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Post by My Name is Matthew on Oct 23, 2014 6:40:27 GMT -8
Post all reviews for October here
The contender's list can be viewed on the Facebook group
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Post by Marci on Oct 23, 2014 6:52:18 GMT -8
OSCAR VOTING
Send your ballots (no database voting - we are too lazy anyways) to this email address:
kelemenmarci29@gmail.com
I only accept and count in your votes if you've reviewed all baits.
Good luck everyone! |
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Post by Marci on Oct 23, 2014 7:20:15 GMT -8
"Mother’s Love" (M. Jenner): It’s pretty much one of the strongest works of yours and a worthy BP contender. Although it has tons of similarities with "Death Be Not Proud", I find the bait even more moody, dark and brilliantly written, with the lovely and super-talented Frances Conroy who is a front runner to win the Best Actress prize she sadly lost for "Death Be Not Proud".
"Forever Young" (L. McWhinney): I know how much you worked on this piece of art and your passion is admirable. It is similar to real life movies like "Being Julia", and baits as "Applause" and "Funny Women", but reading the lines, your beautiful heart and soul is spot on. Well done, Liam!
"Crawford" (M. Jenner): It’s thrilling, terrifying and well-put. I always wanted to write/read a bait like this in the contest. The ensemble is cool and Barkhad Abdi’s supporting performance is indeed the superb standout. I would also praise the cliffhanger in the end – it’s simple, but real. Sometimes there is no reason and people are just f*cked up.
"Beast" (George): I’m really happy that you submitted this month – I hope you will participate from now on. As for your work, the plot is quite beautiful and the style your bait represents is extraordinary, so I give you props for that, but if I’m honest, I don’t see this bait as a big threat in Oscar consideration. We need passion projects and fun ideas in the contest, though, so thank you for that!
"Death Rat!" (K. Klawitter): Your leading man (Simmons) is awesome, but I can’t see Tatum in this role and the chemistry between the former two is also a big question mark for me. The story itself is promising, but I was not as entertained by the first part as I expected to be. It’s very decent bait, but far from being your best.
"Genesis and Catastrophe" (M. Jenner): I really think that it’s outstanding in a way; your cast and crew are incredible and your writing is excellent, really. But the plot itself, the storyline is small and thin, which makes it hard to believe that the film is more than 30 minutes on screen. Unfortunately this takes away from its charm a lot. I have a feeling that it’s not the bait you should be rooting for this month – "Mother's Love" and "Crawford" are more likely to be your players.
"Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" (E. Peck Dunbar): Your cast is a little bit expectable and if I’m perfectly honest, I think there weren’t really any new elements in your bait which weren’t the part of your other musicals before. You can do so much better, even in this overrated genre (I really dislike musicals). Your Awards Campaign is brilliant, though.
"Stranger by the Lake" (E. Peck Dunbar): Nick Roux is overused at this point. I really support people who stick with certain actors as I did with Naya Rivera (although I never really baited her in a row), but sometimes we need to challenge ourselves with new artists. But don’t worry, I really liked the story and the casting of Alexander Skarsgard was really original and worthy of attention. I really liked the way you presented the erotic scenes, and your general writing on this bait was just breathtaking! "Stranger by the Lake" is definitely among my favorite baits this month.
"Malia" (L. McWhinney): I’m over the moon by the fact that you’ve finally changed the genre and went for something rare. It’s an interesting story and the casting is also respectable. It’s one of your good ones, Liam. I’ve always preferred "Little Miss Maybell" from your baitography, but I might make place in my heart for Malia as well. Wonderful and surely a BP-contender.
"Wildwood" (E. Peck Dunbar): I really like your writing, and the way you describing the nature. I also respect the hell out of you, but sometimes I wish that you could write about real-life adults as well. Your children-centered stories with mostly the same actors all over again, are always on the right track; they are great, passionate and emotional, but I’m not as excited about them anymore. Of course it doesn’t mean that it’s not a good bait, I’m just saying that I want to see you snubbing children from your baits once.
"The Final Cut" (M. Jenner): Ellar Coltrane is mesmerizing in this (mostly) acting-vehicle bait. I already expressed how I feel about musicals. The context (World War II) is interesting for sure, and the songs were selected perfectly, but once again, your many times mentioned other two baits are way better, so this bait can only be average in my book.
"Halo" (C. Graham): I’m not familiar with the material, but I really liked your cast and crew. The length is tiring, but fair enough for 150 minutes. The writing is good, but I’m really not sure about the bait’s Oscar chances. It seems like a summer movie hit (box office success), but not a serious Oscar contender.
"I Don’t Want to Know" (M. Jenner): I knew you would cast Carroll Lynch very soon. Your tagline is nice, and the irony is spot on. What a wonderful little movie idea! Congrats for pulling off some laughs here!
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Top 10
1. "Crawford" written by Matthew Jenner
2. "Mother's Love" written by Matthew Jenner
3. "Malia" written by Liam McWhinney
4. "Stranger by the Lake" written by Evan Peck Dunbar
5. "Death Rat!" written by Kevin Klawitter
6. "I Don't Want to Know" written by Matthew Jenner
7. "Halo" written by Chris Graham
8. "Wildwood" written by Evan Peck Dunbar
9. "Forever Young" written by Liam McWhinney
10. "The Final Cut" written by Matthew Jenner
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Post by Kevin Klawitter on Oct 23, 2014 18:38:13 GMT -8
Alarmed Zone Oh boy, do I love the idea of seeing reality show contestants suffer at the hands of zombies. You do a good job of setting the story up and the outbreak and initial reaction is described vividly. But the structure is kind of uneven... it almost feels like you should have either focused on the survival inside the Big Brother house, or an attempt to create civilization after. But you have a strong core here, and the actors are well chosen.
Halo I'm surprised by how much I like this bait. You do a great job of following the structure of the first game while also adding character depth and backstory that I assume came either from later installments in the franchise or your own imagination (if its the latter, way to go!). Sam Mendes is an inspired choice to direct, and although I'm a bit iffy on some of your casting (Adele Exarchopoulos and Andy Serkis wouldn't have been my first picks for their roles), this is a well-executed and smartly written bait.
Genesis and Catastrophe The title alone made me want to read this one right away. I haven't read this particular story by Dahl, but the whole thing has the bite and cynicism of his wit on it, and Glazer is a terrific choice to direct. It is rather short, though, and I saw the twist coming a mile away. Maybe if you expanded the story into little Adolf's young years but kept his name secret it would seem more like a feature film, but at this point its origins as a short story are way too apparent.
Malia This is a wonderful bait. You take a major risk writing in the first person, but it is pulled off incredibly well, with strong characters and vivid sequences that perfectly fit the material and filmmakers. I don't really know what else to say... you've hit a home run. One of my favorite baits of the month.
Waves I like the twisted nature of this story, and while I hated "Spring Breakers" with a fiery passion, I have to admit Harmony Korine is probably an ideal director for the material. I can picture the tension between the characters well, and how Maddy would play mind games with Katerina. I almost wish you had pushed the envelope further- this is a fairly short bait. I would have found it fun if you had included more attempts (maybe subtle precursors to the beach incident), but this is a very good and unexpected bait from you.
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson I've always wanted to see this musical live, and your bait does a good job of describing the story. Edgar Wright is probably the perfect choice to direct material with such inherent contradictions, but knowing from clips that the stage musical was usually performed in something approaching modern dress, I think you missed an opportunity by keeping most of the clothing in the 19th century... Wright might have gone with something more imaginative. I also would have liked to see some descriptions of how Wright visualized the political implications and undertones of Jackson's actions, not to mention the music.
I Don't Want to Know HILARIOUS! This is one of the flat-out funniest baits I've ever read in the contest. You do a great job of establishing your characters and twisting the story in lots of different directions. Todd Haynes is an unconventional but still interesting choice to direct, and your cast is excellent. This is one of the best of the month to be sure. |
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Evan
Member 
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Post by Evan on Oct 23, 2014 20:50:49 GMT -8
"Remember Us" written by Marci
Wow. Such a sad, beautiful story. I never understood why so many of us seem scared to use actors like Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Leo, you use him so well here, it's probably my favorite male performance you've ever created. I really thought that James Pensoldt wouldn't work at first, but as the story moved a long I got a lot of "The Spectacular Now" feels and it became clear he was a stelar choice. Really, really good work!
"Halo" written by Chris
I'm a huge Halo fan, and I think you've done a lot of justice to the series. However, I was missing some emotion. It was all so episodic it was hard to get anything out of it besides a fun action film, which i find has always been an issue when developing video games into baits (the only exception being "Heavy Rain" which as adapted from a video game ripe with emotion). I hope that in part 2 I'll care more about your characters, because while I love this, it's not very baity because it lacks a real human element.
"Malia" written by Liam
It's awesome to see you taking risks, and this is a highly emotional bait. However it did NOT need to be first person narrative. I found that very distracting. I also think it's wonderful to use other actors who aren't household names, but I only knew one actor in your cast so it was hard to decide if the performances would be good or not but I trust your taste hahaha. Asghar Farhadi is a safe but good choice for director, but a director from Australia might have been an even more interesting choice.. This is a good bait, but it would have been better with another edit and a different approach to the narrative structure. Wish that Shohreh had a bigger role, but this bait really does belong to Farahani, and she's my front-runner right now for Best Actress.
"Mother's Love" written by Matthew
It was hard for me not to think about Conroy's current creepy turn on AHS: Freak Show to be honest, and that made the bait feel a little off (not your fault). The story itself also reminded me a lot of "Death Be Not Proud" which also starred Conroy. Thusly, it didn't stand out much for me. I liked it, and it was well written, but it didn't pop to me the way your baits have in the past.
"Death Rat!" written by Kevin K
This is one of the most funny, audacious, earnest baits I've read in a long time. Kevin, you have something of a gift in being able to write so well in any genre, and I want some of whatever you're smoking! I was captivated and giggling throughout this PERFECTLY Coen bait. Everything worked and I could picture the entire thing fully in my head. Easily the best of the month so far! Simmonds, McDormand, and Goodman were especially wonderful.
"Genesis And Catastrophe" written by Matthew
This honestly felt like a 20 minute short. I really don't see where this could even be expanded to make it 72 minutes or more. Outside of Tom Hulce I don't know about this one. I wish I had more to say, it just seemed like it was all kind of a slight-of-hand for when we got to the final word. I dunno, Matt. I'm sorry this review is so unhelpful lol
"Beast" written by George
Welcome back! I've been missing your writing, man! What a beautifully written bait. You always take so many risks and this is one that certainly pays off. This bait really made me think and reflect, something I do far less than I should. While not exactly "baity" it does manage to do so much well and your writing is so fantastic that I can certainly see it doing well in Plot/Synopsis and Press Section. Nice work!
"Waves" written by Marci
I really liked Katerina Shpitsa here, and I think her chemistry with Bell would be really good and interesting. I recently saw "Spring Breakers" and hated it (as well as Korine's awful "Trash Humpers") so it was hard for me to get that out of my mind, but I think this would be a much more enjoyable film.
"Crawford" written by Matthew
I gotta say, it's hard for me to believe that out of the three people who applied for the job, Lazlo, who was literally a Nazi, would get hired. There are a few suspect plot details in this bait (like having a janitor who was a convicted rapist working at a school around kids, or having almost a dozen murders before parents start getting their kids) but it was very, very well written. I thought it really worked as a campy, fun bait, but there were a few too many holes and issues to make it a real contender for me. I was really on the fence until that ending, which really didn't seem all the needed.
"Alarmed Zone" written by Marci
While it held a lot of similarities to "28 Days Later" and "The Walking Dead" the way you set it up using Reality TV was brilliant. I really enjoyed Kendrick especially although your entire cast worked well. I'm unfamiliar with your director's work but the way your story makes you think of Reality TV as almost a zombification in and of itself is fantastic. Great job.
"The Final Cut" written by Matthew
What a good idea! I've always been fascinated by baits with entire albums as their basis (as I did in August with Emelie Sande's "Our Version Of Events"). I wish the title had been different, but this was a very good bait. I thoroughly enjoyed almost everything about it, it flowed well and kept me interested. It's not very baity, but it's really good and unique and I love to see authors take risks like this! Lindsay and Coltrane stole the show.
"Forever Young" written by Liam
I read this bait in development and I have to admit that a lot of the issues I had with it then still exist now. I thought Peter's subplot (and that entire character) were not needed and Tucci played a similar part in "The Devil Wears Prada," I also thought it was FAR too long for how much plot there is, and that while Brie Larson is great, Emma Thompson is unexciting (Driver is good too!). BUT the ending is much better and really elevates the bait out of mediocrity. Not your best at all, but a decent bait for sure, and one i see doing well this month.
"I Don't Want To Know" written by Matthew
What a hilarious bait! I found myself laughing out loud a few times, and it was honestly so much fun to read. Both your leads are great and I can totally picture this in my head (the jabs at broadway and Mama Mia were especially funny). I really enjoyed this! Not sure about it's baityness, but I loved it and it's certainly one of the best of the month. EXCELLENT!
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Post by Leeman on Oct 23, 2014 22:10:15 GMT -8
Halo
By Chris Graham
Firstly, welcome back Gizmo! You have been dearly missed in the writing realms of this contest and it great to see you writing again. You can tell you are really passionate about this project. It really shines through, particularly in your writing. You write very cinematically and descriptively and I think that is a really challenge in this competition. Sometimes, people (including myself) get into the habit of writing basically stage directions with just slightly commenting on other elements such as the setting or emotion. You do completely opposite of this which is really nice to see and something I will defiantly consider when voting on Plot/Synopsis (a really prime category for this bait to be recognised in). However, the downside of writing something we are very passionate about is we tend to overload it with so much stuff and extra details that it infers bait’s structure and flow. I think I see that in a couple of instances in this bait where I found some of the excess details and information just overcrowd the storyline of the piece. But, I do understand you are setting up for a trilogy and need to place certain plot points in certain places in order for it to work in the long term. Sam Mendes doesn’t suit for me. I always have thought he never really was pigeonholed into a certain category as a director (just look at American Beauty vs. Skyfall). I appreciate you choosing him, but I think this bait is maybe a bit too ‘sci-fi’ for Mendes and that detriments the bait for me a bit. Also, I didn’t get the Adele Exarchopoulos character and how she suddenly changes character 33 years later. I know people get older, but I don’t think they change bodies! However, you have assembled a really good cast, particularly Karl Upan who most definitely be a Best Actor contender. This does seem much like a summer movie hit, but I think you show enough passion and pure enthusiasm for the bait, it would unfair of me to just dismiss the bait on that basis. Well Done!
Alarmed Zone
By Marci Kelemen
This a very interesting type of bait. I consider the reality television aspect secondary to the theme of survival which I really think you explored quite well. Survival is a key element in many movies such as The Hunger Games and Divergent, but I must admit that they do not explore it so explicitly like you do. Your writing is very detailed and really gives me an indication of the setting, characters and their motivates. However, a little more plot detail and movement maybe would’ve given the bait just a tiny more scope to be discovered in future instalments. Like I know I am Mr. Romantic, but I would’ve really liked if Robin and Adam to hooked up on the boat, just to give you that extra little theme to explore. I think this would have allowed the reader to delve into characters slightly more and truly understand why they would want to travel to another town together besides the obvious (escaping the horrors of this invasion). So, just slightly more exploration in the story would have benefited the bait I think. This is a really different role for Kendrick. I usually imagine her as the sweet little lovestruck chick, but I feel like this a real departure for her. I feel like comparing her to Sandra Bullock in ‘Gravity’. It’s just a mammoth role, where even though there are secondary supporting characters, the bait is really held on Kendrick solders, but she doesn’t disappoint. I do think she will be among the Best Actress line-up, but I must admit I felt a little hesitant with her role in the beginning, however as the bait moved along I felt more comfortable with her and in the end, I would consider it an inspired choice. I really like it when you do suspense, horror or just anything scary. You are a real talented fellow and I think your writing of such a interesting and captivating could score you some major nominations. Well Done!
Beast
By George
Welcome back to the contest! It’s great to see you writing again! I am really conflicted by this bait. You write very sophisticatedly, with eloquent language and purpose, but I must admit I had no idea what was going on. The whole bait is very high-brow and very intellectual (deals with the detriment technology and cinema that have been revealed in recent times). I think there some really intelligent ideas and theories you present, but I didn’t understand it until I read the awards campaign (very good and interesting new structure too!!) . A bait should be able to speak for itself on the basis of it’s plot, cast and crew alone. I now understand it, but I had no idea what was going on before. I respect that there seems to be a new wave in the game with these documentary-types, but I must say I think the more traditional story and character-orientated baits are what I prefer. Yes, in the documentaries more intellectual scope can be explored, but it can be equally matched in a tradition style bait. I think you are a great writer and it definitely shows here, but I think it needed characters and more cohesive narrative to make it a bit more plausible as contender this month. Good effort!
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
By Evan Peck Dunbar
Everyone in this contest knows I love musicals. I want to be on Broadway someday, so any musical always get support for me and this will be no exception, but I do question it’s adaptation into a bait. It’s appeals very theatrically and being a newcomer to the material (I knew of it, but didn’t really know anything about it) I was a bit confused. I watched some videos online and it made a lot more sense to me on stage. It’s adaptation into a bait is questionable, as I think it’s the simplicity of stage craft and other attributes make it a really thrilling theatrical experience. As a film, I think it could be overblown by the flamboyance that I assume your crew could possible bring. However, I can think of another complicated historical musical that was successful at the Oscars - Les Miserables! I actually like Bloody Bloody a lot better than Les Mis, as I think the source material is a lot more engaging. While I question the adaption, I agree that you have written it very well. You have very difficult historical material that you used quite well and I think this would be my vote for Best Adapted Screenplay, as the complexity of the story in conjunction with the usual difficulties of the adapting a musical (which you succeeded in both). Your cast is respectable, with particular solid performances from stars Walker and Winstead. You are such a talented writer, this defiantly adds to the long list of your fantastic baitography.
Crawford
by Matthew Jenner
I don’t like horror films. Ask Gizmo, I highly dislike them, but this bait has turned it around for me. You are simply a brilliant writer, and please let me get sentimental here, but an even better friend! But, I was really surprised how much I really liked it. Your writing has really grown and I think this is your best work yet! You provide suspense, scariness and pure horror. It is the one to beat for Plot/Synopsis. You provide a stellar ensemble lead by the wonderful performances by Curtis and Dafoe, both would be my contenders for Best Supporting Actor and Actress. The only thing really diminishes it for me is the awards campaign, it is very good and articulate, however it’s way to short for a bait of this length. But, that’s me being nitepicky! It’s an fantastic bait! Well done!
Death Rat!
by Kevin Klawitter
One word. Perfect. Simmons, Coens, one man’s story = immediate Oscar glory.
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Post by My Name is Matthew on Oct 23, 2014 22:37:49 GMT -8
DEATH RAT! (A+) Oh my god, Kevin. This isn't only one of the best baits you've ever written, but one of the best baits in the history of the competition. I love it when the Coen Brothers do something small and funny and quirky, and this seems like perfect material for them. J.K. Simmons is such an underrated actor (and if not for Whiplash, he would still be obscure to general viewers). I love this bait, and I definitely think its the best of the month. MALIA (B+) I really appreciate you rushing to get this in to help with our numbers, and its awesome that you did. I thought you did a good job dropping the sentimentality and actually concentrating on character development. My only problem was that like with Stormom, you wrote it from the first person perspective. That makes it difficult to visualize what is happening, because you write it like a novel, and thus we are left to imagine what's happening through our own imagination, which when doing a bait is bad news. But it is a good bait, and your casting is excellent. FOREVER YOUNG (B) This was a real passion project for you, and it shows. You put a lot of effort into this, and I am proud of you for it. Your main character of Andrea Adams is incredibly well-written and would be amazing for any actress to have. However, I do have some small problems with it. Brie Larson and Adam Driver could have had much better roles, and I wish you had developed them like you developed Andrea. Stanley Tucci could be a real contender, but I think his limited screentime hurts him. It is not a bad bait, but a little more character development would have elevated this from just a Best Actress vehicle to a potential Best Picture winner. REMEMBER US (A+) I loved Dead Simple, but that saga really consumed the contest and you were destined to always be remembered as "The dude who wrote Dead Simple" - then you come out with this, a quirky and lovely little drama. It was wonderful to see Leonardo DiCaprio in a smaller film, and your casting of Mena Suvari was very good. It has a weird tone, like it is more of a journey, and that is what makes this so brilliant. You make us feel and pull our heart strings. One of your best ever WAVES (A) I love it when you cast beloved performers as evil, cruel people. You casting Kristen Bell as this vindictive, vengeful woman was brilliant. This is very much a Best Actress contender. Also, this is one of those rare baits that we write that aren't baity but are absolutely awesome. I loved this bait a lot, and it is definitely in the Top 3 of the month ALARMED ZONE (B+) Ah, dear sweet Anna Kendrick. This may not be your best bait this month, but when your other baits are Remember Us and Waves, it isn't a bad thing at all. I really liked how you took this TV show and turned it into a bait, and to me, this seems like your most coherent, logical bait. I loved Kendrick, and your supporting casts continue to be inspiring and brilliant. You have just proven how you are perfectly able to shake off the Dead Simple trilogy, and I proclaim this the New Age of Marci right here  BEAST (C) Let me be honest - I don't like Godfrey Reggio. His "documentaries" are visually striking, but that's all they are. I think you did a great job here emulating his style (and thanks for returning!), but whether I completely adore this or not, there isn't much place to award it other than in the non-acting/non-writing categories. A good effort though STRANGER BY THE LAKE (B-) This one was pretty good. I know how much you like Nick Roux, and you should continue to use him of course - God knows, I'd love to use Martin Short and Christoph Waltz in every bait I write. I know they are two very different stories, and I may only be comparing them because of their common lead star, but this reminded me a lot of Silent Youth. It feels like an amalgamation of Magnotta, Amnesia and Silent Youth, and I do think its a brilliant concept if you conceived them as some sort of loose films series. If not, they are starting to feel a little similar, but its not distracting from the fact that this is one of your best baits. I am not sure about Fincher as a director though - despite the overbearing story (which is Fincher exactly), this bait has an almost sentimental tone to it, and I consider Fincher to be the most clinical and unsentimental director working today. But overall, I thought it was really very good, and I think Danny Huston was the best part of this bait. BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON (B) I really like this musical, and I think your adaptation was great. My main issue is that while this role obviously belongs to Benjamin Walker, I felt it was just a little uninspiring to use him here. This could've been a great chance for you to take a risk and cast a different young actor, and I think in film adaptations of musicals, the leads are recast most of the time to bring a new perspective to the role (Harvey Fierstein is perfectly comfortable on film, but that didn't mean he should've reprised his role as Edna Turnblad, same for Alfie Boe in Les Miserables and countless others). But that doesn't really hamper the bait at all, because you wrote it so well. I love the casting of James Corden (I used him last November in Starfield, and I am happy we are all so ahead of the curb with this dude before he becomes really famous). Not your best bait, but a great bait nonetheless WILDWOOD (A) Bringing back your two most successful baits in a sort-of mash up was very risky. I wasn't around for Innocent or Nathan, so I didn't really know how they were tentpoles of the contest in their respective months. I liked your two leads very much, but Basso was the better of the two in my opinion. This is probably your best bait of the month, and I am not sure if you could call this a sequel (double-sequel/mash-up/spin-off/crossover), but it worked. HALO (B) When I read baits like this, I always become infuriated that we don't get enough from you. When it comes down to mechanics alone, you are one of the best writers in the contest. Very sophisticated, well-written stories. I may not be a gamer, but my brother is, so I know a little about Halo, and your cast is pretty much perfect for the leads. While the story is not very baity, as it is a video game movie, I do think you did a good job here. It is a very different kind of bait that doesn't really fit in very normally with the type of melodramatic or comedic baits mostly written, it has been shown that the odd-one-out can prevail at the top (Invisible Birthday for example) |
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Post by George on Oct 24, 2014 1:12:25 GMT -8
Hey there everyone. I just wanted to say thank you for the generous response back here. It's been almost a year since I baited my Yeezus doc, and I'm happy to see this place as stayed upright. I truly couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome back.
As you can tell with BEAST I'm probably not going to writing anything very "baity" any more. It's going to sound bad, I know, but I've won this thing 4 times and my goals have changed wildly since then. I've become very weary (and even adverse) to writing projects resembling anything even close to real narrative or established character arcs. It's affected my writing in my real life as well as blocked me from writing here for some time. Luckily I was able to find solace (and passion) in putting my fears, thoughts, and anger through the lens of Godfrey Reggio, one of the few true American film artists left.
The response to BEAST has been more than I could ask for and I am excited by the diverging responses. I will get reviews out to all of you over the weekend, and will hopefully have time to vote for the Oscars. Just know I'm very grateful to be welcomed back and will hopefully continue to write here in the future.
George.
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Post by Leeman on Oct 24, 2014 4:04:53 GMT -8
The Final Cut
By Matthew Jenner
This is a really sweet bait. I really like this new trend of using albums as inspirations. Music is such an important part of my life and I’m glad it is an inspiration ot you Matt. I recently saw Boyhood and really fell into love with Coltrane and I think this would be the perfect project for him. I defiantly see him as a Best Actor frontrunner. I truly have nothing else to say. Really good work.
Genesis and Catastrophe
By Matthew Jenner
From the first scene with Klara, the words ‘Michelle Dockery - Best Actress’ came into my mind and it never left my mind. I just thought it was an inspired choice, but I thought she would be able to show many layers well beyond her current capabilities (as she currently does on Downton Abbey). However, the bait is too short. I really would’ve liked to be extended a bit, giving a bit more discovery and scope of each character. I really like the poster also. Good job!
I Don’t Want to Know
By Matthew Jenner
I really enjoyed this bait, however I don’t think it’s oscar-ish and I think that will hurt it’s chances. Some nominations for Dern, Koteas and Lynch are the extend for it’s major awards chances. I don’t like the director choice, as I think the baits really quirky tone could’ve been executed better by a more unusual directed like David O. Russell. I had flash blacks to American Hustle a bit. I think it’s a solid bait, but it’s here more for entertainment value than an Oscar bait. Loved it!
Mother’s Love
By Matthew Jenner
I am not a big fan of this bait. I just didn’t get it. I didn’t understand what was going on and seemed a bit repetitive at times (with her demise of the three individuals - something very stereotypical used in Hollywood films). But, I really loved Conroy and hope this can be her winning role because it would be very deserving. With a few more edits and inclusions, this bait would be wonderful, however I respect the amount of heart and effort you put into it and think it can garner some love this Oscar season.
Remember Us
By Marci Kelemen
I read this bait in development and thought it was good, but I must admit I get so much out of it on second reading. Yes, it was a very weird story and tone for a romance/drama, but I really like. This is a very different role for DiCaprio, who I think could win you your first Best Actor prize. But, it is Mena who really steals the bait for me and who I will defiantly be voting for Best Supporting Actress. It’s really interesting and the bait that made me think and feel the most this month. Fantastic job!
Stranger by The Lake
By Evan Peck Dunbar
This is a different sort of bait. Your writing is quite strong here, but I found the story a bit confusing at times, however by the end I got what was going on. In terms of Nick Roux, he seems to be your muse and he is good, but not the best compared to Magnotta or Silent Youth, But, don’t get me wrong, he still is good. David Fincher is the PERFECT director for the project and could earn a sole Best Director win. Good job!
Waves
By Marci Kelemen
I love this bait. I first read it and was like ‘it’s just about two chick surfers’, but beneath the surfaces I discovered it was a story about friendship, sisterhood and honesty (three things I think the world needs). Your two leads are very strong, but in terms of winning it is hard to not reward one without the other. I think that maybe detriment the woman in the Best Actress category, but the bait itself should be enough to do quite elsewhere. Good job!
Wildwood
By Evan Peck Dunbar
These baits were released very early in my baiting career, so I remembered them well. I don’t know how it’s going to with awards, but it’s defiantly a favourite of mine this month. Your write descriptive and scenically and honesty just perfectly. This is a contender for Original Screenplay and I sure hope it wins because it will defiantly be well deserved. Thank you for combining two of the best baits in this competition and making an even better one. Great job!
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Post by Kevin Klawitter on Oct 24, 2014 18:13:40 GMT -8
Beast
Your writing is beautiful, and doing a documentary is always risky and exciting. That said, I don't quite buy what the synopsis is selling. Seeing the times change and people's reactions and presence differ sounds very interesting in theory, but simply sitting back and observing without an apparent viewpoint (although the writing implies an anti-technology view) would make me antsy. Also, just watching them without apparently seeking out their purpose is also a flaw. Still, this is incredibly well written simply on a prose level, and I commend you for taking such a major risk.
Crawford
While I saw the ending coming a mile away, I have to praise you for coming up with such a complicated slasher story that actually features characters worth caring about. It's also interesting that you focus more on the adults than the students. There are some narrative hiccups here and there, mostly involving Lazlo (the flashback is unnecessary, and being both spooky and charming seems a little contradictory), but I was still entertained throughout.
Stranger By the Lake
I haven't seen the original, so I don't know how this compares, but you do an excellent job of summarizing the story and making it into something that David Fincher would be excellent at. I also love how you dig into the thematic elements without losing the characters and story in the process. Your cast is great and I can imagine this being a dark and thrilling film to watch.
Remember Us
This is beautiful. An original, unconventional, and just plain great bait about the nature of creativity. You've cast Leonardo DiCaprio perfectly, and I could see him knocking this role out of the park. The press section adds even greater depth and impact to the story, which is simple and yet compelling as any baits I've read. This could well be one of your very best, and that's saying a lot.
The Final Cut
An "All Quiet on the Western Front"-style war movie, set to the music of Pink Floyd? You have my attention. The story has all of the impact you would expect, and although I am not familiar with the music of Pink Floyd, you do a good job of setting up a narrative that explains how the songs are associated with the scenes. There is some inconsistencies with your cast that I found confusing, and Ellar Coltrane is miscast I think, but aside from that this is a pretty good war bait.
Mother's Love
This bait has all of the elements of something dark and twisted and fun, but ends up being just dark and fun. It's almost too conventional, in a way... everything happens, there's not a lot unexpected, and while well written, it's just a bit predictable. Frances Conroy would be aces, though, to be sure, and I would have liked the bait do have dug into her a little more... how was her relationship with her other kids, for instance? This is well-written, but not quite at the level of greatness.
Wildwood
It's tough to believe a crossover between Innocent and Nathan would work at all, but you do it incredibly well here. It has the same sense of fairy tale wonder and real-world grittiness that I loved so much about "Nathan", and the strong characters and emotion of "Innocent". You've done a terrific job creating a deep and detailed world for these people, and it's easy to see why you return there again and again.
Forever Young
Emma Thompson is perfectly cast here... almost typecast, but it's nearly impossible to think of anybody else in this sort of part. The story sort of meanders, but the core is real. I wasn't as engaged as I was with some of the others this month, though. |
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Post by gizmo457 on Oct 24, 2014 21:35:47 GMT -8
Alarmed Zone Alrighty, first off I just love the concept that you have come up with here. Your cast, especially Kendrick is awesome, and I can really see this being a hit in cinemas. Your story is really well set up, and detailed which I like a lot in baits. Very strong work, with a great cast equals an excellent movie. Well Done! Genesis and Catastrophe This was an awesome bait, that I came back to read after the first time. The story itself is awesome and your director was a damn good choice. I hate it when people complain about length of baits, so your bait being short is no problem to me. Cast is great, and overall, a great read. Awesome Work. Malia Wow. Just wow. I like how you’ve constructed this bait so well. Your strong characters are easy to connect with, especially since we see their perspectives in first person. Your crew and director are spectacular, and I believe we have a BP winner here. My number one bait this month. Waves I like this bait a lot. It’s kind of weird, (in a good way of course), and these are some of my favourite movies. Director is a big tick in my books. Your characters are well written and the unexpectedness of the stories events, made me not want to bring my eyes away from the reading. Very good work! Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson I LOVE MUSICALS. After reading this, it makes me really want to see this show live. Director is perfect, Cast is perfect…. Everything about this is pretty damn good. Can’t wait to compete against you in the adapted screenplay category this month. Excellent Work! I Don't Want to Know This bait had me laughing for a really long time. I even read it twice. Your character establishment along with your cast is excellent, and your director is really really inspired. Even after reading this again, the laughs still come to me. Brilliant! The rest will come soon... I've been way to busy guys  |
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