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Lady Gaga

8.21 CODA + Oscar ReCap!

April 1, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

With an eye on diversity, this year’s Oscars featured some fabulous performances and recognition of some amazing films, such as this year’s winner of Best Picture, CODA. Unfortunately, however, they will best be known for one confrontation than any particular award winner. This week, we welcome Deb Whalen and newcomer Sallyanne Hadzalic to discuss the Academy’s big night (including the fallout surrounding the Smith/Rock debacle) and CODA’s ability to build bridges between the Deaf Community and the Hearing.

You can stream on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify, iHeart Radio or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can downoad the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

8.21-CODA

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Podcast Tagged With: Chris Rock, CODA, Daniel Durant, Lady Gaga, Liza Manelli, Marlee Matlin, Oscars, Sundance, Troy Kotsur, Will Smith

House of Gucci – Desire Destroys a Family

December 5, 2021 by Darrel Manson Leave a Comment

“And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him.” (Gen. 4:8 NRSV)

It is worth remembering that humankind’s first murder was a family affair. Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci is the newest way of telling the story of a family that destroys itself because of the greed, ambition, and hubris of its members. Certainly, that concept has fueled storytelling for eons. We think of the TV shows like Dallas and Dynasty, and currently HBO’s Succession. But House of Gucci is “inspired by the true events”. This is a real life version of that age old story.

Adam Driver stars as Maurizio Gucci and Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani in Ridley Scott’s HOUSE OF GUCCI A Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film Photo credit: Fabio Lovino © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The film’s center is Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), a young working-class woman. Her father owns a small trucking company. At a party one night, she meets Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver), the introverted scion of the fashion dynasty. When she hears his last name, her eyes light up, and we can tell she wants in. She works her way into Maurizio’s life and heart. His father Rudolfo (Jeremy Irons) thinks she’s nothing but a gold digger. He’s not far off, but there is more to it than that. When Rudolfo cuts off Maurizio’s money, Maurizio goes to work for Patrizia’s father until they marry, living a simple working-class life.

But Maurizio’s uncle Aldo (Al Pacino) connects to them, and the lira-sign lights in Patrizia’s eyes go off again. Aldo is the business brains of Gucci. He wants to expand. Rudolfo lives in the past and doesn’t want to change anything. Aldo’s son Paulo (Jered Leto, who steals every scene he’s in) wants to be a designer but is talentless. Aldo calls him an idiot, “but he’s my idiot”. He sees Maurizio as the future of the family business. Between Aldo and Patrizia, plans are made to bring Maurizio into the business. Now the conniving and manipulations can begin. Patrizia seems to always be at the center of it all. It is her ambition that drives the story—and in the process destroys the family.

(l-r.) Jared Leto stars as Paolo Gucci, Florence Andrews as Jenny Gucci, Adam Driver as Maurizio Gucci, Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani and Al Pacino as Aldo Gucci in Ridley Scott’s HOUSE OF GUCCI A Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film Photo credit: Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures Inc. © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The story covers the period of the late 70s to the 90s. Along the way we watch as fashion changes. This is a world of extravagance, and Patrizia especially shows it to the world. In time Maurizio will also be drawn into this world of ostentation, just as he’s drawn into Patrizia’s ambition and cunning.

There is an interesting use of music in the film. Some of the time, the music is the popular music of the day. That feeds our nostalgia. But often we hear operatic music driving the scenes. The music reminds us that this is that thrives in the world of tabloids and people’s fascination with the rich and famous, but it is also a story of epic proportions that tells of the elemental mythos of the destructive power of ambition and hubris. That mythos that goes back to the story of Cain and Abel.

Adam Driver stars as Maurizio Gucci and Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani in Ridley Scott’s HOUSE OF GUCCI A Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film Photo credit: Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures Inc. © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Watching a movie is always something of a voyeuristic experience. That is especially the case here as we watch the rise and downfall of Patrizia and others. But we should also note that many of the desires that drive and ultimately destroy these characters often live within each of us. As it says in the story of Cain and Abel, “. . . Sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.” House of Gucci shows us the dangers in nor mastering our desires.

Al Pacino stars as Aldo Gucci and Mãdãline Ghenea as Sophia Loren in Ridley Scott’s HOUSE OF GUCCI A Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film Photo credit: Courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures Inc. © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

House of Gucci is in wide theatrical release.

Photos courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures.

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Reviews Tagged With: Adam Driver, based on a book, family drama, Fashion, Gucci, House of Gucci, inspired by true events, Lady Gaga, murder, Ridley Scott, wealth

A Star is Born: A Movie with Soul

February 19, 2019 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

A Star is Born tells the story of veteran musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) who, stumbling into a bar after a show, discovers—and immediately falls in love with—struggling artist Ally (Lady Gaga). Having just about given up on her dreams as a singer, Ally has never had an opportunity to showcase her talent until Jackson charms her into the spotlight. As Ally’s career takes off, the two must fight to keep their relationship together against the trials of celebrity and Maine’s battle with his personal demons.

For his directorial debut, Cooper shows tremendous poise behind the camera, especially in his ability to shoot live performances which pop off the screen with vibrant colors. However, rather than get too distracted by the soundtrack (and it would be easy to do so), much of the film focuses intently on the faces of its leads. Although Gaga and Cooper are hardly inexperienced in front of the camera, the choice to concentrate on their faces refuses to let them escape behind the music. Given Gaga’s inexperience as an actress, one could argue this to be a risky move but Cooper’s direction and her surprisingly honest performance makes the most of these moments. This story is not going to be told solely by star power or the quality of the soundtrack. Cooper’s intent is clearly that this story is going to be told by the soul of their eyes.

And soul is an appropriate term, given the film’s interest in fighting to keep one’s own.

Co-written by Cooper, his vision for the film continues to remind us of the importance of finding your voice in a world that lusts primarily at surface imagery. World-weary from both his career successes and battles with his personal demons, Cooper’s Jackson Maine has been broken from all sides. Although, despite his ongoing struggles, Maine continuously reminds Ally that she must ‘have something to say’ in order to maintain her soul in an industry that cares little about anything but their ‘look’. As such, 2018’s A Star is Born proves to be an appropriate vehicle for Gaga. As an aspiring ingenue who’s star power begins to overshadow her talent as a singer/songwriter, there are several moments in the film that suggest Gaga reminding the audience of her own desire to share her soul with the world. Though her talent is undeniable (except from her father), Ally goes unnoticed until a chance meeting with Maine brings her into the limelight. As she begins to embrace her moment in the sun, Ally fights to maintain her credibility in an industry that embraces the visual.

It’s here that reality meets fiction.

Best known for ‘meat dresses’ and wild costumes, Gaga clearly seeks respect in a role that strips her down to the simple waitress from the local bar. As such, Ally becomes a conduit for Gaga to respond to her critics in her own voice. “I just want them to remember that I’m talented,” she cautions during one meeting with her image consultant. (In fact, this potential breaking of the fourth wall is even echoed in a brief but important cameo by Dave Chapelle whose character addresses ‘why he got out’ of the industry.) While the film is hardly a critique of fame itself—Ally and Maine both fully embrace their superstar status—it is a reminder of what people should be famous for. Maine and Ally both understand that the platform of celebrity means nothing if you have nothing to say to the culture at large. Though their lives have been repackaged for mass appeal, both stars recognize that it is their ability to share their soul that gives their music value. It is a reminder that the depths of our heart matters, not only for our own spiritual health, but also to make an impact in the world around us.

There is little question that Star has its eyes set on the Oscar race and, incidentally, all signs point to the fact that this is a reasonable assumption. Cooper and Gaga have worked diligently to craft a film that will make waves, both at the box office and during awards season. Make no mistake, however. While much will be made of the film’s incredible soundtrack and performances, A Star is Born still maintains its soul and has something to say to our culture.

A Star is Born is in theaters now.

Own A Star is Born on 4K UHD Combo Pack, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD Special Edition on February 19. Special features include Jam Sessions and Rarities: “Baby What You Want Me To Do”, “Midnight Special”, and “Is That Alright”; the featurette “The Road to Stardom: Making A Star is Born,” and music videos for “Shallow,” “Always Remember Us This Way,” “Look What I Found,” and “I’ll Never Love Again.”

Filed Under: DVD, Film, Film Festivals, Reviews, TIFF Tagged With: A Star is Born, Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Oscars, Sam Elliott, Shallows

5.02 Messy Celebrities in A STAR IS BORN

October 7, 2018 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

http://screenfish.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/5.02-A-Star-is-Born.mp3

With A STAR IS BORN, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga have (re)created a timeless love story for modern times. Exploring the relationship between love and mental health (with an amazing soundtrack as well), the film is clearly gearing up for a run at next year’s Oscars. This week, Steve welcomes back Shelley McVea and Andrew Eaton to talk about love, celebrity and music with soul.

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

5.02 A Star is Born

Thanks Shelley and Andrew for joining us!

Filed Under: Film, Film Festivals, Podcast, TIFF Tagged With: A Star is Born, Bradley Cooper, Dave Chappelle, Lady Gaga, Love, love story, Mental Health, mental health issues, music, Oscars, Sam Elliott

Genius Ep. 1 – Knowing Your Place

April 25, 2017 by J. Alan Sharrer Leave a Comment

(National Geographic/Robert Viglasky)

One of the most lauded advertisements of Super Bowl LI aired immediately after the halftime performance.  In it, a gentleman looks out the window of his study while playing Lady Gaga’s song “Bad Romance.”  It turns out to be Albert Einstein, who sticks out his tongue at the camera once he’s finished playing.  The screen then cuts to black, revealing an upcoming series called Genius airing on the National Geographic Channel.

Genius is a 10-part, fully scripted series chronicling the life of Dr. Einstein as never seen before (the first part airs tonight at 9 PM/8 CT).  I was at the world premiere in Los Angeles last night and had the opportunity to hear from executive directors Brian Grazer and Ron Howard before viewing the first episode.  Grazer noted that Einstein was the earliest modern example of disrupting the status quo and was thus the perfect subject to portray.

Ron Howard speaking before the premiere (ScreenFish/J Alan Sharrer)

The series is based on the work Einstein: His Life and Universe, written by Walter Isaacson.  In the opening episode, broad strokes are painted as Howard intersperses the younger and elder versions of Einstein (played by Johnny Flynn and Academy Award-winner Geoffrey Rush, respectively).  The younger Einstein is a daydreaming free thinker who has an extremely difficult time with school in Munich due to the rote memorization of facts.  His disregard for the systems of the day put him at odds with his teachers and his father. After his parents move to Italy, Einstein stays with the Winteler family in Switzerland for a year before continuing his studies in Zurich (he failed his entrance exam the first time he took it, so there’s hope for the rest of us).

(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

The older version of Einstein is wiser, yet extremely stubborn.  While at the University of Heidelberg, the SS begin to make their presence felt in German life.  For those of Jewish heritage, these days are difficult as people are beaten up, assaulted, and in some cases, assassinated. When Einstein is told his name is on a list to be killed, he steadfastly refuses to leave, much to the chagrin of his wife Elsa (Emily Watson).  It takes a series of events involving copies of Mein Kampf and a child’s request for an autograph to change his mind.  But it’s not easy leaving Germany, as the US Embassy wants to know more about his political leanings and refuses him asylum until he talks.

Einstein once said, “Falling in love is not at all the most stupid thing that people do—but gravitation cannot be held responsible for it.” To this end, he is shown to be incredibly smart, a bit reckless, and very attracted to women.  By the end of the first episode, Einstein has been involved with three—Marie Winteler (Shannon Tarbet), Elsa, and his secretary.  Upon his entrance to Zurich, he meets a fourth lady named Mileva Maric (Samantha Colley), who in later years will change Einstein’s life for the better—or worse.

(National Geographic/Robert Viglasky)

As for the first episode, I thought it was quite good.  The camerawork was exquisite, as can be expected with something coming from Ron Howard. The interspersed scenes were a bit jarring and didn’t quite work for me, but that may change since there are still nine episodes left.  I was impressed, however, at the level of detail given to the scenes—it helped to draw me into the story more. There is some CGI used for a few daydream sequences, but they’re used to good effect in explaining some rather difficult mathematical and scientific concepts. The episode is designed for mature audiences due to the romantic interludes and some graphic killings.

It was interesting to watch the struggle the elder Einstein had about leaving Heidelberg due to Hitler’s ascension in power.  After hearing news that his friend was assassinated for his common ancestry, he stayed put.  Even when informed that he was on an extermination list, he stayed.  Could he make a bigger difference for the world where he was? This reminds me of Esther in the Old Testament.  In an oft-quoted verse of Scripture, she was reminded and challenged by Mordecai, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NIV) As a result, she used her position of authority to save her people from extinction via the hands of Haman.  It’s always better to know your place and make a difference there than run away from the tasks God has planned for you to accomplish.

Filed Under: Current Events, Premieres, Reviews, Television Tagged With: Brian Grazer, Einstein, Emily Watson, Esther, Genius, Geoffrey Rush, Haman, Hitler, Johnny Flynn, Lady Gaga, Marie Winteler, Mileva Maric, Mordecai, National Geographic, Premiere, Ron Howard, Samantha Colley, Shannon Tarbet, Walter Isaccson, Zurich

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