Don Jon is Both Incredibly Funny, and an Insightful Look at Modern Masculinity

Don Jon (4 out of 5 Stars)

Directed and Written by: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Glenne Headly, and Tony Danza

Who is the modern don?  The original legend of the Spanish Don Juan states that this man devoted his life to seducing a variety of women; he also was saddled with the vices of the times like gambling, and violence.  As time has evolved "the don juan" type has of course changed with society.  This film is aptly named with a translation to Don Jon describing a modern day understanding of heteronormative masculinity within America.

Jon (Gordon-Levitt) states there are "only has a few things I care about in life, my body, my pad, my ride, my family, my church, my boys, my girls, my porn."  Jon is a modern day Don Juan, but is built that way based on nurture from his family his mother Angela (Headly) and his father Jon Sr. (Danza), but mainly from society.  Jon is ladies man whose streak is that every weekend he beds a different girl, but even while bedding these different women he sneaks out of bed to view his greatest love porn.  Jon meets Barbara (Johansson) one night out at a club, and she rebuffs his straight o bed moves, this challenges Jon to think outside of the box, and change his style.

In his first feature film as a director/writer Gordon-Levitt does something great; he creates a genuinely funny film with an interesting point of view on modern masculinity.  Jon is selfish, but aren't we all to some extent.  As a society we have been groomed throughout the years especially throughout the 80s and with this "me me me" generation to put our own needs above those of others.  Jon views porn as the most satisfying sexual experience because he can lose himself within this world and feel satisfied at the end of the experience.  On the other hand after during his other real life sexual experience Jon is never fully satisfied because the women never fulfill every need like within the porn he watches.

The mass consumption of porn is jading young males today, and creating a false reality about sexuality, thus confusing the role of intimacy.  The statistics of porn distribution and usage are too varied to detail but the few I found interesting from the BYU Women's Services and Resources states that the US makes up 12 billion dollars of 57 billion dollar global porn industry.  The statistics also show that revenue is higher than that of ABC, NBC, and CBS combined, thus entertaining more people than the three basic cable networks, astonishing.  Statistics also show that the modern male consumes porn at alarmingly high rates.

Back to Jon, why does he watch this porn?  The film even comments on his good looks, and the fact that he has a girl friend through his night school classmate Esther (Moore).  There is never a true explanation of why, but the proof is in the pudding it's an escape, and contributes the mentality, and his own immaturity, and lack of understanding what it means to be truly intimate with a real person.  Esther's character while an annoyance to Jon at first helps him to explore himself more, and find more depth to him than just those basic values he lists at the beginning of the film.

Gordon-Levitt constructs a film which shows the shallow and simplistic nature of Jon's character through highlighting the basic routines of the characters day to day activity.  Lauren Zuckerman does a brilliant job editing the imagery of the porn, the day to day routines highlighting both mindset and the role with which these daily activities drive Jon's life.  As Jon learns more about himself, and explores things on a deeper level you see him outside of the normal world with which he lives, you see larger landscapes, different spaces; he is no longer merely just a slut who devours women and porn, but explores his friendships, the city with which he lives, and sees new things in his sister, who his played with brief hilarity by Brie Larson.

Gordon-Levitt does a great with this film, and I give him credit for taking on this film, and creating a deeper more meaningful film about self exploration.  Do not let my serious talk fool you either this film is truly funny, and the scripts shines making you laugh just as hard as you explore the psycho social actions of heterosexual male behavior.  

Oscar Roundup 2012: Category Fraud Strikes Again!

Last night I saw the new Tarantino flick, Django Unchained.  Django was obviously a story about Django (Jaime Foxx) and his bounty hunter companion Dr. King Shultz (Christoph Waltz), the two were in the majority of the film.  At the moment Waltz was nominated in Supporting Actor category at the Golden Globes.  At the earliest part of award season Waltz was placed in the Supporting Actor category.  On November 8th the website goldderby.com reported Waltz would be campaigned in the Lead category instead.  After the lead race became crowded the Weinstein Company switched Waltz back to supporting, and if you look at the poster you will see him being campaigned in supporting category.  This Oscar placement, or category fraud has gone on for years on end, but there are a couple of cases this year, which may take things too far.

Over the years the process of category fraud has occurred on many levels, supporting performances competing in the lead category, and lead competing the supporting categories.  Sometimes these have happened when an actor has two great performances in one year.  Most recently Jaime Foxx from Django was part of this form of category fraud.  Foxx had two great performances in 2004 for Ray, and Collateral; he was a lead in both, but nominated in supporting for Collateral.  This happened with Jessica Lange in 1982 as well; she was nominated in the Lead Actress race for Frances, and supporting for Tootsie, her role in Tootsie was the leas role in the film.  Julianne Moore also has two brilliant performances as both similar as repressed housewife in the 50s, in the films Far from Heaven, and The Hours; she was nominated for both, but in supporting for The Hours.  All of these happen, but they are not the most common, nor are they the first instances.

Some of the first instances of category fraud occurred based on age.  Tatum O'Neil won for a lead performance in Paper Moon (1973) at the young age of 10.  One could argue that during the same year Linda Blair was a co-lead in The Exorcist; she was 14.  This trend continued throughout the years Justin Henry in Kramer vs. Kramer in 1979 (8 years old),Abigail Breslin in Little Miss Sunshine (10 years old), Haley Joel Osment in The Sixth Sense (11 years old), Hailee Steinfeld in True Grit (14 years old), Patty Duke in The Miracle Worker (16 years old), Sal Mineo in Rebel Without a Cause (17 years old), Timothy Hutton in Ordinary People (20 years old).  While these are not all of the cases these are a majority of the cases where younger people who were leads in their film were moved to the supporting category because of age.

Over the years this has changed slightly but mainly will change because of the competitive nature of campaigning, and the odds of getting a person a nomination, Keisha Castle Hughes bounced around different categories, but rightfully ended in the Best Actress category for Whale Ride (2002).  Hughes was in supporting at the Screen Actor's Guild, but the Oscars play by their own rules and did not follow the crazy campaigning from the studios.  This happens sometimes, for example Kate Winslet in The Reader, but the Academy often does listen to the FYC (for your consideration) ads, and previous awards.

The major example of award shows (and most likely the Academy) buying this lead player as supporting this year is with Phillip Seymour Hoffman in The Master.  While The Master does focus on the lost soul Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) the film is also about the journey of Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman).  Hoffman has been a victim of category fraud twice now, the other time was his portrayal of Father Brandon Flynn in Doubt.  Why campaign this great actor (who has won in the Best Actor) in the supporting category twice.  This year the lead category is incredibly crowded, and they want the film to get as many nominations as possible.  The year Doubt was nominated there were also a lot of strong performances, but I suspect if they "worked" hard enough Hoffman could have received a nomination in the lead category.

The big question in the case with Hoffman is why does such a well respected actor get pushed down?  This is not typically the case, most of the time these lead performances in supporting categories are for lesser known or actors trying to get their first nomination: Jake Gyllenhaal in Brokeback Mountain, Jennifer Connelly in A Beautiful Mind, Marcia Gay Harden in Pollock, Casey Affleck in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, and Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls are just a few recent examples.

The problem with rampant category fraud is that the Oscars have become more of a game, or political strategy rather than a true test of defining the best in film.  Yet the game is becoming too much, with criticism all over the board from David Cronenberg, Joaquin Phoenix, and past winner Anthony Hopkins, with a win from The Silence of the Lambs.

Hopkins win is also seen as category fraud by many as well, during The Silence of the Lambs. Hopkins was in the film for less than 30 minutes, but won the Oscar for Best Actor, because of his commanding performance.  While most people do not argue about this win, this would still be considered category fraud.  Other instances within this type of situation could be Patricia Neal in Hud, Reese Witherspoon in Walk the Line, Louise Fletcher in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, David Nivens in Separate Tables, and Nicole Kidman in The Hours.  Together all of these roles have a large impact on the meaning of their film, but largely could be considered supporting players.

If the Oscars continue to remain a game, or about the politics of a film getting more nominations then these instances of category fraud like Waltz and Hoffman will continue to happen.  Both of these men are clear leads, and are both excellent in their films, their work should speak for itself.  When you have clear leads like Casey Affleck getting a nomination in a film where he is the star in the supporting category there is a problem.  Here is to hoping the Oscars work on this problem.

2012's Best Performances in Television (no order)

Sebastian Stan-Political Animals, Once Upon a Time-Some would have expect Sigourney Weaver to be the most talented performer on Political Animals (and she was solid), but the best performer on the show was her drug addict gay son, played by Stan.  Stan’s struggle with addiction, and coping with his being the first openly gay son of a President, and part of a famous political family was nothing short of amazing. 

Stan makes this for his role for his maddeningly good scene stealer in Once Upon a Time as the Mad Hatter; he is so charismatic, and there is something about this guy that draws you in above most performers on television; he is a true scene stealer.

Sam Waterston-The Newsroom-Another scene stealer in television was Sam Waterson’s alcoholic mentor Charlie Skinner on The Newsroom.  When the show was facing mass criticism (just haters) people were unanimous that the best part of this show was Waterston’s performance, and they were right about that.

 Julia Louis Dreyfuss-Veep-Elaine be gone!  Julia Louis Dreyfuss is one funny ass lady, and playing a female Vice President who is constantly ignored by Potus is one funny running gag.  Dreyfuss had a pregnancy scare, and insulted other politicians time after time, and never made her performance a gimmick; she has great comedic time, and is one of a kind!

Lena Dunham-Girls-Dunham’s performance is so genuine that you almost feel awkward an intruder on her personal experiences.  Dunham is not only the lead on Girls, but she created writes, and directs for the show.  This quadruple threat has proven her talent is not just behind the camera, but that her unique point of view provides her the opportunity to break ground with her acting.

 Julianne Moore-Game Change-Moore’s Palin is more frighteningly real than Tina Fey’s mockery.  Moore steals the show with ever key mannerism, facial expression, and inflexion with her voice.  This performance is raw, powerful, and shows the good the bad, and the ugly of this real life persona.

Jonathan Banks-Breaking Bad-For Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, this season belongs to Mike.  Banks silent brilliance contributed to an incredible dynamic of this show.  Banks is incredible in this role, and it’s often performances like these that are ignored, but he is proof silence is golden.

Sarah Paulson-American Horror Story Asylum and Game Change-Sarah Paulson like Sebastian Stan has played two extremes this year.  Like Stan she is in my book one of the most under rated actresses working on television today, and a name most folks should remember.

In American Horror Story: Asylum Paulsen is great as a lesbian committed by her partner against her will; she plays terrified well, and along with playing one of the best characters of the season in the show.  The scene where she is forced to grope the naked man was one of the most painful to watch, but she nailed every moment, and terrified look.

In Game Change Paulsen has a smaller role, as she tries to prepare Sarah Palin for the election.  My favorite scene with her was where she tearfully admits to Woody Harrelson’s character she did not vote, what a great moment, and she is off the charts one of the performers of the year.

Kerry Washington-Scandal-After watching the episode “Happy Birthday Mr. President” I could keep this woman off this list.  Washington has always been one of my favorite actresses; she always steals the spotlight.  Whether that was in Ray or For Colored Girls, Washington is a force to be reckoned with in anything she does, and as Olivia Pope the “fixer” she give one great performance!

Dream Emmy Nominees in Other Categories (Mini-Series/Movie, Reality Television, Animated Programming, and Technical Categories)

The Emmy Awards are not just about Comedy and Drama, but they also have many other categories , which contribute to the fabric of primetime television.  Here are some of my dream nominees for variety programming, reality series, animated series, and the mini-series/movie category.  Six days until the nominations are announced!






                                                                                    Outstanding Reality Competition Series
RuPaul's Drag Race-A reality show so different, yet the same as many others that keeps you excited about the action week after week.  RuPaul has made Logo something to be proud of (a rare occasion).  This reality competition program continued to be on fire this season, and glitter bombs the competition into dust.  

Outstanding Reality Host

Cat Deely-So You Think You Can Dance-Deely makes hosting so effortless, and fun, as it should be; she is one of the more natural hosts working today and I appreciate her most.I am not a huge fan of this reality show (mainly because i have an ex that is associated with the show at one point) but Deely makes the reality show fresh with her natural hosting abilities.

Outstanding Variety Series
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon-One of my least favorite SNL cast members who could never keep a straight face for the camera has turned out to be one of the strongest late night hosts.  Fallon is terrific, and he has found his grove in comedy so much so that even when he hosted SNL this year he was actually one of the best hosts of the season.  Most of this can be attributed to his maturity, thanks to great work on this show.




Outstanding Mini-Series/Movie
Sherlock Holmes: Scandal in Belgravia-Although I kind of wish this went into the drama series category like Downton Abbey, I think this is one of the mini-series I have ever watched.  Mark Gattis, and Stevem Moffat constructed the most beautifully brilliant writing combined with great performances.  Choosing this specific "movie"within the second series was brilliant.  Sherlock Holmes versus Irene Adler, the henchwoman of Moriarty.  This was one of the best constructed episodes which explores more emotional levels of Holmes, brilliant!

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Mini-Series/Movie
Benedict Cumberbatch-Sherlock Holmes: Scandal in Belgravia-One of the best performances I have seen this year.  Holmes is usually cold, full of procedure, and unwilling to open up.  In Belgravia Holmes meets Irene Adler, and this opens up the emotionally raw side of him, letting one of the most touching yet heart wrenching performances commence.  Cumberbatch is brilliant as the typical Sherlock, but also shows more depth.


Outstanding Lead Actress in a Mini-Series/Movie
Julianne Moore-Game Change-When Tina Fey did her impression, audiences laughed.  When Julianne Moore stepped into these shoes for this film everyone was floored in a different way.  Moore played this polarizing role with passion, without mimicry, and that makes me feel for Palin at times, while walking away from the film hating her.  What a performance!


Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Mini-Series/Movie
Ed Harris-Game Change-What's a nomination for Sarah Palin's portrayer without the man who was actually poised for the White House.  Harris gave a strong performance that was not even close to mimicry; he was strong stoic, and did the repeat loser for the bid for the highest office justice.




Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Mini-Series/Movie
Frances Conroy-American Horror Story-Lange was the stand out, but Conroy was may be another over looked scene stealer in this category merely because she does not have a big name.  One of my favorite parts of this show was Conroy, I hope she can steal a nomination.

Outstanding Main Title Design
American Horror Story-I recently sited this as one of the best main title designs of all time, hence why it should be nominated and win the Emmy for this category this year.  The design is spooky, and brilliantly ties in the plot of the series.

Outstanding Animated Series
Archer-This is not the traditional animated series, but it's currently the most original on the air, and deserves to win over the tired Simpson's and South Park.  My hope is that the show gets its due and get nominated.

Outstanding Original Song-Lazy Sunday Part 2 performed by Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg-Saturday Night Live-The perfect sequel to part one, and one of the best ways for Samberg and his creative team behind his digital shorts to leave SNL.  The digital shorts made SNL relevant again, and Samberg, the mastermind behind these, had a brilliant sequel.  The first Lazy Sunday short was the first of its kind, and it made me smile to see a sequel.

Game Change Shows the Sharp Change in Focus on Celebrity vs. Quality

Game Change (4 out of 5 Stars)

Directed by Jay Roach (Recount. Austin Powers, Meet the Parents)

Written by Danny Strong (Recount)

Starring: Julianne Moore, Ed Harris, Woody Harrelson, Peter MacNicol, and Sarah Paulson

2008 was an intense political year.  As President Bush was leaving office with some incredibly low numbers the two candidates running for President were trying to change the landscape.  The Democratic candidate Barack Obama had the charm, charisma, and plans that inspired hope in the American people.  Republican Presidential nominee John McCain needed to pick someone who could help him battle with Obama's celebrity.  The McCain team was lacking in female support, and through a google search found Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin came to the center stage of the national political forum.  Yes the book and the film show that Rick Davis googled female Republican office holders

This google search is one of the few shocking behind the scenes revelations in the film Game Change which is based on the book written by John Heillemann and Mark Halperin entitle "Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime."  In the book Heillemann and Halperin focus on the candidates and the behind the scene politics that shaped a "blockbuster" campaign.  2008 was about the celebrity and the hope that the Bursh era could be wiped away.  The book focuses on the negative on every front, from the worry that Hillary Clinton could not control her husband, to McCains rogue tactics that often looked as though he did not care, to John Edwards and his egotistical philandering ways.  No one was off limits in this book, not even the winner of the Presidency.  Obama was cited as controlled and off stage a candidate quick to anger. 

While the book centers on every Presidential candidate the film focuses solely on the McCain/Palin ticket.  Danny Strong who wrote the film Recount about the 2000 election does a great job writing a script that focuses on the not only the candidates themselves, but the behind the scenes mishaps that shaped the campaign strategy.  Strong works with former Recount director Jay Roach to construct a film that cuts together scenes where Palin is interviewed by Couric using the actual footage from the interview,  It is these tactics that give this film strong footing.  This team does a good accurately portraying the ticket team while saving most of its critique for the folks behind the scenes like Steve Schmidt (Woody Harrelson).

Schmidt has taken the lead on this campaign after McCain asked him to, and helps out with vetting the Vice Presidential nominee.  The only problem is Schmidt left most of the work to the other team members when he should have been the one who looked into her just as closely.  Woody Harrelson is one of the strongest performances in this film; he has the best non verbal facial expressions.  Harrelson's Schmidt knows there is problems with this campaign when he realizes that Sarah Palin does not understand the concept of difference between the Queen of England and the Prime Minister or that there is even a Prime Minister.  As Harrelson goes through the motions he along with other people behind the scenes start to realize they not only need to prep Palin but tell her what exactly needs to be said.

Julianne did a lot a of great prep to actually play Palin.  In interviews with both Jon Stewart and Ellen she talked a lot about how she watched clips of her on youtube to get the voice down.  Moore did a great job of not mimicking Palin.  Everyone loved Tina Fey's portrayal (maybe not everyone) but Moore takes it a step further as Fey did a brilliant job for the purpose her sketches Moore did more to create a whole person.  One of the most interesting parts of the film were the meta moments where Moore as Palin watched Tina Fey Fey play Palin. This was incredibly well done, and in these moments Moore shows Palin's vulnerability.  The film gives this woman a fair shake (in my opinion).  Palin does still come across like a nut, but she also has more humanistic qualities.  Palin was overwhelmed by the notoriety, and in this short time not only did she start to lose sanity, but as she moved forward she gained tremendous celebrity and has used this stay famous ever since.

I could talk about Moore, and her portrayal for a while but like within the campaign people should have talked a little bit more about John McCain.  Harris did not try to talk like the man, but he did what this man was about.  McCain wanted to run a good clean campaign, but as celebrity took over and he realized he was not enough of one he played the game.  Harris's face realizes his downward spiral as he is speaking with the older woman in the town forum calling Obama a Muslim; he has has realized he has gone too far and ran a campaign he longer wants to win.

How did politics become something much different in this last election?  Each candidate seemed to make this race about something more than merely the issues.  The American people acted as though the Obama Palin divided was team Jenn or team Angelina, most about celebrity  Game Change does a great job of highlighting how this election changed things within each party and about what people focus on with the candidates.  One of the best moments for me is when Nicolle Wallace (Sarah Paulson) who preps Palin for the couric debate cries into Steve Schmidts arms saying I did not vote.  Wallace is a smart woman who recognized the behind the scenes muck and celebrity made things different and brought a woman to fame that had no business being elected the the Vice Presidency.

The fish made a lasting impression on myself and shows how this election made a lasting impression on the who, what when, where, and why of modern day political elections.

Academy Awards Best Picture Revisited: Far from Heaven (2002)

So I decided to be a rebel today.  The past few weeks I have been talking about films that have been either nominated or won the Academy Award for Best Picture. What about the films that missed out, or should have been nominated?  2002 was a great year for film, and while there were some great solid films nominated this year I would like to focus on the brilliant but snubbed film, Far From Heaven directed and written by Todd Haynes.

Todd Haynes first film Poison was released in 1991 and was an adaptation of Jean Genet's "transgressive" novels.  Haynes first film won the Grand Jury prize at Sundance, and was cited by B. Ruby Rich as one emerging films in New Queer Cinema.  Haynes continued to go against the grain with his 1995 film Safe.  Safe is about Carol White, a San Fernando Valley housewife who develops an an intense allergy to her suburban life.  Safe was Hayne's first collaboration with Julianne Moore, and the allergy was seen as an allegory to the AIDS epidemic of the 80s.  Haynes third, Velvet Goldmine (1998) film took a different direction from his first two films and paid tribute 1970s glam rock focusing on Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Lou Reed.  Then came Haynes second film with Julianne Moore, Far from Heaven.  Heaven and Safe are my favorite Haynes films (ironic they both star Moore); she is in a way his muse and has brought to life some of his best work.


Haynes fourth film is masterful; he weaves an intimate tale that shows his respect for 50s melodrama, and disdain for suburban life.  Heaven is influence heavily by the melodramatic films of Douglas Sirk.  Far from Heaven centers around two plots, one of them is Cathy (Julianne Moore) and her marriage to her husband Raymond (Dennis Quaid) which mirrors the relationship of Jane Wynman and Rock Hudson in the Sirk film All that Heaven Allows.  Haynes also used the close relationship of Cathy and her housekeeper Sybil (Viola Davis) which resembles the relationship between Lana Turner and Juanita Davis is Imitation of Life.  In order to put his touch to the film, and make this melodrama more modern Haynes adds the concepts of homosexuality, and interracial dating into the mix.  These are two topics that would have taboo and would only be used as subtext in a Sirk film.


Watching Far from Heaven today felt like viewing a beautiful piece of art.  This film's direction and writing create a masterful blend of the traditional 1950s melodrama and modern cinema.  Haynes knows film, and is brilliant bringing the subtext to life.  Haynes brilliant team includes a wonderful acting ensemble with Julianne Moore in her Academy Award nominated (should have won) performance, Dennis Quaid as her closeted husband (snubbed by the Oscars), Patricia Clarkson as Cathy's best friend who adds new levels to such a subtle performance, and Dennis Haysbert who plays Kathy's gardener and someone whom she considers to have strong feelings for.  Then there is the costumes from Sandy Powell, the beautiful cinematography from Edward Lachman, and of course the flawless score from the legendary Elmer Bernstein.  This was a phenomenal film that should have been one of the five films films nominated for Best Picture.


The five films nominated for Best Picture this year were Chicago, Gangs of New York, The Hours, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and The Pianist.  Chicago was the second musical nominated in the post Moulin Rouge era.  Chicago, the film, added the razzle dazzle that the Broadway show lacked, and was a solid, and deserved its spot on this list.  Gangs of New York is my least favorite Scorsese film nominated for this award, Diaz was bland and the script was weak.  While Day Lewis was solid in his role, he did not do enough to save this film.  The Hours is better than some think, it was actually listed as one of the worst films of the year by Time Magazine.  I am torn about this film and its place as a Best Picture nominee, while I love the editing and acting, some things are over the top and not in the best way.  Two Towers is the weakest of the three Lord of the Rings, but is a great film that belongs on this list.  While films about the Holocaust are almost always honored at the Oscars, The Pianist deserves its place in this category because of the beauty, and grace added by Polanski's directing, and Brody's performance.  Of the five nominated films I would replaced Gangs of New York and The Hours.


One of the films that would have replaced these two would have been (of course) Far From Heaven.  Picking the fifth film is a bit trickier.  there were numerous films that could have filled the fifth slot.  Spike Jonez film Adaptation about a film about making about Orchid's is brilliantly quirky.  Steven Spielberg had two great films this year, Catch me if you Can, and Minority Report.  Sam Mendes had adaptation of the graphic novel Road to Perdition, and Alexander Payne had the wonderfully dark comedy About Schmidt.  Of all the films listed I would pick Adaptation, while quirky this film delivers on every level like Far From Heaven.


I was glad I watched this film today.  I stumbled upon it while I was at work and on Netflix.  I had not watched Far From Heaven in years, and watching this film today reminded me of the beauty of well made films.  I may just have to change my pattern and watch more films the Academy overlooks, because they tend to be my favorite.


(My Five Best Picture nominees 2002: Adaptation, Chicago, Far from Heaven, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and The Pianist)