If there was ever the story of someone monumental that people want to see on the big screen, it would have to be an audacious project. A film about the Beatles would fit that description but one film covering the lives of John, Paul, George, and Ringo would impossibly considering that the story of the Beatles do not play into the conventions of what is expected in a bio-pic. News about a bio-pic on the Beatles have been told over many years but in February of last year. British director Sam Mendes announced plans to direct and produce not one but four films about the Beatles with each film told from the perspective of one of the Beatles. It is an idea that could work in which audiences can see period of the Beatles be shown by one of them and another period from another Beatle.
This is the right way to go and with the announcement of the four actors to play the Beatles in Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. The potential for something astronomical is happening yet this is only the beginning as the film is set for an April 2028 release. Still, there is a long way to go in not just writing the script on all four films but also the approach into the narrative of the Beatles on where to start and where to end. There is also no announcement about who else will be in the film. There are a lot of things audiences want to see in these films about the Beatles as I have produced a list of 10 things I want to see in these four films about the Beatles.
1. Balanced Perspectives of the Period from the Beatles
If one were to make a film about the Beatles told from the perspective of one member of the Beatles. Each film must share a similar running time but also coverage of how they saw things from a certain period of the band’s career. The idea of how Ringo saw things when he was officially part of the band, and the early days of Beatlemania would have him deal with sudden fame and such could be an example. In John’s story, it could be the third film in how he coped with the death of the band’s manager Brian Epstein, his failing marriage to Cynthia Powell, and how he met Yoko is another idea. There are many ways the story of the Beatles could be told as there is a period of 13 years from their formation to their dissolution that could split into four parts. The thing that needs to work is that each film must have a strong narrative to see how all four of these men saw things.
2. Not Playing into Traditional and Cliched Bio-Pic Narratives
Music bio-pics have become big hits in the box office although not everyone is happy about it as some claim that these films are Wikipedia pages on films that tells a basic element of the story but not the whole story. With the Beatles, a traditional narrative does not work because there is so much ground to cover not just the music, they were making but also the cultural impact they had on the world. Jake Kasdan’s 2007 spoof film Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story made fun of those conventional narrative takes to the point that recent films such as Bohemian Rhapsody on Queen, Baz Luhrmann’s film about Elvis Presley, and the recent film on Bob Marley in Bob Marley: One Love play too heavily in these traditional narratives where an artist rises, falls, alienates certain people, make a comeback, and then die.
With the Beatles, it does not work in that way as films such as Todd Haynes’ anti bio-pic on Bob Dylan in I’m Not There and Oren Moverman’s film on Brian Wilson in Love & Mercy strayed from those narratives. With the Beatles, they do not fit into those conventions and condensing certain things about parts of the band’s story would be upsetting to fans of the Beatles. Since it is also likely to not be a conventional bio-pic, this would allow Mendes and his crew to present the film in different ways in terms of its photography and film formats.
3. The Presentation of the Music
Music rights have been a particular issue in why certain films about artists could not be made though some have attempted to make films without the music of that artist as the 2020 film Stardust about David Bowie’s first trip to America in 1971 was poorly-received as one of its faults was that the filmmakers were refused permission to use his music by Bowie’s estate including Bowie’s son Duncan Jones. Mendes is fortunate that he is working with Apple Corp Ltd. CEO Jeff Jones in the film as he will get to use the music of the Beatles. Yet, Mendes does need to avoid making the four films into a musical jukebox as every fan knows the hits but there are also album tracks and deep cuts that the fans would want to hear.
Another thing that Mendes wants to avoid is what Baz Luhrmann did with his Elvis movie had other artists interpret the Beatles as the result of what Luhrmann did polarized audiences as some of those songs were used with modern equipment including Autotune that must have angered fans of Presley. While it is likely that Giles Martin would be involved in the music as he had been remastering and remixing the original recordings with the MAL software. The music of the Beatles must be presented with great respect in a way that a new generation can be introduced to this great music.
4. A Strong Supporting Cast in the Roles of the Fifth Beatles
A film about the Beatles would need to have people to play certain parts as the story of the Beatles is incomplete without the involvement of those who played major roles in their ascent. Notably the role of the Fifth Beatle as there are several individuals who are all important in what they did for the band. Obviously, the films must include Beatles manager Brian Epstein and Beatles producer George Martin as they were instrumental into their ascent in different parts of the Beatles’ inner circle. Then there are people like longtime assistants in Neil Aspinall and Mal Evans, engineers Norman Smith and Geoff Emerick, publicist Derek Taylor, fan club president Freda Kelly, publisher Dick James, and Billy Preston. It is one thing to play one of the Beatles but for anyone to play these individuals would be a major coup as there is a dream ensemble that can be made for this. My choice for George Martin would be Benedict Cumberbatch and Maisie Williams as Freda Kelly.
5. Humor
If there is anything that the Beatles are known for throughout their career, it is the fact that they never took themselves seriously. They were always providing a sense of fun and joy in what they did. Part of the problem with some bio-pics is that there is not enough humor and everything is taken seriously. The Beatles are known for not taking themselves seriously through the films they made as well as the press conference they did when they first arrived in America. The Beatles story must have moments that can get audiences to laugh along with some jokes every now and then. Even in some of the stories about some of the people they met where there could be a funny moment where the band met Bob Dylan who introduced them to marijuana. There also could be moments in the recording studio as it plays into the sense of fun as there were a lot of those funny moments in The Beatles: Get Back.
I do have one request for the film regarding humor in which there is a moment where Sgt. Pepper is about to release where someone in the band or in their inner circle say, “I hate to be the sod that has to release the record on the same day as this”. It then cuts to people at the record shop getting the album while a young man is there sitting on a chair trying to sell his own debut album. That young bloke is… David Bowie.
6. Maintaining a Sense of Authenticity into the Small Details
One thing about bio-pics that annoy the fuck out of me is inaccuracy. Watching some of these bio-pics about certain artist has me seeing things where I am like “wait a minute, that did not happen.” Other things include the instruments the musicians play where there was a moment in Bohemian Rhapsody where the band is playing the song Another One Bites the Dust and Brian May is playing a Gibson Les Paul and I was like… “I do not remember him playing a Gibson Les Paul” and anyone who knew about Queen knew that May played a few guitar models including his Red Special but never a Gibson Les Paul. It is among these things that these four films must understand, which is why there must be a consultant for these things. Otherwise, you would have fans nitpick over every little detail over what instrument the band played and what model. People do take this shit seriously as it is something these four films must avoid as Mendes is likely to be aware of what he needs to do and what not to do.
Then there is the fact that these films will be set in the 1960s as it is not just in the models of the guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards that was used but also the recording equipment in those times. There are also some famous locations that the Beatles were famous for such as the Cavern Club which is still around although it is unlikely that they could shoot scenes in that film. There are a lot of things that Mendes and his crew need to do to recreate that sense of
7. A Fair and Balanced Portrayal of Yoko Ono and the Spouses/Girlfriends of the Beatles
Once considered to be the villain of the Beatles story in an unfair way, Yoko Ono fortunately has gained apologies from fans over the years of her involvement in John Lennon’s life and being in the Beatles recording sessions because John wanted her there. Ono is a key figure of the story of the Beatles as someone that did play a sense of discord of how the band did things back then, but she was never this disruptive figure when it came to the band making music. Peter Jackson’s documentary The Beatles: Get Back destroyed the myth of Ono breaking up with the Beatles as the band’s break-up was more complicated than just someone’s girlfriend involved. Ono is likely to be a major character in the film the roles of the Pattie Boyd, Maureen Starkey, Linda McCartney, Cynthia Powell, and other women in the lives of the Beatles are likely to be minor, but they must be told with respect as a few of them were in the recording while Maureen Starkey should be known as the #1 fan of the Beatles. Thanks Mo!
8. Not Being Afraid to Show the Flaws of the Individual Members
Bio-pics often skirt around certain things about the individual they are exploring as they often delve into parody like Walk Hard in which Dewey Cox goes to rehab as he needs more blankets, less blankets, and more and less blankets. The Beatles themselves are flawed individuals as I am sure that Mendes has been able to talk to McCartney, Starr, Olivia Harrison, and John Lennon’s estate about the portrayal of themselves. Lennon was known for having an attitude while McCartney was often seen as bossy. While Walk Hard had a scene of Cox and his band meeting the Beatles who are portrayed in the most exaggerated and humorous ways.
That film succeeded in playing into Lennon and McCartney’s ego with Harrison wanting more songs on the album and Starr trying to get his input into the music. It could be told in a humorous way, but it should not skirt the fact that these men are human and had their bad moments. It would at least allow the audience to see these men as just four guys from Liverpool who made it big but also had a hard time with fame and their own responsibilities as men. Plus, they were not those clean-cut boys that were the object of affection for teenyboppers. These were four foul-mouthed assholes from Liverpool but that is why people love them.
9. No Stupid Stunt-Casting on Smaller Roles
Last year saw the release of the Brian Epstein bio-pic Midas Man starring Jacob Lloyd-Fortune as Epstein that also featured the much-reviled late night talk show host Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan. The film has not been seen widely by audiences while it has also received criticism from fans of the Beatles as the idea of Leno as Ed Sullivan is just poor stunt-casting. Since this film is going to be set in the 1960s where it would feature actors playing roles like Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, the Who, the Kinks, and many others, the Beatles met along the way. It would be annoying if there is a certain celebrity in playing a certain part though I do have an idea of having Tom Hanks play the role of Ed Sullivan is something I would not mind. Yet, it should be kept to a minimum as the idea of a popular celebrity in today’s world playing someone like Mick Jagger would be distracting.
10. PLAY IT FUCKING LOUD!
When it comes to the Beatles, the fact that these four films will be released simultaneously as part of a cinematic binge is a way to get people in the movie theaters and just lose themselves. Since the pandemic, it has been slow for people to find a reason to go to the cinema as there has not been a lot of excitement with streaming being the thing where people can watch a film and stay home. Yet, what Mendes is hoping to create is something different as there has not been a major cinematic event in years that can get people to go the movie theaters. More importantly, the fact that these four films will be about one of the greatest acts in popular music has to be more than just a cinematic event.
It must be grand in the way that Barbenheimer was in the summer of 2023 where audiences got to see 2 different films in Barbie and Oppenheimer. Yet, this feels a lot bigger as it must be seen on the biggest screen possible with the loudest sound available. This is not fucking rocket science! This is motherfucking rock n’ roll! A film in which the audience can sing-along to these old songs with people of all ages. From those who saw them back in the 1960s to the kids who were given 1 greatest hits album from the Beatles in 2000. This is a chance for audiences to experience something that few people have experienced as this might be the last thing that Paul and Ringo will offer to the world.
Every September 21st (with the exception of the 2020 pandemic that temporarily destroyed any sense of time) which is Bill Murray’s birthday, I watch what I consider to be the greatest film of all time in Lost in Translation as I have written a lot about the film including an essay and a list of 10 reasons why I think it’s the best film ever made. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, I was hoping to do a massive project devoted to the film that would uncover some of its mysteries and other things about the film. Unfortunately, an essay that I was writing that was meant to be an introduction to this project didn’t meet to my expectations. Plus, I was hoping to do a lot of things on a visual level but I have no clue on any of those things I don’t know how to create backgrounds for a blog or anything to save my life. I also was hoping to present some visual stills from the film but I feel like my DVD copy isn’t good enough even though I did get the Blu-Ray recently but I feel like it’s not enough.
There is still this feeling that I want to do to celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary just as Sofia Coppola has premiered her eighth feature film in Priscilla at this year’s Venice Film Festival to an excellent reception that won its star Cailee Spaeny the Volpi Cup for Best Actress. Of course the film can be seen in various streaming services though there are those who still prefer to have a physical copy of the film despite the fact that its Blu-Ray release from 2010 could do so much more. Even as there’s companies like Arrow and Kino that puts out amazing Blu-Ray releases with lots of extras and such for fans to get. Yet, I feel like Lost in Translation deserves more than that as its original DVD does have extras that are still worth watching. However, there’s more that a solid Blu-Ray release can do for that film and while Kino is set to release a 4K Blu-Ray release for the film sometime this year. It is probably best that a film like this should be given a release from the Criterion Collection.
The Criterion Collection has a library of amazing films (and a few duds) with its dedication to classic foreign films, American cinema of the past, silent films, cult movies, and anything else. While Arrow has done the same though it leans more towards some mainstream titles and notable cult classics. Criterion is the top place for home video releases as they do great work with not just the films they release but also in some of the extras and essays they put into their releases. Some which have been upgraded to 4K ultra-high definition format as one of those films that was released is Coppola’s 1999 feature film debut in The Virgin Suicides which came out in that format last year following a DVD/Blu-Ray release from Criterion four years earlier. Fans of Coppola probably would’ve expected the same for Lost in Translation yet nothing hasn’t been confirmed for this year.
Yet, let’s say there is a future Criterion release for the film that is to come out and what would fans of the film want. Well, here are ten things I want from a Criterion release for Lost in Translation:
1. A Newly Remastered 4K UHD version supervised by Sofia Coppola in Collaboration with cinematographer Lance Acord, film editor Sarah Flack, and sound designer Richard Beggs.
When the film was released in the U.S. on Region 1 DVD on February 3, 2004 at the time when the film was still in theaters after Oscar nominations were announced. It would be a film that was popular in rental and for purchase as the DVD was still sort of new since its emergence in the late 1990s. The DVD release was a popular release as it sold well and helped bring more money to the film as the DVD was a big thing at the time. Then in 2007 came the short-lived HD-DVD and three years on December 7, 2010 is the Blu-Ray release as home video technology would evolve and such with some filmmakers being involved with these releases to ensure that their films are given the best presentation for home video.
In June of this year, Kino announced a release for a new 4K release for an Ultra HD Blu-Ray release for the film set sometime late in 2023 yet there hasn’t been any word if this release has any involvement from Sofia Coppola. If it was to be released from the Criterion Collection, there would be a mention into the involvement on who supervised the new transfer as many films under these new 4K digital transfers often involved the filmmakers or those were associated with that filmmaker. Coppola has had involvement with Criterion for the DVD/Blu-Ray release of The Virgin Suicides when it was released in 2018 under the supervision of the film’s cinematographer Ed Lachman that was approved by Coppola herself as she also took part in some of the special features in its release including the most recent 4K UHD-Blu-Ray last year.
Now there are a lot of technical things that need to be involved in a 4K digital transfer for a film that was shot on 35mm as it wouldn’t just need to have Coppola’s involvement but also the involvement of cinematographer Lance Acord as well as film editor Sarah Flack who both played a key role in the film. There’s also the sound as longtime Coppola collaborator in sound designer Richard Beggs would also play a major role for the film’s sound as a Blu-Ray/UHD-Blu-Ray release would present the film in an uncompressed soundtrack that would do more for the film from an audio perspective. A casual consumer might not care for these things but for anyone that loves this film will want a lot to expect to recapture something close to what they might’ve seen when the film was released in theaters in the fall of 2003.
2. Retaining the Original Special Features from its 2004 DVD Release.
One of the key aspects of the film’s 2004 DVD release that made it so special were its special features as they’re something fans of the film wanted when it first came out. Among those features include a music video for the song City Girl by Kevin Shields that was directed by Coppola as well as a making-of documentary, a 10-minute conversation with Coppola and Bill Murray on the set of Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, five deleted scenes cut from the film, and the full version of Bob Harris’ appearance on Matthew’s Best Hit TV Show. The only special features that was added to the 2010 Blu-Ray was a trailer for Coppola’s 2010 film Somewhere and a promotion for the film where Coppola, cast, and crew members talk about the film (as it was an unnecessary extra).
With the exception of promotional stuff relating to Somewhere, many of the features of the original DVD release should be included as part of the release in a newly-remastered form as it will allow fans have something as they can watch these special features on their big TVs and such.
3. New Interviews with Sofia Coppola, Bill Murray, and Scarlett Johansson.
For years ever since the inception of DVDs and the extra material involved with the film, one of those extra features would be the audio commentary as it is a fun viewing experience to hear a filmmaker talk about the film with the cast or crew members. Yet, Sofia Coppola is among those that has no interest in doing audio commentaries as she prefers to do interviews and not reveal too much about her work. A new interview with her on the film and its legacy would be a nice addition to the many interviews she had done about the film while it would allow her to close the book on a key chapter in her life.
Then there’s film’s lead actors in Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson as getting the two to do new interviews would be a challenge. Notably as Murray is often elusive and doesn’t do a lot of interviews as well as the fact that he’s a target in the world of cancel culture due to his behaviors in the past which is just fucking stupid. Murray’s involvement would likely happen if he’s asked by Coppola as the two have collaborated on two other projects directed by Coppola. Then there’s Johansson who is currently one of the biggest film stars as of 2023 as the film was a major career breakthrough for her. An interview with is iffy due to her schedule and such though she is willing to discuss the film and her role while questions about why she and Coppola hadn’t collaborated since might be a question she and Coppola won’t answer.
4. A Perspective from the Japanese and Asian on the Film and its Polarizing Response.
Since the film was set in Tokyo and areas in Japan, the film had gained criticism from Asian audiences and film critics over the way people are depicted in Japan. While Coppola has maintained that her intentions wasn’t to insult the Japanese or Asians in general. A documentary about the response in Japan and why the film has garnered mixed reactions in the country is something that is needed where a balanced perspective of where Asians are coming from on their critique on the film but also a perspective on those who think the film isn’t trying to be insulting to the Japanese. It would be something that modern audiences will need without deviating into this realm of cancel culture which has unfortunately done a lot of damage in making people accept the ideas of what is entertainment and such.
5. New Interviews with Music Supervisor Brian Reitzell and Score Composer Kevin Shields on the Film’s Music.
The film’s music soundtrack was a key factor to the film’s success yet the film did the unthinkable in obtaining the services of My Bloody Valentine’s Kevin Shields in creating new and original music since the release of the band’s 1991 landmark album Loveless. With Shields being more available in recent years to do interviews, him having to talk about the soundtrack and what took him so long to create new music. Brian Reitzell should also be interviewed not just cultivating the soundtrack but also playing a key role in the music with Roger Joseph Manning as they also go into depth about the film’s soundtrack including the karaoke scene in the film.
6. New Art Work for the Blu-Ray release.
Criterion isn’t just regarded into the work they put into the Blu-Rays as far as extra features and the overall presentation but it is also in the packaging of these Blu-Rays. Criterion is lauded for their art work in not just the front and back covers but also in the booklets as they do a lot in creating packaging that is suitable for the film. Fortunately, there’s fans that have created ideas of what a Criterion packaging for the film should look like instead of just a bland recreation of the film’s poster as its DVD/Blu-Ray cover. It should look like the film itself as well as maintain a color scheme that is faithful to the film.
7. Anatomy of a Scene on the Commercial Shoot & the Mysterious Dialogue in the Film’s Finale.
The film is notable for 2 key scenes in the film as it adds a lot of intrigue for the film. The first is the commercial shoot where a director is talking to Bob Harris in Japanese as to American/Western audiences. They have very little clue in what this man is saying as the translator is telling Harris “with intensity” though Harris is aware that he’s saying a lot more. It was a scene presented without subtitles as it should get some insight into why Coppola chooses to shoot that whole scene without subtitles as it would then be re-presented with the subtitles. Then there’s the film’s ending as it relates to mysterious words that Bob whispered to Charlotte before he leaves to return to the U.S. as it is one of the great mysterious events in the film. Some insight from Coppola, Murray, and Johansson could divulge into what was said but it’s probably best if it remains a mystery.
8. A Documentary on the Film’s Famous Locations back in 2002.
Tokyo is a major character in the film as the many locations that Coppola picked out in the film are unique including the Hyatt Hilton Hotel that the characters were staying in. Tokyo is a city with some notable landmarks including the Shibuya walkway in the middle of the city as a documentary on some of these locations should be noted including the restaurants Bob and Charlotte went to as well as the key location in Kyoto where Charlotte made a visit there. It’s something that hardcore fans of the film should want if they ever decide to travel to Tokyo and Kyoto in the hope of seeing the places of their favorite film.
9. A Documentary on the Film’s Promotional Trip from Telluride to the Oscars.
The film’s theatrical journey from its premiere at Telluride in late August of 2003 that was followed by its screening at the Venice Film Festival that year where the film won two awards for Coppola and Johansson. It would be a documentary that should consist largely of archival footage and interviews from that time and the buzz it got into the Oscars.
10. Essays on the film from various film scholars (myself for consideration) and filmmakers.
One of the great things about Criterion are the booklets as they often have essays that are fascinating to read along with interviews and such from other publications. It is a film that has gained a lot of acclaim and love from a lot of people including filmmakers and film scholars. It’s not just film scholars and critics that have something but also various film bloggers including myself as I have written a lot about the film. I would also include an excerpt from Hannah Strong’s book on Sofia Coppola that was released last year as she had some great things to say about the film.
It’s been 20 years since the film has come out and it’s high time for a proper UHD 4K Blu-Ray release from Criterion. Hopefully, it would set the way for more films from Sofia Coppola to be released from Criterion as it is a great home video label. Until then…
On April 30, 2008 just three days before its American release, a film about a playboy billionaire weapons manufacturer who later became a superhero by creating his own suit in order to stop his weapons be used for harm was unveiled to the world. Budgeted at $140 million and with a lot of skepticism into the idea that a gifted but troubled film star like Robert Downey Jr. would play the role of Tony Stark/Iron Man. The film would end up being the start of something much bigger than anyone would ever realize. Ten years later with billions and billions of dollars accumulated and counting with 17 films released and more to come with two films set to come out in 2018. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has re-written the rules of what a franchise could be as well as how to bring characters from different stories to come together and be heroes.
While it can be stated that films about superheroes aren’t for everyone and in an age where there’s so many big movies about superheroes to the point that people can be burned out. There is no question that Marvel Studios has created something that is special in not just making films about superheroes but giving audiences heroes whether they’re humans, aliens, gods from other universes, or beings made by man with a conscious that they can connect with. It’s easy to say that the films that Marvel has made are escapist, popcorn entertainment with big special effects and bombastic action sequences. Yet, they’re so much more than that as many of these films get their ideas from not just the original source materials in comic books but also draw ideas from the cinema of the past. So why has the Marvel Cinematic Universe have become a big deal and matter to the world of cinema? Here are 10 reasons why:
1. Heroic Characters with Human Struggles
Part of what make superhero films work is giving audiences heroes to root for in saving the world as Marvel had succeed that in the early 2000s with the first X-Men and Spider-Man films. There is something about a band of mutants and a teenage kid with superpowers that do connect with audiences as they’re all flawed and struggle with themselves. This is something the MCU has followed as the character of Tony Stark/Iron Man starts off as a douchebag who creates and sells weapons, drinks a lot, have too much fun, and sleeps around with women. Yet, when he’s attacked by terrorists and see his creation be used to kill innocent people. He would fight back as well as use his gift in inventing things including an arc reactor to protect his heart from the shrapnel that is near it as he would have a change of heart and spend much of his character arc through three solo films as well as other films in the MCU trying to bring world peace and ensure the world’s safety despite some bumps.
It’s also in the character arcs that is important to the MCU as Thor is this Norse God who wields a mighty hammer as his journey has him being banished to Earth in an act of humility to then realize what he needs to do in being king as he would later cope with loss and questioning his worth. Steve Rogers/Captain America also goes through an arc of his own from an idealistic scrawny kid from Brooklyn who is given a serum to be taller and stronger in order to help the Americans in World War II to dealing with the complications of the modern world as he struggles with his ideas only to see that not everything is black and white. Others such as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Bruce Banner/the Incredible Hulk, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Clint Barton/Hawkeye, Doctor Steven Strange, Scott Lang/Ant-Man, and T’Challa/Black Panther all display characteristics that make audience relate to them as human (even though some are aliens) who know what they have to do to make the universe a safer place.
2. Unconventional Villains with Strong Motivations
Every superhero in any story needs a villain to fight against. That is often the scenario in every movie about a superhero needs though the MCU has struggled with creating compelling villains. Yet, recent films in the MCU have provided audiences with antagonists that don’t exactly play by ideas that seem very typical of what to expect from villains. While the character of Loki might be considered a villain in his role in trying to rule Earth in The Avengers, he’s really more an anti-hero as someone that is just trying to prove to his adopted father Odin that he can be king and step away from Thor’s shadow. Even as he would eventually help Thor in becoming king while having to face the fact that he is his own worst enemy for his love of mischief. Villains like Red Skull, Malekith, Ultron, and Kaecilius play into the typical tropes of characters that want to rule the world and have a thirst for power yet someone like Hela from Thor: Ragnarok isn’t just about wanting to conquer the world but also someone that has a legit grudge towards her father and brother with the former putting her in exile and the latter for just being in the way of her claim to Asgard’s throne.
The MCU admittedly has suffered from villains that don’t live up to expectations like Malekith, Kaecilius, Emil Blonsky/Abomination, and Aldrich Killian but recent films in the MCU have managed to find way to create antagonists that are more compelling like Hela and Ego from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 who have ambitions but also want something more. The character of Helmut Zemo from Captain America: Civil War would do something other villains hadn’t done which was to hurt the Avengers through secrecy all for the act of vengeance while Adrian Toomes/the Vulture in Spider-Man: Homecoming is just selling illegal weapons just to provide for his family. Then there’s Erik “Killmonger” Stevens from Black Panther who has a legitimate claim to the throne of Wakanda as he is someone that doesn’t play by the typical tropes of the villain. Instead, he is someone that is willing to challenge a lot of ideas his reasons into wanting become Wakanda’s king is a reaction to African-Americans’ own oppression as well as the dark history of colonization in Africa. So far, Killmonger is the MCU’s best villain though the upcoming arrival of Thanos for the next two Avengers films might top Killmonger.
3. Kevin Feige and Stan Lee
Anyone who has paid attention to cinema’s history is aware that there’s been film franchises as the longest-running franchise so far has been the James Bond film series. There’s a reason Bond has been around for more than fifty years and remaining strong as it goes to the people behind the scenes as it started off with Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman from Dr. No to The Man with the Golden Gun and then Broccoli by himself afterwards before handing the reins of the franchise to his daughter Barbara and stepson Michael G. Wilson who have ensure the franchise’s longevity since Broccoli’s death in 1996. It shows the importance of the role of the film producer as the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been overseen by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.
Since working as an associate producer for the 1998 film Blade and working under the tutelage of Richard Donner and others involved with the films from Marvel Studios. Feige’s role under the MCU isn’t just being the producer but to plan everything and make sure the films are released accordingly and planning for the future. Like Bond and its author in Ian Fleming, the MCU also rely on the comic books of Marvel as their resource while they’re also fortunate to have a good luck charm in Stan Lee. Lee’s role in the comics as the co-creator of the many comic characters has been a source of fun for the film. Though his role in Marvel has dwindled as more of a celebrated figurehead, he does remain a source of inspiration while his cameos in the many films of Marvel as well as the MCU have been a treat to watch.
4. Exposing Audiences to New Actors and New Heroes
For anyone that don’t read comics or are just casual fans surely have an idea who Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor, the Incredible Hulk, and Iron Man are before the MCU emerged. A decade later, not only are audiences given the chance to know more superheroes including the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy but also others who are strong supporting players who actually matter. Characters such as Sam Wilson/Falcon, Lt. Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes/War Machine, Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, and the artificial intelligence program J.A.R.V.I.S. who later became Vision have managed to stand out and make an impact on their own in aiding the bigger stars like Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Captain America, Black Widow, and Hawkeye. The MCU would carefully prepare those characters that include Pierto Maximoff/Quicksilver into the foray as well as create solo films for Ant-Man and Doctor Strange as a way to introduce these two characters. Yet, the most successful introduction the MCU has done is with the Guardians of the Galaxy as this group of misfits who come together to save the galaxy as it include a half-human with a love for 70s/80s music, an alien assassin, an alien warrior, a genetically-engineer raccoon, and a tree-like humanoid named Groot as it would later expand the assassin’s half-cyborg sister, an alien empath, and a ravager who is Quill’s father-figure.
These heroes would come to life and into the popular consciousness if it wasn’t for the casting directors in finding the right people. Before he would play Thor, Chris Hemsworth was just a TV star in Australia and played Captain Kirk’s father in the 2009 film version of Star Trek by J.J. Abrams while Tom Hiddleston was also doing TV and theater in Britain before playing Loki. Their roles in the MCU would make them big stars while Dave Batista was a popular pro wrestler in the WWE in the 2000s and had been in a few movies before being cast as Drax the Destroyer in the same year he would make an uninspired and uneventful return to the WWE due to bad booking. This inspired casting has also brought in a wide variety of people to be in the MCU whether it’s emerging indie film actors like Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Brie Larson, and Lupita Nyong’o to veterans like Michael Douglas, Forest Whitaker, Michael Keaton, Angela Bassett, and Samuel L. Jackson playing key parts along with established actors like Sylvester Stallone, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, and Cate Blanchett. Without the right people, these films wouldn’t matter.
5. Creating a World/Universe that is Diverse and with a Sense of Equality
The films of the MCU wouldn’t come to life without the filmmakers who are hired to make those films happen. While not everything worked in their favor as attempts to get Patty Jenkins to helm Thor: The Dark World and Edgar Wright for Ant-Man were unsuccessful. They have managed to get reliable studio filmmakers such as Joe Johnston, Peyton Reed, and Shane Black to create strong entries for the MCU in the first two phases of the series as well as Jon Faverau who would kick things off for the first two films about Iron Man. Then there’s Joss Whedon whose work in TV as well as having made a film of his own in Serenity before the MCU as he would helm the two films on the Avengers as well as help chart the course for the first two phases. It’s in that 2nd phase where Kevin Feige’s work in finding new talent would come into play as the MVPs of the MCU in terms of filmmaking have been Joe and Anthony Russos in not just helming two films in Captain America’s arc trilogy but will also be helming the next two films on the Avengers as they both brought their own spin on the story based on their work in comedies.
Then there’s filmmakers who aren’t part of the studio system such as James Gunn, Jon Watts, Taika Waititi, and Ryan Coogler whose recent entries into the MCU would prove to be beneficial. Gunn’s work as a writer/producer for Troma Entertainment in the late 90s as well as creating offbeat film projects made him the ideal choice to helm Guardians of the Galaxy while Jon Watts came from an independent film background that made him the unlikely person to direct Spider-Man: Homecoming. Then there’s Taika Waititi whose offbeat work in happy-sad comedies would make Thor: Ragnarok not just a standout film in the MCU but also make something allowed audiences to be engaged with Thor’s encounter with tragedy as well as loosen him up. Finally, there’s Ryan Coogler who had only made two films prior to Black Panther but would provide something themes of political and social commentary into the film as it would stand out from other films in the MCU. With the duo of Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck helming Captain Marvel, it is clear that the MCU has become a place where filmmakers with original ideas can bring something to the table.
7. Thinking Outside of the Box and Infuse Other Genres into Superhero Films
The idea of a superhero film often have this traditional narrative of a hero overcoming adversity and challenges in the hopes of making the world safe. That’s a story that is told very often as the MCU knows that it’s a formula that’s been done yet it doesn’t mean that they can get ideas from other films and other genres. The first film about Captain America was essentially inspired by World War II films in terms of its look and setting as the story was set during those times. The next two films under the helm of the Russo Brothers would draw its inspiration from 1970s political thrillers while Spider-Man: Homecoming was obviously inspired by the films of John Hughes with a visual reference to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off with a clip of that film being shown. Of course, there would be criticism over the fact that filmmakers had to get ideas from other films to stand out. Yet, the revered independent filmmaker Jim Jarmusch says it best about getting ideas from other films based on this quote.
It’s not just the comics that the filmmakers have to get ideas from but also from other films as Thor: Ragnarok is partially a buddy-comedy where Thor has to go back to Asgard to save his people with the Hulk. The scenes of Thor and Hulk are in the tradition of the screwball buddy comedies which include those moments with Bruce Banner dealing with the fact that he’s been the Hulk for two years. Doctor Strange is largely inspired by 1960s psychedelia and martial arts films of the 1970s/1980s in its visual approach as well as in some of the training scenes involving the titular character. Ant-Man is partially a heist film with some offbeat character that include Scott Lang’s friend Luis whose monologues provide a sense of comedy as it’s a play on the heist genre. Then there’s Black Panther which is obviously inspired by ideas of Afro-futurism and politically-based films to create something that is different where it does harken to ideas of Blaxploitation cinema but also the cinema of Africa as it relates to the years of colonialism and exploitation the continent would suffer through for much of its time.
8. Reinventing the Concept of Shared Universe for Cinema
The idea of the shared universe in cinema sort of began in 1943 in Roy William Neil’s Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man in which two famed horror characters from Universal Studios meet for the first time. Though it would be the start of the monsters from the studio to meet and interact, they weren’t exactly great films. In 1954, Japan’s Toho Studios created the first Godzilla movie as it would lead to a franchise involving the titular character as well as the creation of more kaiju monsters that became a cinematic universe of its own. Attempts by Hollywood in creating shared universes with films like Alien vs. Predator and Freddy vs. Jason were presented with mixed results while independent filmmaker Kevin Smith created his own universe with his own creation that is set in a small town in New Jersey in the View Askewniverse. What Marvel Studios did upon creating Iron Man was to make audiences unaware of what they were doing while taking the time to develop films for other characters and introduce characters before finally unveiling something big that was to be The Avengers in 2012.
Rather than let audiences know right away of what they’re doing, the MCU’s method of making audiences aware of what is going where through post-credit sequences while subtly hint in what might happen next. Each character that Marvel is using and have the film rights to allows Kevin Feige and many others in the creative department to map things out as if it was a TV show for each episode. It allows a film to be developed carefully and be given the time to make sure things go right. It wasn’t until the third Iron Man film in 2013 where the shared universe concept was coming into play as audiences would be introduced to new characters without making people aware of what is to come through elements of subtlety. When it came to getting Spider-Man in the MCU after Sony Pictures’ attempt in creating a cinematic universe for Spider-Man and other characters related to the character with 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man and its ill-fated sequel in 2014. Marvel Studios would make a deal with Sony in getting Spider-Man in the MCU as it would be a successful partnership where Spider-Man would interact with other characters giving audiences the chance to see all of their heroes together in one film.
9. Its Importance in Popular and Social Culture.
The world of the comic film culture can be described in before and after as it relates to the release of The Avengers. Before The Avengers, comic book conventions and other types of fandom were on the verge of the mainstream by the 21st Century yet remained sort of exclusive to the hardcore fans of comics, wizard trading cards, and such as it would become bigger by 2006 where the San Diego Comic Con would reach more than 100,000 attendees. After The Avengers, the culture itself became the mainstream for better or worse as it became the place where filmmakers would make announcement for new projects or the launch of something big. It didn’t just become comic book readers, nerds, and outsiders that were dressing up like superheroes but it also became mainstream. There is a downside to it as the culture can get overwhelming as studios would try and create cinematic universes of their own without any real understanding of how to reach a wide audience. Marvel understands that creating a universe isn’t easy as the fact that The Avengers and its 2015 sequel in Age of Ultron were major financial successes as they strive to ensure that all of their films become successful.
Especially as they’re aware to not underestimate its audience and have them prepared for something new to come. The recent success of Black Panther is a key example as it’s clear that Marvel didn’t think the film as of 4/15/18 would become this massive as it grossed more than a billion dollars worldwide and has made it into the top 10 highest-grossing films of all-time. Yet, it’s not just the financial success that is monumental but also in its reach to a demographic in African-American audiences and African audiences where it’s not just celebrities, athletes, political figures, journalists, and others that are doing the Wakandan salute. It’s the fact that this demographic have been waiting for a film like this and it couldn’t come at an appropriate time of racial turmoil and uncertainty where even rich African-Americans offered to rent theaters so that people who couldn’t afford or have the chance to see the film can be able to and more.
10. Developing Ideas for the Future
Following the release of Avengers: Infinity War, there will be three more films to come to complete the third phase of the MCU with Ant-Man & the Wasp coming in the summer while 2019 will mark the introduction of Captain Marvel in her titular film and the fourth Avengers film. The post-phase three period will be tricky as sequels for Spider-Man: Homecoming and Guardians of the Galaxy are in development for its respective summer 2019 and 2020 releases. Along with developing sequels for Doctor Strange and Black Panther plus a possible solo film for Black Widow, there is so much that Marvel wants to do as they’re also aware that they can’t go overboard as audiences can get burned out over so many film franchises. Even as Disney recently purchased 21st Century Fox which could mean that characters of the X-Men series and the Fantastic Four could finally be part of the MCU. Then there’s that question of then what? There’s so much the MCU could do but this isn’t some studio that will immediately rush and make something happen as they know that things like that could hurt a film. The people who run Marvel Studios are fortunately a patient bunch who will go to the comics for guidance as well as bring in anyone who has an idea and make something special.
It’s a future that is very bright for Marvel as they’re also involved with an upcoming animated feature for Spider-Man later in 2018 that isn’t part of the MCU but it might open the door for more Marvel-based films to be presented in a different light. Even as they’ve managed to find success on TV with shows like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Jessica Jones, and the animated shows on Disney XD. Marvel has pretty much managed to find a formula for success with the MCU now becoming the new blueprint in not just creating a universe but also keep it fresh as long as there’s an audience that wants to see stories about heroes they can relate to. So to Marvel and the MCU, thank you for making films that matter to everyone including some of us snobs who love cinema.
Marvel Cinematic Universe: Infinity Saga: Phase One: Iron Man - The Incredible Hulk - Iron Man 2 - Thor - Captain America: The First Avenger - The Avengers Phase Two: Iron Man 3 - Thor: The Dark World - Captain America: The Winter Soldier - Guardians of the Galaxy - The Avengers: Age of Ultron - Ant-Man Phase Three: Captain America: Civil War - Doctor Strange - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - Spider-Man: Homecoming - Thor: Ragnarok - Black Panther - Avengers: Infinity War - Ant-Man & the Wasp - Captain Marvel - Avengers: Endgame - Spider-Man: Far from Home
For anyone who has read my blog for the past few years know that I am a massive fan of Jena Malone who is my favorite actress as I would often call her the Best in the World. Back in 2011 in honor of her 27th birthday, I made a list of her finest performances from that point on at the time. Since then, she’s getting more attention for her work in The Hunger Games series while is appearing in Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film Inherent Vice. Plus, there’s rumors that she could be appear in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film in a role that is undisclosed. Instead of making another list of her best performances, I decided to make a different list about why she is so fucking awesome. So in celebration of her 30th Birthday, here are 10 reasons why she’s the Best in the World:
1. One of the few child actresses who has gained legitimacy as an adult.
Transitioning from being an actor as a child into becoming an adult actor hasn’t been easy as some managed to rise to the occasion while others are forced to live off their past glory. Fortunately, Jena has been someone that has succeed but not through conventional means. Succeeding early on through films like Bastard Out of Carolina, Ellen Foster, and Stepmom in the late 90s, Jena took her time to transition herself as she would do such offbeat indies like Donnie Darko and The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys as variations of troubled teenage girls. By doing some indies and a few studio in the 2000s, she gained credibility which then lead to playing age-appropriate roles in films like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and an Internet short series known as WiGs where she played a mother with a gambling problem.
2. The ability to not be typecast and play all sorts of different characters.
Most actors tend to be stuck in playing characters that had made them successful to the point that succumb to parody. Though Jena is still young, she has managed to cultivate a wide range of performances that has won over audiences and given her a devoted following. While she had played variations of troubled young girls in her career, she has managed to do different things with those roles. Recent performances in films like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Messenger, and the TV miniseries on Hatfields & McCoys showcase that range. Especially in Hatfields & McCoys which shows she can have a very dark edge that will definitely make people uncomfortable.
3. She’s a natural born ass-kicker.
While Sucker Punch was a film that wasn’t well-received nor made any waves in the box office, Jena was one of the film’s bright spots as she managed to have some scene-stealing moments as she would play with guns and knives while kicking some serious ass. Yet, it is her role as Joanna Mason in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is where she shows her ferocity by carrying an axe and killing people with no qualms. Her performance as Mason wasn’t just her stealing the show but she is someone that even someone like Katniss Everdeen couldn’t even deal with.
4. She’s sexy and she fucking knows it…
She doesn’t have a model’s body nor does she convey the idea of sexiness from a conventional standpoint. However, the attitude that she displays and her willingness to quite playful and showcase aspects of her body is very damn sexy. The fact that she seems comfortable with her body and feels confident in wearing skimpy underwear while not being afraid to do nude scenes just makes her much cooler. After all, if you’ve got it. Flaunt it!
5. An absolute scene-stealer.
There’s aspects about playing supporting roles that allows actors to do things and often standout. Jena is among those that is very good at where she would have these small moments in film and leave an unforgettable impression. One notable scene that is a favorite of mine in Pride & Prejudice is a dinner scene where Jena’s Lydia character just married Mr. Wickham as she reveals to Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Bennett that Mr. Darcy was the one who discovered them and paid Wickham’s commission. Elizabeth wants to know more as Lydia makes a line that shuts Elizabeth up and takes a sip of her wine. That’s a moment I can watch forever and never get tired of it. She was like… “my wine bitch!”
6. Fashion… Turn to the left! Fashion… Turn to the Right! Fashion…
Jena definitely has a very unique yet offbeat taste in the clothes she wears. On the red carpet, she can look very glamorous as she proves to have some amazing taste. Off the set, she definitely has a style of her own that is casual yet cool. Some of these clothes she wears definitely plays to her sense of individuality while having something that everyone can enjoy and wear.
7. Her music is actually pretty damn good
There’s a sense of vanity whenever a film star tries to make it into music to the point that they make fools of themselves. Some manage to do it for fun and not care about people’s opinions. Jena is fortunately part of the latter as her recent project in the Shoe with collaborator Lem Jay Ignacio is very interesting. While it isn’t for everyone, the album It’s Okay I think is an excellent record with some amazing songs.
8. She’s a really amazing and imaginative photographer.
She can act and she can sing. She’s also got a great eye as a photographer as she makes some nifty collages and photos that are very interesting. Some of which has her using some photoshop and other techniques to create something that is abstract. Much of it is in display of her Instagram account yet she also has a Tumblr page that she uses as her work as a photography I think is just superb.
9. One of the more interesting people on social media.
I don’t have a Twitter nor a Facebook account but she is definitely the one person I follow where she would often have interesting things to say. Her posts are often funny as well as touching whether it’s about aspects of her personal life or stories that she creates. Plus, she proves to be a very cool person who does respond from time to time. Here is her Twitter page.
10. Her aspirations to become a filmmaker.
While she lists herself on her Facebook page as an actress, musician, and a photographer, she also lists herself as a director. While she’s only made a few short films so far. They definitely show promise as it’s more about visuals and doing something that is more in tune with what she wants to do personally. Though it’s been some years since she last directed a short, it is clear that she has an eye for celluloid.
Well, that is all for reasons why Jena is the Best in the World. Wait, she’s turning 30.… there’s 20 more reasons into why she is the Best in the World…
11. That ass! 12. Armbar! 13. She’s the Rock to Scarlett Johansson’s Stone Cold Steve Austin. 14. Her favorite film is Mouchette. 15. Armbar! 16. She can tap dance. 17. She went naked in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. 18. She’s funny on the talk shows. 19. Armbar! 20. She can play Jenga and turn it into… Jena! 21. She knows karate! 22. Her super-ability to make anyone laugh and cry! 23. Armbar! 24. She can change her hair into many colors and look cool. 25. She has yet to work with Scarlett Johansson in a lesbian-buddy film. 26. Oh you didn’t know! Yo’ ass better call somebody!!!! 27. Have a nice day! 28. She’s in a Paul Thomas Anderson film… let’s hope she gets to be a regular. 29. Don’t piss her off or she’ll cut your fucking head off! & 30. Armbar!!!!
Well, that is all. So as one final note. Here is a birthday song courtesy of the Ramones.
