Access Atlanta > Movies > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 16
Friday, March 16, 2007
Oscar certainly no guarantee of a stellar career
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dear Mr. Smithee,
The radio stations devote whole weekends to “One Hit Wonders.” Please share your Top 10 list of “One Hit Wonders” Oscar winners. Why did they win? Was it a weak field or the performance of their life? Who among this year’s winners will grace the list?
KATHY SMITH, Wilmington, N.C.
Dear No Relation,
I know what you are up to.
You’re wanting me to say that Jennifer Hudson is already a has-been. Well, madam, I will not stoop so low as to do that. Not for at least another three weeks.
As you must certainly realize, I returned recently from Hollywood, the realm of certain nobility, respect, gas-guzzling transportation and such perfect specimens of glitterati that we - and by that I most certainly do not refer to myself but with all honesty declare it as the pronoun for the rest of you - bow to their cinematic glory.
After receiving your letter, I jotted down some 20 names of personages I believe fit the bill. And, no, one of them is not director Michael Cimino (“The Deer Hunter”), whose “Heaven’s Gate” wasn’t nearly as awful as the hordes said.
Therefore, for your pleasure, Katie:
MR. SMITHEE’S “ONE HIT WONDERS” OSCAR WINNERS COUNTDOWN:
10. Harold Russell, “The Best Years of Our Lives” (1946). A real-life WWII handicapped vet up against four well-known actors. They didn’t have a chance.
9. Shirley Booth, “Come Back, Little Sheba” (1952). A little Broadway powerhouse gets her big-screen chance against bigger names and connects. Booth ultimately wound up with a TV show playing a maid.
8. George Chakiris, “West Side Story” (1961). The dancer (he’s of Greek origin) who got swept up in the musical’s Oscar sweep.
7. Mercedes Ruehl, “The Fisher King” (1991). What was that term you used? Oh, yes: “Weak field.”
6. Helen Hunt, “As Good As It Gets” (1997). This is as good as it will ever be for her. It’s hard to have a big-screen career with absolutely no sex appeal.
5. Haing S. Ngor, “The Killing Fields” (1984). A great performance from a nonactor in a perfect fit of a role.
4. Miyoshi Umeki, “Sayonara” (1957). She and co-star Red Buttons both won, partly because they played sweeties, partly because the story line had them both commit suicide.
3. F. Murray Abraham, “Amadeus” (1984). A great role that elevated this obscure actor. He followed it up by returning to obscurity.
2. Roberto Benigni, “Life Is Beautiful” (1998). Italian, comedic overactor who, perhaps by accident, quieted down enough to sell a sweet, meaningful part.
1. Joel Grey, “Cabaret” (1972). Iconic role. Great performance. Don’t easily remember anything else he’s ever been in.
ALAN
P.S. You get a “The Departed” cap and an “Ask Alan Smithee” T-shirt.
Dear Mr. Smithee,
There seems to be some sort of cult following for the 1980 movie “Caddyshack.” I thought it was one of the most stupid, banal and childish pieces of junk I had ever seen.
W.S. CLEMENT. Lake Worth, Fla.
Dear Be the Ball,
Is it possible that “Caddyshack” is stupid, banal and childish? Well, of course it is.
Therein lies its charm, its brilliance, its utter perfection.
Go ask Tiger Woods. He’s one of the many in the film’s “some sort of cult following.”
ALAN
P.S. You get a “TMNT” cap and an “Ask Alan Smithee” T-shirt.
Dear Mr. Smithee,
When I saw that a reader received a wine bottle-opener kit, I was inspired.
Why would a bad actor such as, oh, Ryan Phillippe, get an important role in “Breach”?
What do you think of reviewers who give away too much of the plot? And who do you think are good reviewers?
Did you like “A Good Year”? And do you have any more wine bottle-openers?
CHARMAINE MACKENZIE, Lawrenceville
Dear Vino,
Phillippe wasn’t bad in the Oscar winner “Crash.” That alone can buy one a role or two.
I don’t usually read reviews until I’ve seen the movie. The reviewers I like to read after myself and my AJC colleagues are Joe Morgenstern (The Wall Street Journal) and Anthony Lane (The New Yorker).
I thoroughly disliked “A Good Year.” And I do have another wine bottle-opening kit.
ALAN
P.S. You get a “300” shirt, an “Ask Alan Smithee” T-shirt and a secret surprise!
HAVE A QUESTION FOR MR. SMITHEE?
E-mail him at alansmithee@ajc.com or go to accessAtlanta.com and click on Movies. Please include your name, city and daytime phone number. Mr. Smithee can’t reply to every request, but inquiries chosen for publication will receive movie-related prizes.
Permalink | | Categories: Alan Smithee
