22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards

As a lifelong member of SAG-AFTRA, I consider it a privilege to vote and have seen the more than twenty nominated films recently in preparation.  

Mel's Drive In

Mel's Drive In is an icon on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood.  I couldn't miss the opportunity to stop in with Dickey Boy. I wasn't allowed to go to the Sunset Strip as a teenager as my parents feared the bad influences.   As an adult I frequently visit, as many of my interests are there, including: my agent, live music and theater, auction houses, screening rooms, etc.   Every time I go there, now, it is even sweeter.

  

At the Movies

 

 

The magnificent "Woman in Gold" shows the power of art.  Gustav Klimpt's glorious "Woman in Gold," painting, was lost to the Austrian family when it was taken as the spoils of war.  When the heir to the painting searches for and tries to claim it, the heartrending story unfolds.  I didn't consult my watch once during the film, which is my real test of a great movie. 

Rob Marshall has done it again with "Into the Woods."  He has transplanted a Sondheim musical comedy from the stage to the silver screen. Just imagine every favorite of your fairy tales, melded into one, and portrayed by amazing talent.   I didn't want it to be over. 

"Unbroken" was a true story of how the human spirit can be undaunted and even soar.  The true story tells of an Olympian, hero, and human being who overcame unimaginable trials and still had a forgiving heart. 

signed:  YOUR MATINEE MAVEN

The Hundred-Foot Journey Official Trailer (2014) HD

Treat yourself to a food feast without gaining a single pound, by seeing "The Hundred-Foot Journey."  It was special seeing the first showing at our small movie house in Malibu.  When the audience applauded at the end it felt like a theater experience.  

GET UR BALLET ON - By JEALOUS ANGEL (Official video)

Art Can Change...

Click on this to see a most innovative and artistic advertisement:  http://youtu.be/lUtnas5ScSE

"Blue Jasmine"

I didn't want it ever to be over, and almost did a standing ovation---twice.  ...on seeing BLUE JASMINE, by "the matinee maven" (me).



Screen Actors Guild to SAG-AFTRA

I am proudly showing my newly-arrived SAG-AFTRA card.  Since 1993 I have been a member of the Screen Actors Guild. 

The merger with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has created the largest union in the entertainment and media industry.

(P. S. My professional name is Spangler Cummings). 

"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"

You won't have to jump on a plane to experience India.  Simply see "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel."  

The hotel in the story is advertised in England "for the elderly and beautiful."  Actually, the newly-arrived retirees are in for an unexpected invasion of the senses.  And, yes, you the movie goer will be bombarded with the noise, color and confusion.  Beautifully made, with great sensitivity, this film will not disappoint. 

The Descendents (a film)

My criteria for a great film is one that I am wishing will never be over. THE DESCENDENTS met that criteria. It was evocative, important, unpredictable and I was involved on the emotional ride---all the way. George Clooney is going to win the Academy Award with this one. The role was there and he delivered.

Eat Pray Love

Julia Roberts stars in the film based on the book WHINE...oops... EAT PRAY LOVE .

Documentary About Columbus' Short North

WOSU television has produced and is airing "Columbus Neighborhoods, Short North." It is the story of the movement to transform a run-down, forgotten neighborhood into Colulmbus' center for arts and culture. Great memories of the involvement of the Spangler Cummings Galleries are included.

The September Issue

After finally getting a copy of the much acclaimed documentary, "The September Issue," I watched it three times. It was fascinating to see how one person, Vogues's editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, can have such an influence on the world of fashion. The September issue shows behind the scenes when creating Vogue's largest ever 2007 Fall fashion issue. It is as much about Grace Coddington, Vogues's creative director, as it is about Wintour. Often seeming like the theater of the absurd, the glamour of it all is totally absorbing.

The Last Station

The world's most read author, Leo Tolstoy, made a new will leaving his work and property to the Russian people...and...boy...it sure made his wife mad! Actor, Helen Mirren played that wife, secretary, muse and mother of his thirteen children to the hilt. The paparazzi of the time didn't run out of subject matter with her around.

Crazy Heart

Why is it that the great creators among us are so frequently tortured? The film, Crazy Heart's, tag line even states, "the harder the life, the sweeter the song." Hard-drinking doesn't begin to describe the main character's disgusting self-destruction. His devotion to the devil drink couldn't make him less appealing...yet, a young worshipful journalist could not resist his immense talent. I won't spoil this film by telling you the ending, but I will say that I continued to muse, "how can this end"?

Jeff Bridges, who has won accolades from most award shows for this acting, wasn't going to make the film about a singer/songwriter until music was added. When a soul mate from previous jam sessions, T Bone Burnette, agreed to do the music, the actor became interested. I cannot miss the chance to acknowledge that the screenplay was written in less than 30 days by the producer/director, Scott Cooper, who had never directed even so much as a high school play. He is another artistic genius...hope he's not tortured.

Just Across the Mountain

Over the Santa Monica Mountains from my home is Hidden Valley. Ventura Farms is located in Hidden Valley. When visiting, the owner told us that this Japanese Tea House and bridge were constructed expressly to be a set for the film entitled Memoirs of a Geisha. So many surprises there, not the least of which was this beautiful setting. Hollywood worked it's magic again! When watching the film I thought I was seeing Japan.

A Triple Feature

It was my birthday...spent the whole day seeing films at the new Muvico Theater...great choices...Caesar salad in the second feature...glass of wine and sliders before the final movie...(and, never left the building); felt totally involved in the action with those big wrap-around screens, great sound systems and divan-like seats; started late in the morning and emerged after dark...having had a fulfilling day!

The Young Victoria

"It ain't easy being Queen"! That was my first thought after seeing the advance screening of The Young Victoria in Hollywood. Many childhood fantasies about the wonders of being a Princess, and finally Queen, were shattered. Amid all the opulence, being the person in charge of the fate of a country and it's people weighs heavily against the lush life.

Though we all think of Queen Victoria as the architect of the rigid Victoria life, she was capable of great passion, humor and spirit in her youth. Her companion in this romp of young love is Prince Albert. He returned her love by learning to waltz... (that is all it took to impressed me).

"NINE"

The special advanced Screen Actors Guild screening of the movie, "NINE," last night at the Directors Guild of America theater was followed by conversations by the directors and actors. Rob Marshall, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, "Fergie," and John DeLuca appeared, in person, for questions and answers.

The genius behind this dazzling film version, Marshall, claims that musicals are "in his blood;" it is "what he loves." Cruz had never sung before on film and described it as having been the "most happy experience...making a film." Kidman had brought her six-month-old baby with her to the set...and, had an unforgettable time when filming a scene at 3 a.m. in a small Italian village with Daniel Day-Lewis. Stacy Ferguson (Fergie), when committing to her character, voluntarily gained 20 pounds. The discomfort did not end there. She and the dancers who did the production number in a sand pit went home every night with sand in every part of their bodies (even their eyes). All of the performers alluded to how "safe" they felt when working with Marshall. Johnny Depp can now have that experience when making his next "Pirates..." movie. He and Marshall will be working together on that project. Can't even imagine what might come from that collaboration?

Rob Marshall is creating a new genre of baroque film making. His films are an "operatic musical theater." When in that darkened theater, my every sense was invaded until I almost couldn't stand it!

Georgia O'Keefe

Did you ever wonder what hold Alfred Stieglitz had over the great American woman artist, Georgia O'Keefe? After seeing the made-for-television movie about this tempestuous relationship you will understand why. Jeremy Irons, portrays her irresistible dealer, photographer, lover, husband and champion. Unfortunately, there were others. Joan Allen plays a believably stoical O'Keefe, but Irons' portrayal of an oblivious Stieglitz will win awards.