So, it has come to my attention that there are questions as to where the name of my blog originated. As a (former) English teacher, I feel it is my responsibility to answer the question (basically, I want everyone to realize I am not an idiot).
First off, "doppelganger" is my favorite word, and it has been so for over twenty years. The definition I remember from middle school is "evil twin." I guess as a teenager I wished I had an evil, cool twin, as opposed to my dorky self (in other words, a guy who could get a date for a Saturday night as opposed to the nerd cruising the mall in my friend's mom's station wagon, embarrassingly named The Goodie Wagon for her home business).
The following are more informative definitions/explanations of the word doppelganger:
A formal definition is available found on-line at Merriam-Webster's website:
Main Entry: dop•pel•gäng•er
Variant(s): or dop•pel•gang•er \ˈdä-pəl-ˌgaŋ-ər, -ˌgeŋ-, ˌdä-pəl-ˈ\
Function: noun
Etymology: German Doppelgänger, from doppel- double + -gänger goer
Date: 1851
1 : a ghostly counterpart of a living person
2 a : double 2a b : alter ego b c : a person who has the same name as another
Wikipedia's entry states: A doppelgänger is the ghostly double of a living person, a sinister form of bilocation. In the vernacular, the word "doppelgänger" has come to refer (as in German) to any double or look-alike of a person. The word is also used to describe the sensation of having glimpsed at oneself in peripheral vision, in a position where there is no chance that it could have been a reflection. They are generally regarded as harbingers of bad luck. In some traditions, a doppelgänger seen by a person's friends or relatives portends illness or danger, while seeing one's own doppelgänger is an omen of death. In Norse mythology, a vardøger is a ghostly double who precedes a living person and is seen performing their actions in advance.
Clearly the word doesn't bring to mind butterflies, ponies, triple word scores that contain the letters "Q" and "Z", and doughnuts with sprinkles. You can't deny it's a cool word though.
The word doppelganger has gained recognition over the years (most notably due to Celebrity Doppelganger Week on Facebook). Unfortunately, there are some who only associate the word with the film starring Drew Barrymore (1993). This soft-core horror film is, well, let's say it's not Drew's finest cinematic performance, and if it's all you think of when you hear the word doppelganger, it's probably time to take off your Star Trek t-shirt and move out of your mom's basement.
Now that you know WHAT a doppelganger is, I know you are anxious to know where "duplicitous" came from? Well, I like alliterations, so I was thinking of an adjective to pair with doppelganger. I came up with something I liked, but didn't love, and my intelligent wife (who is the REAL English teacher of the family) said, "Why don't you call it The Duplicitous Doppelganger." I loved this. Not only is this an alliteration, but both words also have four syllables! Ah ... to be an English nerd ...
What I realized when I named the blog, is that some would simply see the term as a double negative. This is not the case however. As my wife just stated, a doppelganger doesn't necassarily have to be innately duplicitous. So, what is a duplicitous doppelganger? Well, according to me, and this is MY BLOG, it's defined as: "a deliberately deceptive alter ego." I began to write a blog to be creative, and to escape into a world where I wasn't known for who I am, but who I could be (a famous film critic!) The problem is, since the majority of my readers (wait, did I just type the phrase "majorioty of my readers"? - Who am I kidding?) know me on a personal level, so I am neither deceptive or my own alter ego ... or am I ... ?
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Oscar Highs and Lows
Well, I am a wee bit late with my Oscars review. I could blame a chest xray, a chipped tooth, or a plethora of medical abnormalities (all of which are true); however, I'll cough (cough ... get it?) this one up to pure laziness and procrastination. Although I haven't read many reviews of the telecast itself, I imagine these thoughts are not purely original, however they are my thoughts, so take them for what they are.
Oscar Lows:
10. The opening monologue. I love Steve Martin. I love Alec Baldwin. I loathe "Steve Baldwin", or any other co-host for an awards show. With the exception of one joke and one bit (which I will reference later), the duo bombed, particularly the unfunny, LONG monologue. I'd prefer Letterman coming back, or just let Neil Patrick Harris host.
9. Miley Cyrus. Why is she presenting an award? And what was with that dress? Is this the future of Hollywood? I sure hope not.
8. Anything Avatar. Glad this film wasn't the big winner of the night. It deserved the awards it won (with the exception of best cinematography), but no more, and thankfully the voting members agreed.
7. Ben Stiller. Not funny.
6. James Taylor. Why is Taylor covering a Beatles' song? Was John unavailable? Is this the Oscar's answer to the Super Bowl Halftime? Surely we can find some musicians besides JT and Hannah Montana.
5. That awful dance number. Minutes of my life I can't get back. Between that sequence and Avatar, I could have finished Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, or worse, re-read the original Pride and Prejudice. Either would have been less painful. (BTW - My wife made me pause this sequence while she left the room to run into the bedroom. I resumed the telecast, she looked at it, and began to Facebook. Meanwhile, I was stuck in dance montage purgatory.)
4. Actors gushing on other actors. I hate the lead-ins for the acting awards. There is nothing more sickening than hearing an actor bestow accolades on a peer. Show a clip (preferably one that hasn't had as much airtime as a FreeCreditreport.com commercial), and get the actor on stage.
3. Sean Penn. What the hell?
2. Orchestra cut offs. There is no excuse for not allowing a winner (or multiple winners for a category) the chance to speak. Especially when there is so much uninspired filler.
1. Show's length. It's simply too damn long. Some things are meant to be long. Summer vacation for teachers. A good sub sandwich. The garden hose connecting the outdoor faucet to a wet banana slide. Karrem Abdul-Jabbar's pants. Its embarrassing the Best Picture award was awarded as quickly as Nic Cage agrees to star in another lackluster blockbuster.
Oscar Highs:
10. Damn Helen Mirren.
9. Paranormal Activity spoof. This, and the above mentioned joke, where the only instances the hosts made me laugh.
8. Christoph Waltz. Amazing performance on screen. Heartfelt acceptance speech. A perfect Oscar moment.
7. Dug the Dog from Up. He stole the show, much like he stole the audience's heart in Up. If dogs, or animated characters could win an Oscar, he would have.
6. John Hughes montage. I don't think I realized what a genius he was. He was taken for granted, I'm afraid, but luckily we have the films he made that we can cherish forever.
5. Neil Patrick Harris. The opening musical number was reminiscent of a lavish opening from decades ago. There was just the right amount of humor. As I said before, he should have hosted.
4. Horror montage. I'm not sure why this was included, but I enjoyed it. I'm already looking forward to October and the family ritual of watching scary movies (too bad the remake of Nightmare on Elm Street opens next month. There should be a law prohibiting the release of any horror film prior to September.)
3. Jeff Bridges. I think this was really just payback for his portrayal of The Dude.
2. Everything The Hurt Locker. David beat Goliath, as he should. 'Nuff said.
1. Kathryn Bigelow. What was more satisfying: Oscar history being made (first female to win Best Director), or sticking it to your ex-husband? Both seemed so sweet last night.
PS - Where was Jack? Why did Farrah Fawcett get omitted from the remembrance montage?
Well, here are my thoughts. Care to weigh in?
Saturday, March 6, 2010
If I Picked the Winners....
While I hope to pick who I think will win a Golden Bald Man tomorrow evening, this entry will list who I think SHOULD win, which is much more important to all the nominees (ok, who am I kidding?).
Best Animated Film – Up. Hands down, the winner. Sorry Disney and your love-letter to New Orleans, Pixar has bested you once again. This is one of three races that need no other contestants.
Best Actor – Jeff Bridges. I really thought Clooney had another Oscar winning performance. However, the Academy has previously recognized him (albeit with a supporting actor win) and in this role many think he is simply playing “himself.” Bridges wins for a career of quality work. Plus, who doesn’t want to hear an acceptance speech from “The Dude” himself?
Best Actress – Who cares? This category is literally BORE-ING this year. Since I haven’t seen the Blind Side, I can’t say Bullock deserves to win (unfortunately, after seeing The Proposal last week it’s hard to root for her). Streep channels Julia masterfully, but if push comes to shove, nobody beats Gabourey Sidibe's gut-wrenching performance.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Christoph Waltz. Best performance of the year, in any category. In fact, this is one of the greatest performances of the past decade. This race was over when he won at Cannes after the film premiered.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Mo’Nique. Her performance ranks alongside Hopkin’s Hannibal Lecter and Charlize Theron’s Aileen (Monster) as one of the most villanous of the modern era. To think she’s a comedian, wait … she’s a comedian?!?! Her performance is so terrifying you hate her, but at the film’s conclusion, you feel sorry for her to too, which is a testament to her acting ability. Great work.
Best Screenplay – Inglourious Basterds. Who knew World War II was so hip and so cool? Only Tarantino could write such a unique tale about the war to ends all wars. His best script since Pulp Fiction. He deserves a bookend Oscar. (Can you say Bing-O?)
Best Adapted Screenplay – Up in the Air. Any other year this film would rack up several awards. Due to several incredibly good films (and one load of 3D crap), this may be the only statue this great film wins.
Best Film Editing – The Hurt Locker. A strong category. Basterds is as technically sound as anything in recent memory. Yet, The Hurt Locker is superior. So much of what makes this film great is the suspense, which is largely in part due to the editing of Bob Murawski and Chris Innis.
Best Cinematography – The Hurt Locker. While Avatar may boast a 3D wonderland, and may possibly win due to its groundbreaking visuals, The Hurt Locker is most deserving of this award. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Basterds sneak away with this, however.
Best Director – Kathryn Bigelow. Bigelow deserves this, and should make Oscar history as the first female to win a best director award. Many believe this is a competition between her and her ex-husband (Cameron). While Avatar is groundrbreaking on a visual level, if anyone deserves to steal this Oscar away from Bigelow, it’s Tarantino.
Best Film – The Hurt Locker. This isn’t a shocker if you’ve read this entire blog entry (which I doubt any of you have, unless you are married to me … thanks B!). If my memory is correct (and no, I am not THAT old), is this wins it will be the lowest grossing film to take home the Oscar. It’s a shame that so many have neglected to see this film (thank goodness for Netflix!), and maybe if it wins it will gain a greater audience. This film is the epitome of quality filmamaking.
Best Animated Film – Up. Hands down, the winner. Sorry Disney and your love-letter to New Orleans, Pixar has bested you once again. This is one of three races that need no other contestants.
Best Actor – Jeff Bridges. I really thought Clooney had another Oscar winning performance. However, the Academy has previously recognized him (albeit with a supporting actor win) and in this role many think he is simply playing “himself.” Bridges wins for a career of quality work. Plus, who doesn’t want to hear an acceptance speech from “The Dude” himself?
Best Actress – Who cares? This category is literally BORE-ING this year. Since I haven’t seen the Blind Side, I can’t say Bullock deserves to win (unfortunately, after seeing The Proposal last week it’s hard to root for her). Streep channels Julia masterfully, but if push comes to shove, nobody beats Gabourey Sidibe's gut-wrenching performance.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Christoph Waltz. Best performance of the year, in any category. In fact, this is one of the greatest performances of the past decade. This race was over when he won at Cannes after the film premiered.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Mo’Nique. Her performance ranks alongside Hopkin’s Hannibal Lecter and Charlize Theron’s Aileen (Monster) as one of the most villanous of the modern era. To think she’s a comedian, wait … she’s a comedian?!?! Her performance is so terrifying you hate her, but at the film’s conclusion, you feel sorry for her to too, which is a testament to her acting ability. Great work.
Best Screenplay – Inglourious Basterds. Who knew World War II was so hip and so cool? Only Tarantino could write such a unique tale about the war to ends all wars. His best script since Pulp Fiction. He deserves a bookend Oscar. (Can you say Bing-O?)
Best Adapted Screenplay – Up in the Air. Any other year this film would rack up several awards. Due to several incredibly good films (and one load of 3D crap), this may be the only statue this great film wins.
Best Film Editing – The Hurt Locker. A strong category. Basterds is as technically sound as anything in recent memory. Yet, The Hurt Locker is superior. So much of what makes this film great is the suspense, which is largely in part due to the editing of Bob Murawski and Chris Innis.
Best Cinematography – The Hurt Locker. While Avatar may boast a 3D wonderland, and may possibly win due to its groundbreaking visuals, The Hurt Locker is most deserving of this award. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Basterds sneak away with this, however.
Best Director – Kathryn Bigelow. Bigelow deserves this, and should make Oscar history as the first female to win a best director award. Many believe this is a competition between her and her ex-husband (Cameron). While Avatar is groundrbreaking on a visual level, if anyone deserves to steal this Oscar away from Bigelow, it’s Tarantino.
Best Film – The Hurt Locker. This isn’t a shocker if you’ve read this entire blog entry (which I doubt any of you have, unless you are married to me … thanks B!). If my memory is correct (and no, I am not THAT old), is this wins it will be the lowest grossing film to take home the Oscar. It’s a shame that so many have neglected to see this film (thank goodness for Netflix!), and maybe if it wins it will gain a greater audience. This film is the epitome of quality filmamaking.
Top Ten films of 2009
So, here is my list of the top ten of the year. No, you won’t agree, but isn’t that the fun? I will preface this list with the fact I have not seen the following films, which I hope to see on DVD : An Education, A Single Man, The Blind Side, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Star Trek, Paranormal Activity, Invictus, and The Messenger. So let the fun (and arguments!) begin... (sorry "B", Precious didn't make the cut ... just can't see myself rewatching this film, as great as it was, and with a top ten list, I should want to rewatch each film).
10. Sugar – This film was an early release last spring, after traveling around the independent film festival circuit the previous year. It received some critical praise, but the majority of moviegoers missed out on what is a great film. I reviewed the film extensively under a previous entry (Best Sports Film of the Decade). If you like baseball, underdogs, subtitles, and a protagonist with a big heart, catch this film this spring as baseball season swings into action.
9. (500) Days of Summer – Just recently we "RedBoxed" The Proposal. That was a mistake. The only original romantic comedy worth seeing this past year was 500 Days. Great storytelling (very Pulp Fictionesque), solid lead performances, and a great script. To top it off, the best use of a Hall and Oats song EVER. If you’ve ever been in love with that someone, who eventually doesn’t reciprocate, this film’s for you.
8. The Informant! – I am still bewildered to why Matt Damon received an acting nod for Invictus and not for this film. Tragic. Damon turns in a hysterically hypnotic turn as a bumbling, yet sometimes believable, buffoon who plans to "out" his company. Think The Insider with a comic, clueless pudgy Damon as opposed to a white haired, serious, scared Russell Crowe. Both actors deserve praise for delivering some of their best, most memorable work. Additional shout-outs to director Soderbergh and the rarely used Scot Bakula.
7. District 9 – This film, unlike Cameron’s majestic debacle that is Avatar, lived up to the hype. This sci-fi “mocumentary” follows Wilkus, a government agent leading a special military task force. Their objective – to relocate over one million “prawns” from District 9 in Johannesburg to a new location over 200 miles away. When Wilkus is infected with an alien virus, however, he becomes an unlikely ally for the prawns. This film is both entertaining, and a social commentary on race and apartheid. It is, without question, the best science fiction film of the year.
6. A Serious Man – The Coens strike again, this time writing and directing a film that feels semi-autobiographical. This black comedy doesn’t surpass Fargo, but fans of the aforementioned film will be more than pleased. The film follows Larry Gopnick, a professor at a local Midwestern college, who slowly watches his life unravel. His story resembles that of a modern day Job, although it is much more comical. I also feel this film does an excellent job of educating those who are unaccustomed to Judaism (such as myself). If you enjoy the Coens, or dark comedies, check this out. It is currently available on DVD. (PS – Possibly my favorite movie poster of the year.)
5. Where the Wild Things Are – I have previously reviewed this film on my blog, naming it the Best film Adapted from a Children’s Story, so if you want to read an extended review, check out my blog entry. This film, although not appropriate for young kids, is what a true children’s movie should be … a mixture of fantasy and realism. It blends the imagination of a young boy with the demons he faces growing up in a single parent home. A modern day Wizard of Oz ...maybe. Required viewing …definitely.
4. Up – This film also has been reviewed in detail. I named it the Best Animated Film of the Decade. Pixar delivers another gem, telling the story of a curmudgeon who finds happiness and contentment after losing his wife. This film has the sweetest montage I have ever seen (two people never seemed more in love). In addition, Dug (SQUIRREL!) is possibly the greatest canine actor of all time.
3. Up in the Air - I can’t believe I am ranking this film here. Two months ago I would probably have picked it as the best of the year. So what happened you ask? I didn’t feel it was fair to have a three way tie for the best film of the year … which in reality, is what I would like to do. I loved everything about this film, the lead performances (if Clooney wasn’t playing Clooney so well, he’d win another Oscar), the writing, the direction … there isn’t a false note. I believe this film is a modern classic, and will hold up over time as the one film that defines the latter half of the decade.
2. Inglourius Basterds – Tarantino, you did it. You made a film that is almost as good as Pulp Fiction. I cannot wait to watch this film again. At first, I wasn’t sure what to think, but as the film progressed I became a bigger fan. The first chapter alone is worth viewing, it may be Tarantino’s best work ever (yes, EVER). I can’t say what hasn’t been said about Christoph Waltz’s performance. With the possible exception of Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction, it is the best role (written and cast) in any Quentin film.
1. The Hurt Locker – There is no reason, I repeat no reason, this film shouldn’t win the Oscar for both Best Picture and Best Director (Crapatar … you only wish you had the heart and soul of this film). Kathryn Bigelow’s film sticks to your gut more than any film in recent memory, and for that reason I rank it as the best of the year, and possibly the best of the decade. After viewing the film (at home, unfortunately I missed it on the big screen) my first thought was, “Whew, that’s rough.” But the more I digested the film, the more I realized it wasn’t rough, it was simply upsetting because it was realistic. This film is the “Platoon” of the Iraq War, and in my opinion, it’s also the better film. Here’s hoping the Academy will feel the same way.
10. Sugar – This film was an early release last spring, after traveling around the independent film festival circuit the previous year. It received some critical praise, but the majority of moviegoers missed out on what is a great film. I reviewed the film extensively under a previous entry (Best Sports Film of the Decade). If you like baseball, underdogs, subtitles, and a protagonist with a big heart, catch this film this spring as baseball season swings into action.
9. (500) Days of Summer – Just recently we "RedBoxed" The Proposal. That was a mistake. The only original romantic comedy worth seeing this past year was 500 Days. Great storytelling (very Pulp Fictionesque), solid lead performances, and a great script. To top it off, the best use of a Hall and Oats song EVER. If you’ve ever been in love with that someone, who eventually doesn’t reciprocate, this film’s for you.
8. The Informant! – I am still bewildered to why Matt Damon received an acting nod for Invictus and not for this film. Tragic. Damon turns in a hysterically hypnotic turn as a bumbling, yet sometimes believable, buffoon who plans to "out" his company. Think The Insider with a comic, clueless pudgy Damon as opposed to a white haired, serious, scared Russell Crowe. Both actors deserve praise for delivering some of their best, most memorable work. Additional shout-outs to director Soderbergh and the rarely used Scot Bakula.
7. District 9 – This film, unlike Cameron’s majestic debacle that is Avatar, lived up to the hype. This sci-fi “mocumentary” follows Wilkus, a government agent leading a special military task force. Their objective – to relocate over one million “prawns” from District 9 in Johannesburg to a new location over 200 miles away. When Wilkus is infected with an alien virus, however, he becomes an unlikely ally for the prawns. This film is both entertaining, and a social commentary on race and apartheid. It is, without question, the best science fiction film of the year.
6. A Serious Man – The Coens strike again, this time writing and directing a film that feels semi-autobiographical. This black comedy doesn’t surpass Fargo, but fans of the aforementioned film will be more than pleased. The film follows Larry Gopnick, a professor at a local Midwestern college, who slowly watches his life unravel. His story resembles that of a modern day Job, although it is much more comical. I also feel this film does an excellent job of educating those who are unaccustomed to Judaism (such as myself). If you enjoy the Coens, or dark comedies, check this out. It is currently available on DVD. (PS – Possibly my favorite movie poster of the year.)
5. Where the Wild Things Are – I have previously reviewed this film on my blog, naming it the Best film Adapted from a Children’s Story, so if you want to read an extended review, check out my blog entry. This film, although not appropriate for young kids, is what a true children’s movie should be … a mixture of fantasy and realism. It blends the imagination of a young boy with the demons he faces growing up in a single parent home. A modern day Wizard of Oz ...maybe. Required viewing …definitely.
4. Up – This film also has been reviewed in detail. I named it the Best Animated Film of the Decade. Pixar delivers another gem, telling the story of a curmudgeon who finds happiness and contentment after losing his wife. This film has the sweetest montage I have ever seen (two people never seemed more in love). In addition, Dug (SQUIRREL!) is possibly the greatest canine actor of all time.
3. Up in the Air - I can’t believe I am ranking this film here. Two months ago I would probably have picked it as the best of the year. So what happened you ask? I didn’t feel it was fair to have a three way tie for the best film of the year … which in reality, is what I would like to do. I loved everything about this film, the lead performances (if Clooney wasn’t playing Clooney so well, he’d win another Oscar), the writing, the direction … there isn’t a false note. I believe this film is a modern classic, and will hold up over time as the one film that defines the latter half of the decade.
2. Inglourius Basterds – Tarantino, you did it. You made a film that is almost as good as Pulp Fiction. I cannot wait to watch this film again. At first, I wasn’t sure what to think, but as the film progressed I became a bigger fan. The first chapter alone is worth viewing, it may be Tarantino’s best work ever (yes, EVER). I can’t say what hasn’t been said about Christoph Waltz’s performance. With the possible exception of Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction, it is the best role (written and cast) in any Quentin film.
1. The Hurt Locker – There is no reason, I repeat no reason, this film shouldn’t win the Oscar for both Best Picture and Best Director (Crapatar … you only wish you had the heart and soul of this film). Kathryn Bigelow’s film sticks to your gut more than any film in recent memory, and for that reason I rank it as the best of the year, and possibly the best of the decade. After viewing the film (at home, unfortunately I missed it on the big screen) my first thought was, “Whew, that’s rough.” But the more I digested the film, the more I realized it wasn’t rough, it was simply upsetting because it was realistic. This film is the “Platoon” of the Iraq War, and in my opinion, it’s also the better film. Here’s hoping the Academy will feel the same way.
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