Saturday, September 01, 2007

Day 1: Nicole and Margot

TELLURIDE, Colo. -- A security sweep of the theater last night forced us concessions people outdoors and into the arms of Todd Haynes, Laura Linney and their small entourage of buddies. They were milling around to see Margot at the Wedding, which was soon introduced by director Noah Baumbach (looking like Adrien Brody mixed with Al Pacino) and his girlfriend and star Jennifer Jason Leigh. "Jennifer doesn't like speaking in front of people," Baumbach said on the stage as Leigh stared shyly by his side (in tall black boots pulled over light blue jeans). Baumbach didn't say anything of substance -- only that this was his first time at Telluride. This was the first public screening of Margot, and the theater was packed to capacity (with volunteers squatting on steps and in aisles).

I hate to fling superlatives around, but Margot features Nicole Kidman's most challenging role to date. The movie has the same "family chamber drama" tone as The Squid and the Whale, but this s even more excruciating to watch at points. Kidman plays a monster -- but not a villain -- and her Margot (a writer who crashes her sister's wedding and causes havoc) is one of the most interesting characters I've ever encountered on film. I'm still trying to figure out if her performance is a sensation or a near-miss. I'm leaning more toward the former. But like any Telluride movie, it needs to be seen again. More later.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks, I am looking forward to the "more later" part :).

Psst: Jennifer Jason Leigh and Baumbach are married, they got married in 2005 :).

Anonymous said...

Sounds excellent.

Nicole sounds on great form, I'm hearing lots of buzz for Jennifer Jason Leigh's performance and chances of a Supporting nomination.

Baumbach and Leigh started dating around 2001 and got married in 2005. Cute couple!

Michael Parsons said...

I am really hoping for great things from her. Not neccessarily in terms of nominations, but in terms of how she is pervieved as a actress.
I hope it proves she is a great one.

Hurlywood said...

saw the two of them leaving the galaxy today after a showing. they looked pissed...?
i'm scared to see this. i want it to be so good, but the word of mouth is average.
the savages is sneaking tomorrow. hmmm... LL is onthe scene for that, looking classy.

Anonymous said...

Word of mouth may be average and reviews are quite sparse but Hollywood Reporter just raved about it, praising Baumbach and his cast profusely.

I hope it is dark enough to be divisive.

Anonymous said...

The Hollywood Reporter review was a loud, unambiguous RAVE! Huge praise for Kidman and JJL, also Jack Black, and it mentions big Oscar potential for all concerned.

Crita said...

Can't wait to see!!!!