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Sunday, February 24, 2008

OSCAR WINNERS

I'm so proud to report that BOTH of the Oscar Award Nominees
that worked on Between the Sand & the Sky WON!!!
CONGRATULATIONS KAREN AND SCOTT!!!
YOU GUYS DESERVE IT!!

Karen Baker-Landers wins the Oscar for Best Sound Editing
for the movie THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM

Scott Millan wins an Oscar for Sound Mixing

for his work on the movie THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM.

And also, I'm very pleased that No Country for Old Men swept most of the categories they were nominated for. If you recall, I was pretty excited about this movie from the first moment I saw it (see Blog post for Nov. 3rd 2007).

Hope you all won your Oscar pools and have a winning week.

All Things Possible!
Chris

12 Comments:

  • At 12:06 PM, February 25, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi guys!

    Congratulations all around for the winners!

    I was pleased to see that "Sweeney Todd" and "Elisabeth" also both took home the award where I thought they would.

    Have a great week you all!

    Big warm hugs!

    Ute

     
  • At 3:21 PM, February 26, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Hi Ute, Chris and everyone...

    We did see Oscars and caught the three awards for Bourne Ultimatum. Please give your friends our congratulations. It'll be fun to watch it again to appreciate the sound effects, knowing that you know them, Chris, and that they helped with your film project. It's exciting that things are coming along for you with that. All of us on the forum are anxiously awaiting and wishing you all things possible of course! Keep us posted. You've a lot of fans out here eager for good news.

    Well...Dave, Tim....are you getting weary of weather discussions? Narnia or nasty today...hmmm. Since I didn't have to go anywhere and was able to be home working on articles, it was actually pleasant to strap on our son's snowshoes (darn, I keep forgetting to tell him he could take them...but they're so nice to have around, and decorative, too! So I'll probably keep on forgetting to mention it.) Hard to trudge though the snow walking with the "potholes" underneath from previous melting on trail. With the snowshoes, on the new snowfall, it was like gliding across a pillow-top mattress or maybe a cloud...if your imagination could take you that far. Well, we may as well have some fun as this very long midwest winter winds down. So hope you are both doing fine....and finding some fun in all this.

    As for the predicted win of No Country, I agree with everything you wrote about the movie in November. And I wrote that I was glued to my theater seat throughout. I'm glad I saw it for the reasons you said. But sometime, could you speak to the meaning of it for you....as an actor/producer/writer...what was the larger picture of the film. Now that I've become more interested in the making of films, I've been thinking a lot about this one. What would you say is the greater reason for seeing this film, beyond what you wrote before. Wow, that was a mouthful, wasn't it?! Hope anyone else who saw the movie will think about this too. I'm really curious about the fascination with this film this year.

    Ute, I'll put Sweeney Todd and Elizabeth on our list. Hope all of you across the pond are doing well...and wishing everyone a beautiful week! Sue

     
  • At 9:58 AM, February 27, 2008 , Blogger Christopher Showerman said...

    Hey Ute- I was pleased as well about Sweeny Todd winning for art direction - a visually stunning movie. I haven't seen Elizabeth so I can't comment there.

    Sue, good question about the meaning of No Country. I think it's one of those movies that isn't entirely clear about their "moral to the story" so leaves the onus in a large part on the audience to draw their own conclusions. Personally, I believe it's about our ability to cope with the potential brutality of our world. Tommy Lee Jones's character represented the "old man" of the title and his growing too fatigued to cope with the seeming quickening of evil in the world. However, in the scene near the end of the movie with Barry Corbin, it's pointed out that evil hasn't gotten worse, but our ability to stand up to it has waned as we grow comfortable and therefore complacent and weak. I am not sure that's what Cormac McCarthy meant to say with his story, but if so, it's an interesting commentary on our world today. I believe they won the Academy Award, however, becaue of the artful way in which the story was told and its haunting inconclusive conclusion.

    All Things Possible!
    Chris

     
  • At 12:34 PM, February 27, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hey Chris, the costumes in Elisabeth are awesome, the costume designers did a superb job. Not that I would want to wear such a dress for long, but they truly deserved the Award. I don't remember just how many dresses they made for the Queen, but there were a lot! And if you do watch it, look out for Clive Owen's Erol Flynn moment! I think you would it enjoy it, I know we did!

    Sue, don't know if you would like Sweeney Todd, but I am pretty sure you'd like Elisabeth.

    Big hugs

    Ute

     
  • At 9:31 PM, February 28, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Happy Leap Year Day everyone...Hope you enjoy your extra day in the calendar. Here's a quote for this 29th day of February...the month we think about love, besides at Christmastime... found at end of an email newsletter today, not attributed to anyone in particular, but thought you'd enjoy. "Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." Has a nice ring to it for all year long....Kind of like looking for (and listening for) All Things Possible in all of the circumstances of our lives.

    Chris...Really appreciate your insight about No Country. This film sends a stirring message, you seem to be saying, about the world we inhabit right now. Despite my dislike for violent films, I'm glad I saw it, because now I feel I can speak about it from the perspective of having endured it. (I confess I have yet to sit through Schindler's List because of my feelings about that...and perhaps that's the cowardly way to look at this...when you are saying, I think, that these films can teach us). A movie like this could make viewers think about how weary we are, fatigued as you say, of seemingly not being able to do anything about this violent world. On the other hand, do you think movies like this feed into that view and perpetuate it? And how would a movie like this be viewed, do you think, by those who have a dim view of our country, as it is? Suppose I'm playing devil's advocate here...but look forward to any comments from forum family about your impressions of the film. And also the current fascination with such dark films. I enjoyed the actors' performances probably the most in that movie. I have another question to ask about the awards, but will wait for another time...

    Meanwhile, Ute, I can now tell you that we saw Elizabeth tonight...imagine that...my husband brought it home to surprise me. And you are right...I enjoyed it immensely...and the costumes (Jaschenka? Hope to hear your thoughts!) and Cate Blanchett. My husband, who loves all things ships...especially tall ships...would have loved to be plunked down on the set to witness or help with building that armada ship. What an awesome feat. And it all looked so fun. And loved Clive Owen as dashing Raleigh. But, if forum family members are like me, I tend to picture a favorite actor of ours in those roles...As for Sweeney Todd? I like Johnny Depp...and am curious about it enough that I might see it anyway. I'll let you know!

    Tim, Dave...just don't think about all the snow tomorrow, OK? And Angi, earthquake in England? Hope all is well. Let us know..."bright" blessings to you over there...and "all things beautiful" to all...Sue

     
  • At 4:19 PM, March 01, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hello all,
    Thanks for your thoughtful comments Sue and I understand your dislike for violent movies. In fact, I wonder if part of the reason that the Academy Awards broadcast had such low ratings this year is because of almost all the nominees, there wasn't a movie to "feel good" about (i.e. a happy ending, upbeat theme, and that sort of thing). Certainly, I would never criticize an artistic vision or a movie that makes a point - but perhaps "Hollywood" needs to rethink things a little. I'm just rambling off the top of my head here, but I wonder what would happen if the focus was off the mammoth blockbuster action films and the message/artistic films but back on just entertaining films? Would audiences come?

    But, having said that, I do urge you and everyone else to see "Schindler's List" as well as "Hotel Rowanda" though both are about ultimately depressing and upsetting topics, both make the strong point that one person through small actions can make a huge difference! And isn't that what ATP is all about?

    By the way, I missed the reports about the snow yesterday and was caught by surprise when I headed off to work Friday morning. I don't know about everyone else, but I'm ready for spring!

    Dave

     
  • At 10:45 PM, March 01, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Hi Dave and everyone...I appreciate your input about the dark genre of movies that are so popular now. I agree with you about the artistry of films. But what you say is something to think about, the low ratings, I mean. I also agree with you about Schindler's List. Probably shouldn't have used that for an example, except that I really couldn't bring myself to watch it (I think I'm stronger now, though, about these things since being involved with Chris and the forum family). Now, I should really make it a point to see it. I've always had a difficult time with the subject since reading Anne Frank when I was young. I had a difficult time visiting the Jewish Holocaust Center here, although I'm glad I did. I'm sure Chris and all of you would agree that we are better for facing our fears. And a movie like Schindler's List, I know, is important to remind us. And Hotel Rowanda, as well. And I am in awe of the power of film as a teacher. I think Chris may have mentioned Hotel Rowanda last year...maybe? Because I remember wondering if I could watch it. As Chris points out, in No Country the message is that we are fatigued with all the violence...And maybe we have grown complacent and weak. On the other hand, it would be wonderful to see a film that inspired us to believe in our potential to rise above our fears and, as a human family, to work together to diminish what he calls the quickening of evil. How powerful it would be to see a film that would make us see the importance of the contributions we can each make...as you say, about one person and each of our small actions making a difference.

    My question about the awards that I mentioned the other day is what I heard film producer Stephen Simon ask/suggest..and that is...maybe calling the category "favorite" instead of best, because "best film" is hard to judge which implies best content. And in all the other categories you are applauding the artistry and the craft of filmmaking. Anyway, I wondered what you all would think of a "favorite" film category, based on box office popularity. I have no idea...just curious...but it sounds intriguing...if so, which film would be the "favorite" do you think? In any case...it's a passionate subject...I'm sure we'd all agree about that.

    Well, a whole new season of films awaits us, right? Know you are all anticipating spring, as Dave said. And may it be filled with "All Things Beautiful" for everyone...Sue

     
  • At 2:22 PM, March 03, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Chris

    It is always nice to see your friends succeed and you must be very happy for them not to mention having Oscar winners on your team.

    This past weekend I competed in a dog agility trial with my young border collie. It was his first show and we came away with many ribbons. Not quite an Oscar but I was pretty thrilled...no speeches though.

    Sue, looks like I will be spared this snow. It appears that it will stay south of me...yeah. The last snow we had was beautiful so I took the camera out for some scenic shots. You can see them and the agility trial results at

    http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj160/TimDyer/


    There are also some shots of England in one of the other files.

    Take Care Everyone

    Tim

     
  • At 9:30 PM, March 03, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Tim...storm track doesn't look good for either us or Ohio for the Tuesday Primary.

    Your winter pics are beautiful! I've taken lots of those too, but think your Narnia photos surpass mine! And your dog is adorable...is it ok to say that? What a lot of awards...what are the categories? Thanks for the link. Sometime I'll have photos on my website...still learning. Also the England shots are spectacular, as well. Autumn must be beautiful over there. We'd sure love to travel to the British Isles...and France for me, oh, and Germany and the Netherlands and Italy! Can't forget you all over there!

    I saw Karen and Scott's name today in Entertainment Weekly Oscar winner list. That was neat to think I knew who they were! I'd say that's a first. Congratulations again to them for their fantastic achievement for Bourne Ultimatum. Gotta see it again now...ATB/P everyone! You two, Dave, for coping with whatever last winter fling comes our way! Sue

     
  • At 8:58 AM, March 06, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Just a note to express my shock at the news today about one of my favorite actors, Patrick Swayze and his challenge with pancreatic cancer. Prayers always for a cure. Thought you might enjoy the international fan club site, which was begun, btw Ute, by some German fans way back in 1990. (patrickswayze.net) Imagine some of you have enjoyed his work, as well.

    Storm encore projected Dave, but Tim, maybe it will miss you again! ATB/P everyone..and be well, Sue

     
  • At 8:38 PM, March 06, 2008 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi everybody!
    I didn't want Sue to have to keep up the conversation all by herself so I'm stopping in, too!

    It was shocking news about Patrick Swayze. Just a reminder that this type of thing can happen to anyone so be sure to live to the fullest each day and work to have no regrets.

    I also saw the storm warnings this morning, but see that by tonight that it might not be so bad (we'll see). I'm not too worried about it though, unless it causes my flight to Phoenix, AZ to be cancelled Saturday evening. Yep, I'm off for some sunshine next week - it's a work conference - but I need a little break from this long winter!

    ATP to all, and to all a good night!

    Dave

     
  • At 6:24 AM, March 07, 2008 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Hello Dave and everyone...Safe travels Dave. Arizona sounds fantastic about now. This has been quite a strung-out winter. By the time you return it'll be nearly spring and you'll be tanned. And just realized we have to change clocks already this weekend. So that's a good sign. More daylight! Yeah, guess I was trying to keep the conversation going. Thanks.

    Hope some new fans of this website will take a moment to join the conversation. And, you're right about living each day to the fullest. That's one reason it's fun to keep the conversation going here, to remind us to do just that, to appreciate the wonderful things that make up our lives, and to be in the company of others who enjoy embracing All Things Possible, no matter what that "wonderful life" brings us. I'd better not get too sappy here or you'll be thinking about Jimmy Stewart....but I love having a place on the web where we can come together to keep the ATP going. Heaven knows, we all need a little bit of assistance on the journey. And it helps to think you're on the path with other like-minded folks such as those in the forum family.

    So, ATP sunshine to fill your days! Sue

     

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