Can't Wait: "Only God Forgives"

 

Of course I'm going to see a Ryan Gosling film.  And of course I'm going to see "Only God Forgives" because it was directed by Nicolas Winding Refn (he directed Gosling in "Drive").  Even in the trailer, the music may sound oddly familiar to "Drive" and that's because it's composed by the same dude, the uber talented Cliff Martinez.  

This film was shot in Bangkok with Kristin Scott Thomas starring at Gosling's mother out to seek revenge on her other son's death.  You might also recognize Vithaya Pansringarm as he played the minister in the blockbuster hit, "The Hangover 2".  And this is the debut performance for Thai pop star Yayaying.

The film is slated for a July 19th release in the States.  Yay!

The 5er: Actor Jeannie Bolet

Awww, am feeling inspired after watching the 2013 SAG Awards so I thought I'd honor this moment with my first "The 5er" interview for my blog.  And no one better to cut the ribbon for my new interview section is my very good mate, Jeannie Bolet.  She hails from Liverpool (yes, that Beatles place) and is not only a talented actor, writer but a dope-ass karaoke singer, chopstick swear! (inside joke, folks!)  So, check out why she became an actor, what she has to say when we dig deep into the issues of E.T. vs. Alf, and her personal homage to Marilyn Monroe.

What made you decide to want to become an actor?
I think I became an actor because I enjoy the feeling of what it's like to be other people and to live in shoes that I might not have otherwise. It sounds rather self-indulgent but to step into a character's life, without judgment, and to experience who they are in any given circumstance is a thrill and lesson in understanding human nature.
 
As a transplant from Liverpool, do you ever get homesick for bangers and mash?
I get extremely home sick for my family and friends, though I keep in touch using Skype which definitely lessens the pangs of homesickness. Having said that, I've really grown to love Los Angeles over the last two years and do consider it home...for now. I think Joseph Gordon-Levitt said it best when describing LA, "In LA you can make your own experience. There's so much space, you can make your own world." He was, of course, talking about Jeannie World...but seriously, as much as I miss home and the culture, humour, music scene, I can find similar here...well, almost.

As for bangers and mash, fish and chips, shepherds pie and Lancashire hotpot - yes, I miss them, but luckily I cook and can rustle up a pretty authentic B & M (caramelized red onion gravy optional). Incidentally, Gelson's sells the best bangers...if you're asking, and I definitely heard you asking...

Let's say you were offered both of these roles. Which one would you choose and why?  E.T. or Alf?
I won't lie...that's a tricky question, Lorna. I would have to say E.T. because Alf is so...how do you say... gobby! Or as a good friend of mine likes to put it - "is all fur coat and no knickers." To exhibit all of E.T's emotions and feelings with very little dialogue, for example: "Be good" or "phone home" and not forgetting "Ellioooot" is not an easy task and therefore, what I believe to be, the actor's choice. And whilst we're on the subject of E.T. I think that he would have been a great second option for the movie "Drive" had Ryan Gosling not been available. Again, a great example of an actor with little dialogue, and able to create enough tension and intrigue in a theatre that you could give yourself a hernia.

What's one thing we might not know about you?  Or one thing we do know about you?
One thing that people don't know about me? I was given an unconditional offer to study Fashion Journalism at Central Saint Martin's School of Fashion in London. I told them that I needed to take a year out but never returned. It would have been an amazing opportunity had my heart been in it, but you also can't regret things like that.

Most people know that I'm an avid rock climber...most people that I know, that is. It puts me in a very calm state. It's just me and the wall that demands my undivided attention so needless to say, I can't be thinking about silly things. It's great for helping me turn off the chatter from the outside world.

What or who are you currently obsessed with?
I am currently obsessed with my dog, Norma Jean. She's an 11 month old hound with a heart. A Papillon/Chihuahua mix with a small head, black beady eyes and a bark that doesn't sound too dissimilar to Betty Davis's laugh in "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane."

If you'll allow me a second obsession, I am in love with K and R Ceramics. Kat Hutter and Roger Lee, are an LA based artist and ceramicist pairing who make the most rustically beautiful ceramics on the planet. I drink out of my mug everyday, be it green tea or egg nog (yes, it's the holiday season EVERYDAY in my house). I call it the cup for all occasions!! I usually find their work at Platform in Highland Park or Mohawk General in Silverlake.

Go See: Drive

Sometimes I wonder why it takes me so long to go see a film and I must admit, "Drive" is one of those films that should take top priority in films to see this year. This film should be enjoyed on the big screen while you experience an amazing soundtrack. I directly went to itunes and downloaded this eerie and moody music, which was composed by the incredibly talented Cliff Martinez.

While you are immediately entranced by the incredibly talented Ryan Gosling, I really appreciated that the film was set in and shot in Los Angeles. I always enjoy knowing that I have been in certain places that they have filmed or are familiar with various local points of interest such as "(500) Days of Summer" and "Traffic". Yea, that's the nerd in me. I was very interested and surprised that I wasn't instantly familiar with who the director was, Nicolas Winding Refn. His shooting style didn't seem very American and well, after IMDB'ing him, I see that he's from Denmark. He directed "Valhalla Rising", "Pusher" and "Bronson". Looks he forged a strong connection with Ryan, as he is starring in one Nicolas's next films called "Only God Forgives" with Kristin Scott Thomas.

As we have been seeing lately, the talented Carey Mulligan continues to portray non-british characters, but she was perfect for this role. Other kickers for me - the actor who plays her ex-convict husband completely transformed into a gangster type of dude, who was played by Oscar Isaac. Definitely keep your eye on him as he played the ruthless doctor in "Sucker Punch" and will be in Madonna's upcoming directed film, "W.E." (which is based on the story of Wallis Simpson). It's still such a departure to see Bryan Cranston portray a non-Malcolm-in-the-Middle dad type as well as Albert Brooks playing a heavy-hitting, mafia guy. Ron Perlman plays his brother, who, in my total opinion, will always be the "Beast/Vincent" from "Beauty and the Beast" back in the 80's. And if you nearly blinked, you'd see Christina Hendricks, play an accessory to a crime.