James Gandolfini

Shocking news eh to learn of the death of James Gandolfini at just 51. I like this image of him in a classic Tony Soprano pose – that look of calm menace was just brilliant characterisation. Surely he was the finest actor in the most gripping TV programme of the noughties. A poignant line from his character Tony reflecting on life as head of the family….

“All due respect, you got no f—–g idea what it’s like to be Number One. Every decision you make affects every facet of every other f—–g thing. It’s too much to deal with almost. And in the end you’re completely alone with it all.”

What a sad loss of a guy.

The irony is I wrote a posting not too long ago on the subject and symbolism of cancer in one of the episodes.  It feels a little prophetic on several levels now but for anyone who’s interested in a slightly darker posting about The Sopranos and the prospects for Tony himself,  here it is:

https://pastapaulie.wordpress.com/2013/01/12/there-is-no-stage-5/

I also read a very nice piece in the i newspaper today by Tom Sutcliffe which, if you’re a fan of James/Tony, I’ll think you’ll enjoy:

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/james-gandolfini-and-tony-soprano-are-both-gone–is-it-the-actor-or-the-character-were-mourning-8666554.html

pp

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The Redgraves acting dynasty

Now everyone knows about the incredible Redgrave family of accomplished actors; Sir Michael and his wife Rachel and children Corin, Vanessa and Lynne and grandchildren Natasha and Joely and their various partners and other kids. And now a significant new acting talent has emerged from the ranks….

really crap movies

Well since I’m on a dvd kick at the moment I thought I’d let you know of two movies which are total and utter crap just in case you get invited to watch them. One I watched last night, the other we bought recently at our local supermarket here. It was in the sales offer bin and I now know why. Film one – Beaches- one of my daughter’s favourites. It stars Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, neither of whom appear to have done anything since.

clooney comes clean

There was a nice report in the Independent today about honesty in actors. Several were very candid; Sir Anthony Hopkins suggesting that ‘acting is easy’, Hugh Grant confesssing he ‘can’t do Chekov’, Alec Baldwin admitting ‘stars are greedy’ and so on. But the most disarming reflection was George Clooney’s admission that his attempt at Batman was so lousy it ‘killed the franchise’.