J-Law
LexG attended last night’s Jennifer Lawrence‘s q & a at the Arclight following a screening of Winter’s Bone. Pete Hammond conducted the interview; costar Dale Dickey also attended. Here’s what LexG sent along, minus the usual hormonal stuff:
“Lights go down, movie starts up and I’m sitting there watching it, and out rolls this backwoods teenaged girl with puffy cheeks, and at first I’m like, er, ‘Wait a minute, is this the new Megan Fox I paid 16 bucks to see in person? It’s like some rural chick in acid-washed jeans or something. Shouldn’t she be glazed in an orange sheen and bent over a motorcycle?’
“But the movie goes on, and seriously, no joke, you are watching the absolute real-deal, star-of-tomorrow, ‘holy shit is this chick incredible?’ performance of 2010! From two minutes in, I forgot I was supposed to be checking out some new hyped It Girl, and was just riveted by the movie’s no-bullshit milieu and integrity and gritty, tense undercurrent with Lawrence rolling through every scene like a dogged, reluctant investigator a la Gone Baby Gone or Cutter’s Way but transplanted to the dour, drab, blue-sheened backwoods world of Missouri meth cooks and scary associates.
“Ultimately, the movie probably succeeds more as a mood piece, character study, and a strong woman’s vehicle than as a 1-2-3 connect-the-dots potboiler. It’s one of those movies where you’re there in the moment from the jump, then around the 85-minute mark it dawns on you that the ‘plot’ specifics aren’t going to be resolved and half the threads unravel into vagueries. But Jennifer Lawrence is a force of nature in it.
“So the end credits roll, lights come up, and by now I’m expecting this chipmunk-cheeked, unassuming bad-ass underaged avenger chick from the movie. Out rolls Pete Hammond to run the q & a. First out of the gate is Dale Dickey, who is incredible as the Lady MacBeth-y Merab in the movie, and who some may remember from her white-trash turns in Domino and Breaking Bad. Cool actress, mega-talented.
“Then out comes the lanky, statuesque Lawrence in a purply ruffled top and jeans, and (yes!) giant high heels with her cute toes poking out. A Star is Born, people! Not remotely the naturaltough-chick hero from the movie, but a genuine movie star who captivates from the get-go, answering questions and generally being awesome.
“This was one of the rare times in life I wish I had an actual good phone instead of a 2002 7-11 pay-as-you-go phone, or I’d have some pics of this stunning, A-list-ready, ‘next big thing’ pro a mere twenty feet away. No idea why her likely most-seen credit thus far has been The Bill Engvall Show because we’re talking mega-stardom on the horizon.
“Hammond and the audience asked some pretty straightforward questions about…. about…something. Like where Lawrence and Dickey grew up (both in the South), their process, rehearsals, who in the cast was a real actor and who were locals (big tip o’ the hat to the audience member who apparently thought veteran actor John Hawkes from Deadwood and Miami Vice was just some local yokel.
“Nothing particularly revolutionary was revealed by either actress, although I liked it when J-Law said she liked to be “bossed around” (hot), and that her M.O. is dependant on the other actor in terms of whether they like lots of rehearsal, or to keep it loose and natural on set. But it was obvious that Lawrence is charming beyond all belief and is set to be a major, major, major star.
“The sea of difference between Lawrence’s Ozark movie and this stunning vision fielding questions with grace, self-deprecation and magnetism speaks well to her amazing acting prowess. Bet on it — instant contender for Best Actress at the Oscars.”
great. now she’s tainted by the douchegaze.
great. now she’s tainted by the douchegaze.
Nice write-up, Lex. I have yet to see this, but after what you and Jeff have said, I’m going to seek it out.
Nice write-up, Lex. I have yet to see this, but after what you and Jeff have said, I’m going to seek it out.
What will her LexG moniker be? J-Law I guess.
What will her LexG moniker be? J-Law I guess.
she impressed in the burning plain — can’t wait to see her in this film.
lex g can definitely turn a phrase.
she impressed in the burning plain — can’t wait to see her in this film.
lex g can definitely turn a phrase.
Wow, it’s like an AICN review without one of those unnecessary back-stories.
Wow, it’s like an AICN review without one of those unnecessary back-stories.
The problem with casting Dale Dickey in a film you want taken seriously is that she’s too well known for camping it up as exactly this same type of character on “My Name Is Earl” and “Breaking Bad.” She has become this generation’s female Strother Martin.
The problem with casting Dale Dickey in a film you want taken seriously is that she’s too well known for camping it up as exactly this same type of character on “My Name Is Earl” and “Breaking Bad.” She has become this generation’s female Strother Martin.
“Winter’s Bone” is as solid as a rock, a magnificently unfettered little gem, and LexG is right on the money about Lawrence. She is at this moment in time the absolute front runner for Best Actress. Have you ever been to the Coolidge Corner Cinema in Brookline, MA, Jeff? It’s the best movie theater in the Boston area.
“Winter’s Bone” is as solid as a rock, a magnificently unfettered little gem, and LexG is right on the money about Lawrence. She is at this moment in time the absolute front runner for Best Actress. Have you ever been to the Coolidge Corner Cinema in Brookline, MA, Jeff? It’s the best movie theater in the Boston area.
The most amazing thing about LexG is his apparent ability to type at a 240 word-a-minute pace.
By the time I hit the “post” button he will have completed a three paragraph response.
The most amazing thing about LexG is his apparent ability to type at a 240 word-a-minute pace.
By the time I hit the “post” button he will have completed a three paragraph response.
“Here’s what LexG sent along, minus the usual hormonal stuff:”
I dunno, with LexG most of the fun is the lubricious panting. Why edit it out?
Also, did I miss something? Wells, when did LexG become a stringer for HE? Do tell that back story.
“Here’s what LexG sent along, minus the usual hormonal stuff:”
I dunno, with LexG most of the fun is the lubricious panting. Why edit it out?
Also, did I miss something? Wells, when did LexG become a stringer for HE? Do tell that back story.
Spam? I thought that was Dee Zee.
Spam? I thought that was Dee Zee.
Bravo LexG. Nicely done. Hope that you are able to do more HE assignments in the future. And hats off for the moniker J-Law too. That will definitely catch on with the media.
Bravo LexG. Nicely done. Hope that you are able to do more HE assignments in the future. And hats off for the moniker J-Law too. That will definitely catch on with the media.
Nice job, Lex. Was that interview of hers ever posted? Or was that just an excuse for Wells to get her into a hotel room?
Nice job, Lex. Was that interview of hers ever posted? Or was that just an excuse for Wells to get her into a hotel room?
What will her LexG moniker be? J-Law I guess.
“although I liked it when J-Law said she liked to be “bossed around” (hot)”
*sigh*
I suppose I should be grateful she didn’t appear docile, demure and damaged.
“although I liked it when J-Law said she liked to be “bossed around” (hot)”
*sigh*
I suppose I should be grateful she didn’t appear docile, demure and damaged.
Was I the only one that didn’t like Winter’s Bone? It didn’t move me at all, and I didn’t care for the characters….and got bored with Ree running around looking for her dad and getting told the same damn thing over and over, no suspense…..just boring. I agree Jennifer is a “find” and it stands to be seen what she can do beyond this. Because she’s a very physical actress. But the movie is not a great movie IMO as the critics are hailing it and I think the public will be turned off just like No Country turned off the public….she can do better.
Was I the only one that didn’t like Winter’s Bone? It didn’t move me at all, and I didn’t care for the characters….and got bored with Ree running around looking for her dad and getting told the same damn thing over and over, no suspense…..just boring. I agree Jennifer is a “find” and it stands to be seen what she can do beyond this. Because she’s a very physical actress. But the movie is not a great movie IMO as the critics are hailing it and I think the public will be turned off just like No Country turned off the public….she can do better.
No Country didnt turn off the public, it was damn good picture..
No Country didnt turn off the public, it was damn good picture..
“great. now she’s tainted by the douchegaze.”
Yup.
This kind of writing does the film nor the actress no favors.
LexG, I discover, is ONLY good at writing his stalker-esque pant pieces. He is simply not observant enough to write anything else. He should never try to write film reviews ever again. His talent lies in his aching to be wanted by a girl he will never have.
“great. now she’s tainted by the douchegaze.”
Yup.
This kind of writing does the film nor the actress no favors.
LexG, I discover, is ONLY good at writing his stalker-esque pant pieces. He is simply not observant enough to write anything else. He should never try to write film reviews ever again. His talent lies in his aching to be wanted by a girl he will never have.
>”Winter’s Bone” is as solid as a rock, a magnificently unfettered little gem,
I think it’s fettered by not having a third act. Pity, as the acting is rock solid all around (particularly Lawrence, it is a star-making turn for her), and the first act masterfully sets up what should be a sort of primal hero’s journey.
>”Winter’s Bone” is as solid as a rock, a magnificently unfettered little gem,
I think it’s fettered by not having a third act. Pity, as the acting is rock solid all around (particularly Lawrence, it is a star-making turn for her), and the first act masterfully sets up what should be a sort of primal hero’s journey.
Phreaker, It was a nice piece. Don’t be a douche.
Phreaker, It was a nice piece. Don’t be a douche.
I saw it ( Seattle ). It was good. I didn’t feel great though like many are saying it is. Nice little indie film but quit trying to make it likes it’s like it’s the next Shawshamk Redemption. It’s the tried and true pat yourslef on the back by being the first person to say how great a film is and if a few people agree with you then you can say your said it first. Old and boring mentallity. See if for yourself. And you’ll really like it if you want to see a whole bunch of undesireable people a while film too. Please.
Jennifer Lawrence is a talent for sure to keep your eyes on though.
I saw it ( Seattle ). It was good. I didn’t feel great though like many are saying it is. Nice little indie film but quit trying to make it likes it’s like it’s the next Shawshamk Redemption. It’s the tried and true pat yourslef on the back by being the first person to say how great a film is and if a few people agree with you then you can say your said it first. Old and boring mentallity. See if for yourself. And you’ll really like it if you want to see a whole bunch of undesireable people a while film too. Please.
Jennifer Lawrence is a talent for sure to keep your eyes on though.
Best film of the year so far, though there’s some cool shit coming up that may surpass it. Anyway, Lawrence will, if there is any justice in the world, take the awards circuit by storm, culminating in an Oscar nomination. Maybe a win if The Kids Are All Right doesn’t catch on, but the ‘Annette Bening is due” narrative will be strong.
Best film of the year so far, though there’s some cool shit coming up that may surpass it. Anyway, Lawrence will, if there is any justice in the world, take the awards circuit by storm, culminating in an Oscar nomination. Maybe a win if The Kids Are All Right doesn’t catch on, but the ‘Annette Bening is due” narrative will be strong.