Well, I haven't heard much about this film other than the superb cast and the possible usual wonderful direction and writing of Tim Robbins. He's not acting in it so far as I can tell, but well with a cast that includes John and Joan Cusack, Hank Azaria, Angus MacFadyen, Cary Elwes, Bill Murray, Emily Watson, Susan Sarandon, John Turturro, Vanessa Redgrave and Gretchen Mol... well we've got a pretty damn good cast without him. I've been saying THE GREEN MILE will win BEST PICTURE in 2000... Well, according to this rather shy individual... it'll be hardpressed to beat this one out. So if anyone else agrees and saw the film and wants to write about it... let me know, I'm curious.
Harry- Seems like you're really pushing "The Green Mile" as Best Picture 2000. Obviously, I haven't seen it, but I can tell you it's going to be hardpressed to beat "Cradle Will Rock".
I saw a test screening the other night, and was I blown away! If Tim Robbins has to make movies with Martin Lawrence in exchange for the opportunity to make movies like this, well, then I guess it's a necessary evil. He handles an ensemble cast (which includes Susan Sarandon, Jane and John Cusack, Hank Azzaria, Emily Watson, Vanessa Redgrave and Bill Murray) better than most directors, not a one performer gets short shrift. Watching Bill Murray, I was compelled to lean over to my companion and remind them that this was the same Bill Murray who played Carl in "Caddyshack"- who'd have thought that he might arguably be the performer to stretch the farthest from "Saturday Night Live"? I don't recall ever seeing Vanessa Redgrave so animated and playful.
The story deals with the production of a pro-union play in the 30's at the same time that the government agency producing the play is being investigated for communist/socialist leanings. It made me think about the value and preseverence of art and the artist, and I feel this uplifting theme might appeal to the artist that I'm presuming is inside every potential Oscar voter (of course, that artist is buried at varios depths depending on the individual)
Don't call me anything, I'm real shy :-)
