THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Release Date: December 22nd
MPAA Rating: R for some violence, sexuality and language
Ten Words Or Less: How the C.I.A. got started (Patriot Act not included).
Reason For Existence: The oddest cast of the year assembles for DeNiro's pet project (Matt Damon, Keir Dullea, Angelina Jolie, Michael Gambon, William Hurt, Alec Baldwin, Ann Hampton Calloway, and -- wait for it -- Joe Pesci).
Mathematical Equation: The Conversation + Good Will Hunting + African adoption (1 Baldwin), multiplied by Raging Bull to the third power
Take A Look: "Everybody has secrets to tell...mine are bigger than others." (Oh stop it with the bragging, Matt.)
Early Buzz (Good): "An intense, fascinating, pulsating and passionate depiction of a chapter of American History." - Somebody, Ain't It Cool News
Early Buzz (Bad): "There is not one truly inspired shot in the entire film. I was hoping that, as DeNiro has worked the most with Martin Scorsese, there would be at least a touch of Scorsese's filmmaking ability. I seem to have expected way too much." - Different Somebody, Ain't It Cool News
Oscar Locks: None (though close in Best Film)
In The Running: Best Film, Best Director (Robert DeNiro), Best Actor (Damon), Best Actress (Jolie), Best Screenplay (Eric Roth)
Long Shots: Cinematography (Robert Richardson), Editing (Tariq Anwar), Costumes (Ann Roth)
Completely Irrelevant Best Picture Odds: 5-1
Why It's Essential: DeNiro directing for the first time since A Bronx Tale, Pesci in a movie for the first time in ages, and Angelina on screen for the first time since hooking up with Brad.
The Achilles Heel: One can nearly choke on all the verissimilitude. That's some serious schmacting, my friends.
The Verdict: Universal has two possible ponies to ride in the Oscar race. I've seen the other one, Children of Men, and I don't expect it to be more than a minor factor. So expect an all-out campaign for this once the reviews are in.
[Modern Fabulousity]
