demi moore, inside out

Reading Demi Moore’s memoir Inside Out is like having a seat in the room while she is undergoing therapy. And yoga. And flirting with Bruce Willis. And being abused by her parents. And, strangest of all, not spending much time in Hollywood. But you do get a pretty good picture of her home and life in Hailey, Idaho, which she clearly loves, an oasis she has created for her family and herself.

Demi Moore, Inside Out: A Memoir

Inside Out flows, but it is not exactly an easy book to read. Real pain and trauma is spread throughout its pages. Moore had an extremely difficult childhood, raised by parents (mostly her mother) who at best ignored her, at worst practically pimped her out as a young girl. It is amazing to think how far she has come, considering her rough start. Moore is unflinchingly honest in her revelations and discoveries about her family’s and her own weaknesses. She tends to downplay her own achievements, certainly as an actress, so it is hard for the reader who might want to learn some more details behind how she got her role in Ghost as much as how Joel Schumacher helped her kick her booze and cocaine habit during the filming of St. Elmo’s Fire. She was successful at both, and stayed sober for years. Her substance abuse issues would crop up again later in her life, in her 40s, when she was married to Ashton Kutcher, who apparently enabled bad choices and then chose to look away when things got to be too much for her to handle.

Where Moore allows herself to feel proud of herself and crow a bit are when she talks about her love of being pregnant, a mother, and her love for her daughters. She also toots her own horn a little when she discusses her iconic Vanity Fair (August 1991) cover shoot by Annie Liebovitz, taken when she was seven months pregnant. The cover was quite controversial at the time, and paved the way for women to celebrate their “baby bumps” – wearing more form-conscious fashion, something we take for granted now. Moore also was one of the first actresses to earn $10 million for a single film in Hollywood. She starred in numerous blockbusters in the 90s: Ghost, A Few Good Men, Indecent Proposal, Disclosure, as well as producing If These Walls Could Talk and the Austin Powers movies.

“Demi’s Birthday Suit” Vanity Fair, August 1992

She appeared nude again for Vanity Fair, photographed by Liebovitz, covered in body paint, a year later. The photo was a testament to bouncing back from pregnancy weight as well as highlighting Moore’s intense workout regimen, which was highlighted throughout her movie career, most notably in G.I. Jane and Striptease. Moore describes herself as an obsessive personality, who has not just battled drugs and an eating disorder, but also working out too much, to the point of making herself ill. It is hard to determine how much Hollywood’s fixation with women’s bodies and her own trauma from childhood sexual abuse played a part in her feelings about herself and her body. But she is not afraid to ask the question or try to find the answer.

What might have been the most gossipy part of the book – her relationships with high-profile men like Emilio Estevez, Bruce Willis, and Ashton Kutcher – are less about fun times than highlighting her or their inability to connect. At the end of Inside Out I don’t feel sorry for Moore, but I do feel empathy. And maybe a little hope, as she continues on her path to self-discovery.

This review first appeared on Cannonball Read 11

favorite movie #101 - holiday edition: die hard

Favorite movies that have had an impact on me - #101 - Die Hard (1988) - Yes, Die Hard is a holiday film. An extremely violent holiday film, but a holiday film nonetheless.

Bruce Willis became a superstar as he crawled and shot his way through Nakatomi Plaza, desperately trying to save his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) from a gang of Euro-criminals led by the exquisitely awful Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). Holiday music like "Winter Wonderland","Christmas in Hollis", and "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" pepper the film in between shoot-outs.

But most memorable are Bruce Willis's endless quips as he dodges bullets and assassin Alexander Godunov — especially while hiding in the classic film trope air vent: "Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs ... "

"Welcome to the party, pal ... "

Hans ... bubby ...

il quinto elemento

The ultimate guilty pleasure movie, The Fifth Element, or how I like to refer to it, Il Quinto Elemento, is also incredibly entertaining. It also manages to be colorful, funny, and a little scary at times. Its sci-fi roots are definitely in Blade Runner territory, but director Luc Besson has managed to create a wholly original future world, that even upon multiple viewings manages to enchant. This is helped in no small part by the amazing costumes designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier.

The Italian poster

Milla Jovovich as Leeloominaï Lekatariba Lamina-Tchaï Ekbat De Sebat — but you can call her Leeloo

Leeloo: Leeloo Dallas. Mul-ti-pass.

I saw the movie when it first came out in 1997, but started referring to it as Il Quinto Elemento after a trip to Italy, where posters for the movie were plastered everywhere. My pet name seemed appropriately absurd, as much as the bright orange hairstyle of female lead Milla Jovovich or the outrageous character played by Chris Tucker, Ruby Rhod. Besson originally came up with his version of the future when he was just 16 years old. Years later, after he had quite a few successful films under his belt (Subway, La Femme Nikita, Léon: The Professional), he was able to move forward on his pet project and hire comic book artists Jean-Claude Mézières and Jean Giraud to work on the film's production design and help design his future version of New York City.

Taxicabs and police cars in the 23rd century

In The Fifth Element a perfect super being, in the form of a young woman called Leeloo (Jovovich), is sent to 23rd century Earth to determine whether humanity is worth saving. Helping her save the world is a cab driver (and former crack military man) named Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), a priest who is in a long line of protectors of her alien race (Ian Holm) and a reluctant flamboyant DJ (Tucker). Up against them are a bunch of scary-looking aliens called Mangalores and Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg (Gary Oldman), a crooked arms dealer who also seems to be in league with a terrible evil force, a black planet which is hurtling towards Earth. They are all after four mystical stones, which represent the four essental elements of life.

Chris Tucker's androgynous Prince-inspired DJ Ruby Rhod is an either love him or hate him character. I love him.

DJ Ruby Rhod: And now we enter what must the most beautiful concert hall of all the universe. A perfect replica of the old opera house ... But who cares?

Bruce Willis as Korben Dallas, sporting a rubber Gaultier t-shirt that I still covet

Gary Oldman as Zorg. Clothes for bad guys in the 23rd century — pretty cool. Hairstyles — not so much.

Korben Dallas: Whoa, lady, I only speak two languages, English and bad English. [Leeloo speaks in divine language] 

Korben Dallas: Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for conversation, but maybe you could just shut up for a moment?

Besson fell in love with Jovovich during the making of the film and the two constructed the "divine language" that Leeloo speaks when she first meets Korben. They married, but were divorced in 1999. Jovovich is not the only fashion model in The Fifth Element who can show off the fabulous wardrobe created by Gaultier. Fans of fashion will recognize some favorite faces in the extras cast, including: Sibyl Buck (Zorgs secretary), Stacey McKenzie (VIP stewardess), and Ève Salvail (Tawdry Girl).

Willis is in his usual wry humor/hero mode and helps the (at least American) audience connect with the fast-moving adventure. I will always have a fond place in my heart for the original Star Wars film, and I love, love, love Blade Runner (especially Rutger Hauer), but if I was really pressed, I think I would have to say that Il Quinto Elemento, The Fifth Element, is my favorite science fiction movie. It's certainly the most re-watchable, and its visuals are hard to beat. It makes so much of the gray exploding CGI buildings that seem omnipresent in recent sci-fi films (The Avengers, Star Trek, etc.) seem dull and lifeless. To quote Ruby Rhod, The Fifth Element is "A hotel of a thousand and one follies, lollies, and lickemollies. A magic fountain flow of non stop wine, women, and coochie coochie coooo! All night long!"

Further Reading — an amusing post about movie:
How 'The Fifth Element' Predicted Lady Gaga And Everything Else About Modern Life—Back in '97

fun non-holiday movies that happen to take place around christmas

There are countless holiday films featuring Santa and elves and "bah humbug"-ers, but you don't have to watch a holiday movie to still get a holiday vibe. There are some great movies out there that could still be enjoyed this time of year, in which Christmas plays a supporting role. Here are my suggestions for an alternative holiday movie marathon of non-holiday movies that take place around Christmas:

Die Hard — Bruce Willis stars as John McClane, a New York cop trying to reunite with his wife who has taken a job in L.A. during the holidays. Instead he finds the fancy new firm where she works is under siege by terrorists and he may be the only one who can save her and himself. It's the first and the best of the 80s action movies. Undeniably violent, but full of wry humor. And as an extra Christmas gift, Alan Rickman (in his feature film debut!) plays arch villain Hans "Bubbe."

The Lion in Winter — Fun couple Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry Plantagenet of England are getting together for the holidays ... and Katherine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole bring every bit of venom and humor they can to this wonderful film (based on the play) about their power struggles over the successor to Henry's throne. It's not exactly historically accurate, but it is good drama.

Brazil — Terry Gilliam's masterpiece, Brazil is set during the Christmas holidays, but its 1984-like world is grayed-out and devoid of cheer. Jonathan Pryce is wonderful as Sam the dreamer/hero and Robert DeNiro almost steals the show in his amusing cameo as a genial terrorist named Tuttle.

About A Boy — Hugh Grant's Will lives off the substantial royalties from his father's one-hit wonder and Christmas hit, Santa's Super Sleigh. Perpetually immature, he meets Marcus, a young boy with a single, troubled mom, and the two form a very unlikely friendship. Based on the book by Nick Hornby, it's a sad and funny and truly wonderful film. It's also Grant's best performance to-date.

Desk Set — My favorite Tracy/Hepburn movie, Desk Set takes place during the Christmas season. Hepburn heads the reference department for a major New York television network, answering questions like the names of all of Santa's reindeer. Tracy has invented a computer that Hepburn and her crew fear will make them obsolete. Their chemistry is adorable, and it's a brightly colored, witty romantic comedy. It's also a fun slice of nostalgia, as the enormous room-sized computer is installed in Hepburn's 1957 office space. So much of the technology has changed in 50 years, but the office politics are still the same.

While You Were Sleeping — Another romantic comedy set during Christmas. Sandra Bullock as Lucy and Bill Pullman as Jack are wonderful together, and Peter Gallagher looks great — although he spends the majority of the film in a coma. A fun, quirky film, full of characters that you wish that you knew in real life.

Love Actually — the mother of all ensemble movies, Love Actually is kind of a mess and kind of adorable, depending on which storyline you're currently watching. But it has some genuinely funny moments, such as Bill Nighy's cynical holiday ditty, "Christmas is All Around." And how can you argue with a cast that includes Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, and Colin Firth?

Also fun viewing:

Meet Me In St. Louis — a turn-of-the century musical with Judy Garland at her most gorgeous, singing the very best rendition of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."

The Family Stone — the ultimate nightmare holiday with the relatives, except it's fun to watch because they aren't my relatives. Diane Keaton heads a dream cast that includes Craig T. Nelson, Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes, Dermot Mulroney, Luke Wilson, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

The Holiday — Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet switch houses for the holidays. I found myself wanting to just spend Christmas with Winslet and Jack Black. Still, it's fluffy and fun and Eli Wallach has a great part, too, as an Old Hollywood script writer who takes a shine to Winslet.

Mixed Nuts — Definitely a mixed bag, Mixed Nuts is a comedy about a suicide-prevention hotline, set during the holiday season, and all of the crazy characters on both sides of the telephone. Steve Martin, Madeline Khan, Adam Sandler, Liev Schrieber, and Rita Wilson are all at their zaniest.

gary oldman makes me laugh

Article first published as Gary Oldman Makes Me Laugh on Blogcritics.



I've always really liked Gary Oldman. But his career is a puzzle to me. He is most frequently cast as the "bad guy" in movies, but I think what makes him truly special, apart from the much-touted acting chops, is his sense of humor: Oldman, on True Romance, (1993): "I hadn't read the script, and knew nothing about it. Tony (Scott) and I had tea at the Four Seasons and he said, 'Look, I can't really explain the plot. But Drexl's a pimp who's white but thinks he's black'. That was all I needed to hear. I said, 'Yes, I'll do it'." The guy always brings a funny little twist, not just an accent, to his roles. One of my all-time favorite Oldman performances, and probably the first time I saw him, is as Sid Vicious in Sid and Nancy. He is obnoxious and tragic and eerily like the Sex Pistols' doomed bassist. But he is also funny as hell.

Oldman can do anything—biopics (Prick Up Your Ears), period good (Immortal Beloved) and not-so-good (The Scarlet Letter), crime (The Professional). He has used so many different accents in his movies that I'm not really sure what his real voice sounds like. So why is he so often called in to do the same sort of role, over and over—the crazy bad guy? Case in point. I watched The Book of Eli the other day. It's not a great film, but it was definitely absorbing. It's a little bit western, a little bit Thunderdome, a little bit classic Twilight Zone-with-a-twist sci-fi. It's mainly a showcase for Denzel Washington, which is always a good thing. I got a huge kick watching Denzel be the coolest badass post-apocalyptic superhero samurai that ever walked the West.

And The Book of Eli had Gary Oldman as the villain Carnegie. There is a nice scene in the movie where Oldman washes his lover's hair. It's unexpected and adds a nice shade to his character. And then the script and the rest of the movie forgets about it and it's stock villain dialogue for the rest of the film. It's a shame, because the man could have made the character much more interesting, if he'd been given anything to work with.

Priest Vito Cornelius: You're a monster, Zorg.  Zorg: I know.

As I watched Oldman in this movie, I kept getting echoes of a far cheesier, but much more fun performance in The Fifth Element. It's the same set-up, with Oldman as the tyrannical bad guy in charge of the outpost—in this case outer space. But his villain is so much more fun here. Maybe I just love him best when he's over-the-top. The Fifth Element, one of the best under-rated-science-fiction-starring-Bruce-Willis-pictures ever (also with an amazing and colorful performance by Chris Tucker), is just plain silly a lot of the time, but you just won't care, because it's so visually enticing and damn fun to watch.

Thinking about Oldman and over-the-top performances, I can't help but mention one of the most OTT movies of all time, Bram Stoker's Dracula. It's got tons wrong with it (miscast Winona and Keanu and Anthony Hopkins in his usual cheesetastic mode), but also tons of wonderful effects and images, Gustav Klimt costumery, and Oldman, who throws himself wholeheartedly into the role of the original vampire. No sparkly teen fangsters here, thank you very much. Oldman manages to make all of his incarnations of Dracula—the bewigged Nosferatu, the Transylvanian warrior, the 19th-century dapper gentleman prince—appealing in some way. He loves his character and so do we, so we know by the end of the movie that Winona's Mina is in for a very dull future without him. Oldman said about his performance in the film, "I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's not Dracula crying, it's Gary Oldman, but using the technique of the character. The emotion is mine, because I don't know what it's like to be undead and live 300 years."

And that's just the first few minutes. It get's even more exaggerated from here ...

It's interesting that one of his best-known recent roles, as Sirius Black in the Harry Potter movies, may also be the best combination of Oldman's talents. It's too bad, by the very nature of the overstuffed films, that his time on screen is so fleeting. But in The Prisoner of Azkaban he was able to go from being introduced as the usual crazy-as-a-bedbug villain to the misunderstood outsider, to the warm and funny uncle. It's the power of Oldman that I always think that he's in this movie and The Order of the Phoenix more than he actually is. His persona makes that kind of an impact.

Oldman has said, "I don't think Hollywood knows what to do with me. I would imagine that when it comes to romantic comedies, my name would be pretty low down on the list." I know just what he means. His Dracula is a romantic hero. And a monster. And, and, and. But Oldman would be terrific in a romantic comedy, as long as his leading lady was up to his caliber.

In the meantime, he's got lots of interesting things on the horizon. Guns, Girls and Gambling sounds like it just might be a comedy. Here's hoping. I'm looking forward to Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Red Riding Hood, as well as another Batman, which is in the works. There's always something interesting to expect from Gary Oldman.

Quotes imdb

for the most creative use of a Segway in a film the award goes to...

...Paul Blart: Mall Cop.

Yes, another overlooked gem that I just caught on cable. This is one of those incredibly dumb films which are also incredibly fun to watch. Kevin James is immensely likable in his sad-sack-victorious character—one of those actors with a television show I may have skipped, but always happy to see him turn up on the big screen (he practically steals Hitch from Will Smith.)

Paul Blart : Mall Cop

What really made Mall Cop for me were the at first insidious, and finally over-the-top references to the Bruce Willis classic Die Hard, all while keeping true to the movie's New Jersey shopping mall scale. Especially funny was James crawling through the the de rigueur action flick air conditioning vent. The references took the movie beyond a spoof, as it is more than likely that a New Jersey shopping mall security guard would have seen Bruce Willis's most well-known flick a thousand times and start to emulate/imitate him if the situation (comedy) called for it.


And James is both embarrassing and pure poetry on the Segway. In other words, great comedy.