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Some sure bets left in their seats by fickle Oscar
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dear Mr. Smithee,
Over the past few years, largely due to my discovery of the wonderful “Prime Suspect” series, I have become a fan of Helen Mirren. The Oscars haven’t been handed out yet, but has there ever been such domination by an actress’s performance as Ms. Mirren’s? And is there a particular Mirren role in a film that you would recommend for me?
Oh, and not to slight Forest Whitaker - his universal recognition is long overdue.
DEAN ABERCROMBIE, Snellville
Dear Just Where Have You Been?
As longtime “Ask Alan Smithee” readers most likely know by heart, yours truly is a stalwart Helen Mirren admirer.
Oh, but yes. She and I once chortled in private amusement while conversing about her stunning beauty in her role as the underdressed Morgana in John Boorman’s 1981 King Arthur tale, “Excalibur” - she intoning her words for my ears alone in the swirling, guttural potency of Old English that she had used to chant spells in the movie, whilst votre ami could but heave his chest and beg for more.
She’s been a lock for the Oscar since “The Queen” first unreeled.
In fact, in my humble opinion, her only competition should be Judi Dench (“Notes on a Scandal”).
And wise Oscar watchers know Ms. Dench has already announced that not only will she not be at the awards show (because of pending surgery), she didn’t really want to come all that way across the pond just to lose.
Can Ms. Mirren win just about everything in sight, then up and lose the best actress Oscar?
Heck, yes. It would be sad, but wilder things have happened.
For the 1948 Academy Awards ceremony, Rosalind Russell (“Mourning Becomes Electra”) was the heavy favorite. According to Robert Osborne’s “Academy Awards Illustrated,” a Daily Variety poll put Russell No. 1, followed in order by Dorothy McGuire (“Gentleman’s Agreement”), Joan Crawford (“Possessed”), Susan Hayward (“Smash-Up - The Story of a Woman”) and, finally, Loretta Young (“The Farmer’s Daughter”).
Guess who won.
“Russell was halfway out of her seat,” Osborne wrote in his book, when Ms. Young’s name was called and a loud gasp swelled.
But I still hope Mirren wins.
In addition to “Excalibur,” you need to see “Gosford Park” (2001), “Some Mother’s Son” (1996), “The Madness of King George” (1994), “The Mosquito Coast” (1986) and, especially, “The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover” (1989).
Your kind words about Forest Whitaker (“The Last King of Scotland”) ring true as well. He deserves the best actor Oscar.
Now, I couldn’t be entirely upset myself if Peter O’Toole (“Venus”) pulls an upset. O’Toole, after all, was denied an Academy Award many times when he very richly deserved one. But I still think Whitaker’s performance is too good not to win.
ALAN
P.S. You get a wine-bottle opener kit from “A Good Year” and an “Ask Alan Smithee” T-shirt.
Dear Mr. Smithee,
Recently, a local theater had a Robert Altman festival and showed “MASH,” “The Player,” “Popeye,” “Short Cuts” and “Nashville.” I went to all five. It was my first time to see “The Player,” which deserved all its accolades.
My question, though, is about “Popeye”: The resident trivia expert said Wesley Ivan Hurt (who played Swee’pea) was Altman’s grandson.
I seem to remember that when it came out, it was said that he was John Hurt’s son. He gave such a remarkable performance that I felt he had to have that great actor’s genes.
Which is correct?
DON HENKE, Dayton, Ohio
Dear Bluto,
Why would anyone show “Popeye” much less watch it?
I don’t care how much I loved Altman - and I loved most of his movies enough to tolerate “A Wedding” - I cannot even pretend to sit through “Popeye.”
Which leads me to a very quick answer.
Sir, everybody on the planet, including Roger Ebert but apparently not you, seems to believe that Wesley Ivan Hurt was Robert Altman’s grandson. I even found a guy online who claims little Wesley is his wife’s second cousin as well as a descendant of the celebrated director.
In the vein of I yam what I yam, he is who he is.
ALAN
P.S. You get a “Children of Men” cap and an “Ask Alan Smithee” T-shirt.
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