman

"I'm too old, I'm too tired, I'm too fucking blind..."

Scarface

Al Pacino sets the tone for the movie with this amazing opening scene as he has just arrived in the US. 

Heat

Pacino being... Pacino

Dog Day Afternoon

The infamous Attica-scene

The Godfather

In this scene, following the McClusky-scene which led to his escape to Sicily, Michael Corleone continues to show that he is a man who knows how to get what he wants. 

Making a list of memorable scenes with Al Pacino has the potential to fill up the internet, so I'm gonna leave it here for now. However, I'd highly recommend the following video for those interested in listening to a man truly in love with his profession. 

Al Pacino at 'Inside the Actors Studio'

Flashback Thursday

The characters Davis, Yokas, Bosco and Sully

Does anyone remember the TV-show 'Third Watch'? No? The show premiered in 1999, and aired for 6 seasons, until 2005. Set in New York, it followed the lives of the paramedics, police-officers and firemen in the 55th Precinct (fictional). I have always held this TV-show in high regard, but due to it's lack of a full DVD Box-set, it is the first season I have seen the most times. At times high-paced, and added with a classical mix of emotions, drama and comedy, it is one to watch. We all know that from time to time a good cop-drama is essential...

Teaser:

Although none of the actors or actresses have gone on to become huge stars, there are some great actors in the show. You might have seen Bobby Cannavale in season 3 of 'Boardwalk Empire', og Michael Beach in 'Sons of Anarchy'? Jason Wiles is arguably one of the highlights of the show as Officer Maurice Boscorelli. 'Bosco' is a character that truly gives the show an extra dimension, as his is one that both confirms and challenges the stereotypical tough guy in cop-shows. Also starring Coby Bell, Skipp Sudduth, Molly Price, Tia Texada, Kim Raver, Anthony Ruivivar, Eddie Cibrian, Chris Bauer and Lisa Vidal.


Need some 'old-school' New York Cop/ER/Fire-drama? This could be just what you're looking for.

Small selection of great scenes

Just a couple of great scenes from great movies and actors. Mind you, the scenes may contain spoilers, so if you haven't seen the movies... well, go see them!

Daniel Day-Lewis

As The Butcher in 'Gangs of New York', Daniel Day-Lewis delivers one of his many fine performances. In this scene he reveals an emotional side of himself not seen too many other times in the movie. His mannerism somewhat resembles Robert De Niro at his best in this scene, in my opinion.

Denzel Washington

Won an Academy Award for his role in 'Training Day', and his monologue towards the end is still a scene I can watch over and over again. Denzel at his best. And that is pretty damn good.

Robert De Niro

The character actor of character actors. Back in the days smoking on film was one of the coolest things you could do. In this scene from 'Goodfellas', Robert De Niro says nothing, but his eyes, his looks and his menacing grin all give the spectators a feeling that shit is about to go down...

Cinema Paradiso: The Final Scene

One of my all-time favorite endings of a movie. A finale that pays tribute to both the story, filmmaking and images in general. Jacques Perrin gives a perfect performance using no words, just as Robert De Niro's scene mentioned in 'Goodfellas'. 

The Departed

To finish off this small selection of 5 memorable scenes from movies, here are a few humorous outtakes from a movie. The scenes with Alec Baldwin in 'The Departed' are pretty much all amazing, two of my favorites being these two. He'll have to share the last one with Mark Wahlberg, who makes one helluva duo with the star from '30 Rock'.

Arabian Film Days in Oslo April 19 - 21

The Films from the South Foundation are soon to host their 3rd Annual Arabian Film Days Festival. If you want to explore another culture, both movies, food and music, Cinemateket at Filmens Hus is the place to be on the Weekend of 19th- 21st of April.

The Attack [Screen Dump from Trailer]

The Foundation: Films from the South

The Films from the South Foundation is one who focuses on movies and filmmakers from Asia, Africa and Latin-America. Although the "Films from the South"-festival has been the main festival arranged by the Foundation, the Arabian Film Days has grown quickly. This year they've expanded it by including Friday in the schedule, making it a 3-day happening. The opening movie this year is a thriller/drama from Lebanon, 'The Attack'. 

The Films

There seems to be quite a nice variety of movies in this years program, ranging from a short film-double, documentaries, animation (the Disney-classic 'Aladdin') and drama. Also showing is the movie 'When I Saw You', whose plot and inclusion of a very young actor might make one draw parallels to the recently Oscar-nominated movie 'War Witch' (which was screened last year at the Films from the South-festival). Here's a quick look at some of the movies you can catch at this years Arabian Film Fest in Oslo, Norway.

A World Not Ours

A documentary about life in a refugee-camp, the movie is described as having a somewhat humorous approach to a serious topic. Variety wrote: "A doc that flips storytelling and Mideast-Arab cliches on their heads, while weaving an irresistible mood of amused melancholy." The story takes place in a refugee-camp in Southern Lebanon, and is directed by Mahdi Fleifel. "This film has been around for as long as I've been around", he told David Walsh in an interview during the Toronto International Film Festival. The documentary is a personal tale of his relatives and friends, namely his grandfather, one of his uncles and one of his friends. Having visisted the refugee camp almost every year as a child, director Fleifel - who had his adolescent days in Denmark - revisits the refugee camp in 2010 and shows another side of refugee camps then one might expect from a documentary.

Screenings at 21:15 on Friday and 12:30 on Sunday at Cinemateket.

Trailer for the movie: 

Wadjda

Wadjda [Screen Dump from Trailer]

Interestingly enough, the first movie shot (in its entirety) in Saudi-Arabia is a film from a female director. Haifaa Al Mansour's movie has been described as an "overtly feminist film", not suprisingly maybe, considering it's focus on a young girls dreams and ambitions of buying a green bike. Although this wouldn't have made for a very good story had it taken place in countries such as Norway, England or Italy for instance, the social situation and position of women in Saudi Arabia obviously makes for a movie with a certain social comment. The young lead role, Wadjda, has her mind set on a bike, and unlike the (slightly-more-pressed-for-time) protagonist in the Italian classic "The Bicycle Thieves", she decides to save up the money needed for it. It has won numerous awards at various international film-festivals, including the Venice Film Festival. Described as a "feelgood"-movie, don't miss out on this movie at the Arabian Film Days. 

Screenings at 20:15 on Saturday and 15:15 on Sunday at Cinemateket.

Horses of God

Winner of the François Chalais Award at the Cannes Film Festival, where it also premiered in 2012.
It has received great reviews, and could well be one of the highlights of the Arabian Film Days. In stead of focusing so much on terrorist attacks in itself, director Nabil Ayouch focuses on how violent islamism can occur. He does this by focusing on children growing up in the outskirts of Casablanca. Deborah Young of the Hollywood Reporter wrote of the movie: "Nabil Ayouch's film is an intimate portrait of boys growing up in a toxic environment", whilst calling the movie an "engrossing, realistic study of a Moroccan slum and how it becomes a breeding ground for young terrorists".

Screenings at 13:00 on Saturday and 21:00 on Sunday at Cinemateket. 

Trailer for the movie: 

The Attack

"Although the subject of Arab-Israeli tensions is almost a staple at film festivals, The Attack manages to find a unique and compelling slant on a well-worn theme", wrote Stephen Farber of the movie. The movie starts of in Tel Aviv, where a successful surgeon is thrown in at the deep-end after learning his wife is the prime suspect of a suicide bombing that killed 17 people. Ali Suliman plays the lead role as the man who then goes on to look for answers to why his late wife, wanting to clear her name of the wrongdoings. Director Ziad Douieri is an accomplished filmmaker, and has won numerous awards for his previous two feature films, 'West Beirut' and 'Lila Says'. For 'West Beirut' he won the François Chalais Award at the Cannes Film Festival, just as Nabil Ayouch did last year for 'Horses of God'. Prior to his directorial debut in 1998 he worked as a first camera assistant for Quentin Tarantino on the influential directors first movies, Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown. Ziad Douieri will be present at the Arabian Film Fest, and there will be a conversation with him after the screening. 

Screenings at 18:00 on Friday and 17:45 on Saturday at Cinemateket.

Trailer for the movie: 

When I Saw You

When I Saw You [Screen Dump from Trailer]

Just like 'Wadjda' and 'Horses of God', this movie features a young character in a lead role, and Mahmoud Asfa has recieved praise for his job in the movie. The story takes place in 1967, just after the end of the Six Day War between Israel and it's neighboring countries Jordan, Syria and United Arab Republic (now Egypt). Young Tariq is one of many Palestinian refugees, and the movie follows his journey as he leaves the refugee camp, and ends up with a group of rebels together with his mother. Although comparisons can be made with one of last years movies at the Films from the South-festival 'War Witch', scratching beneath the surface of the movie quickly dissolves this comparison. Whilst both movies include young kids ending up at the hands of rebels, in 'When I Saw You', Tariq is treated as an equal and essentially find a "home" with the rebels. In 'War Witch', there is a much more grim portrait of child soldiers, something which is not at all the basis of this movie, directed by Annemarie Jacir. Jacir won a lot of praise and awards for her debut feature film Salt of this Sea in 2008.

Screenings at 20:20 on Saturday and 19:00 on Sunday at Cinemateket. 

In Search of Oil and Sand

Co-directed by Philippe Dib and Wael Omar, this documentary takes an interesting look at the collapse of the Egyptian monarchy in 1952. Producer Mahmoud Sabit is one of the last living members of the Egyptian Royal Family, and having found an old film roll, he discovers that the Egyptian Royal Family were actually making a fiction film about a military coup. "Mahmoud reconstructs the strange story of the film production and its array of real-life players, as well as their subsequent fates in a post-monarchial Egypt as the Cold War begins", writes Mark Adams in his review. One of the directors of the movie, Wael Omar, says this about how he came to make documentaries:

I'd love to direct more fiction, especially that I have theater background. At the same time, I just can't resist an interesting subject. I think the difference is that with fiction, you have to tell the stories that you know, and with documentaries you tell stories that you are still in the middle of discovering - [from an interview by Vanessa McMahon, November 2012]

There will be held a conversation with producer Mahmoud Sabit after the screening.

Screenings at 18:00 on Saturday and 17:15 on Sunday at Cinemateket.

Mahmoud Sabit

Also showing at the Festival is Aladdin (USA, 1992), Powerless (Lebanon, 2012) and this years choice for classic movie Silence of the Palace (Tunisia, 1994), as well as the short film The Secret Capital (Egypt, 2013) and Shorts from the Gulf (United Arab Emirates & Saudi Arabia, 2012). The latter being a double-feature, both focusing on the challenges of being a woman in a patriarchal society. 

Debates

1. Who becomes Violent Islamists?

In addition to the films being shown, there will also be held debates during the Arabian Film Fest. On Saturday April 20th at 15:00, the first one takes place. This debate asks the question of "Who becomes a violent islamists?". This debate will be held directly after the screening of 'Horses of God', and attendance to the debate requires a ticket to this film. Participants in the debate are as follows:

Beverly Milton Edwards, Professor of Politics at Queens University in Belfast. She is internationally known for her work revolving violent islamism, with her main focus on the Israel-Palestina conflict.

Laila Bokhari, Norwegian-Pakistani writer/political analyst, with knowledge of islamism. She has, amongst other things, worked for the Peace Research Institute in Oslo, as well as the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment. Follow her on twitter here.

Samuel Schielke, anthropologist at Freie Universität in Berlin. His main focus has been islamic movements, especially focusing on Egypt.

Leading the debate is Sindre Bangstad - anthrolopologist and author.

2. Can the Palestinian refugee problem be solved?

At 14:00 on Sunday April 21st, the second debate takes place, in connection with the movie 'A World Not Ours'. The debate will raise questions in direct link with the movie, such as what will happen with the refugees next. Can they be incorporated in their new surroundings? Can they ever return to Palestina? What will happen to the Israel we know today? The Debate is held in cooperation with 'Norwegian People's Aid', a humanitarian organisation for solidarity. As with the debate on Saturday, this debate also requires a ticket to the movie is it held in connection to, and is held straight after the screening. Both debates are set to last for about 45-60 minutes. Participants to this debate are as follows:

Are Knudsen, Senior Researcher at CMI, a development research institute. He is a social anthropologist focusing on peace and conflict, and is known for his work involving palestinian refugee identity and affiliation in Lebanon.

Trude Falch - Senior Advisor for Norwegian People's Aid for the Middle East. Lebanon, Syria and Iraq are her main areas of focus.

Akram Attallah - Researcher at Fafo's office in Betlehem. Fafo is an independent research foundation that does research on social welfare, migration and integration and living conditions, amongst other things. He has participated in research projects focusing on the situations of palestinian refugees in various countries.

Leading the debate is Gjermund Granlund, Project Leader of the Arabian Film Fest.

How to attend. Tickets and info

For info on how to get a festival pass, or tickets to single screenings, check out this page. 

Where is the festival taking place? Check out this page for address and directions.


Feel free to leave comments in the comments sections. Also feel free to use it if you have questions regarding directions or what-not.

For the full program, see this page.


In the words of the late Roger Ebert, see you at the movies!