Let's talk bio pics!
Aug. 2nd, 2012 05:28 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
hippie_chickI'm a sucker for a good biography / memoir. I read them all the time, and love movies about real lives. A post I was reading last night got me thinking about my favorite "bio pics". I do have a few. Here is my top 10, and not in any particular order:
1. Amadeus (1984) Directed by Miloš Forman.
Eight Oscars. Brilliant performances. Beautiful costumes and cinematography. Not to mention the gorgeous music. Yes there are abundant inaccuracies, but this movie is just amazing to watch.
2. Walk The Line (2005) Directed by James Mangold.
Joaquin Phoenix was robbed. He deserved an Oscar for his compelling performance as American icon Johnny Cash. Only wish he'd received as many accolades, including an acting Oscar, as Reese Witherspoon did for her turn as June Carter Cash.
3. A Beautiful Mind (2001) Directed by Ron Howard.
Russel Crowe was brilliant starring as Nobel Laureate in Economics John Nash. Yes, again here, there are inaccuracies, but I think that might be true of lots of these films, for dramatic license. Still though, it is an engrossing, masterfully made film.
4. La Bamba (1987) Directed by Luis Valdez.
Ritchie Valens, born Richard Valenzuela, was only 17 years old when he died in the plane crash that also took the lives of Buddy Holly and J.P (The Big Bopper) Richardson. Here, Philipino born Lou Diamond Phillips turns in a touching, heartfelt performance as the tragic teenager. Filled with Valens hits like "Donna", "Come On Let's Go" and the title track "La Bamba" among others. Phillips and the film had the blessings and support of the Valenzuela family, and they bonded so with their lead actor that he actually BECAME Ritchie to them.
5. Erin Brockovich (2000) Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Julia Roberts plays Erin Brockovich, legal clerk turned environmental activist, who takes on the daunting PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric) to win the largest class action settlement in American legal history. Awards came Roberts' way for her performance including an Oscar and a BAFTA. The real Erin shows up in a scene, too, playing a waitress.
6. The Doors (1991) Directed by Oliver Stone.
Val Kilmer WAS Jim Morrison in this adaptation of the singer's life upon finding success with the band The Doors. Morrison died at age 27 a legend. Yes, again, here inaccuracies abound, in fact the surviving Doors hated it. But I can't help but love it, as Kilmer is THAT mesmerizing and eerie as The Lizard King. Meg Ryan also turns in a surprisingly good performance here as Pamela Courson, Morrison's long time girlfriend. Can't forget the rest of the band, played by Kyle MacLachlan, Kevin Dillon and Frank Whaley, all fantastic in their roles.
7. Ed Wood (1994) Directed by Tim Burton.
I love Johnny Depp. There, I said it, and that might make me biased here. But one can't help but love him in his role as "the worst movie director of all time", Ed Wood. He's fantastic, quirky, amazing. And don't forget Martin Landau as Wood's biggest name star Bela Lugosi. Also note Bill Murray's turn as Ed's openly gay friend Bunny Breckinridge! And have I mentioned how good Depp looks in cashmere?
8. Chaplin (1992) Directed by Richard Attenborough.
Robert Downey Jr.'s acclaimed performance as British comedian Charlie Chaplin is a must see. Supporting him is a stellar cast including Dan Aykroyd, Marissa Tomei, James Woods and Kevin Kline.
9. Man on the Moon (1999) Directed by Miloš Forman.
Forman gets another place on my list! Jim Carrey offers up a spot on fantastic performance as quirky comedian Andy Kaufman. It's a role that fit Carrey like a glove, actually. It's spooky watching it as you really feel the late Andy coming back to life before your eyes. Courtney Love is also here, and she's pretty darned good. Also here and equally fantastic are Danny DeVito and Paul Giamatti.
10. Coal Miner's Daughter (1980) Directed by Michael Apted.
Sissy Spacek! She WAS country legend Loretta Lynn! Well, there must have been something there because Loretta hand picked her to portray her in the movie. Fantastic, iconic performance. Joining her are Tommy Lee Jones as Loretta's husband 'Doo/Mooney. Rounding things out are Beverly D'Angelo and an acting turn by The Band's Levon Helm! Plus other great Opry stars playing themselves. Sissy did her own singing, too!
Runners up: Blow, Silkwood, Milk, Monster, Capote and Goodfellas.
Okay there are a few good ones. What are your favorites? Discuss! :)
1. Amadeus (1984) Directed by Miloš Forman.
Eight Oscars. Brilliant performances. Beautiful costumes and cinematography. Not to mention the gorgeous music. Yes there are abundant inaccuracies, but this movie is just amazing to watch.
2. Walk The Line (2005) Directed by James Mangold.
Joaquin Phoenix was robbed. He deserved an Oscar for his compelling performance as American icon Johnny Cash. Only wish he'd received as many accolades, including an acting Oscar, as Reese Witherspoon did for her turn as June Carter Cash.
3. A Beautiful Mind (2001) Directed by Ron Howard.
Russel Crowe was brilliant starring as Nobel Laureate in Economics John Nash. Yes, again here, there are inaccuracies, but I think that might be true of lots of these films, for dramatic license. Still though, it is an engrossing, masterfully made film.
4. La Bamba (1987) Directed by Luis Valdez.
Ritchie Valens, born Richard Valenzuela, was only 17 years old when he died in the plane crash that also took the lives of Buddy Holly and J.P (The Big Bopper) Richardson. Here, Philipino born Lou Diamond Phillips turns in a touching, heartfelt performance as the tragic teenager. Filled with Valens hits like "Donna", "Come On Let's Go" and the title track "La Bamba" among others. Phillips and the film had the blessings and support of the Valenzuela family, and they bonded so with their lead actor that he actually BECAME Ritchie to them.
5. Erin Brockovich (2000) Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Julia Roberts plays Erin Brockovich, legal clerk turned environmental activist, who takes on the daunting PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric) to win the largest class action settlement in American legal history. Awards came Roberts' way for her performance including an Oscar and a BAFTA. The real Erin shows up in a scene, too, playing a waitress.
6. The Doors (1991) Directed by Oliver Stone.
Val Kilmer WAS Jim Morrison in this adaptation of the singer's life upon finding success with the band The Doors. Morrison died at age 27 a legend. Yes, again, here inaccuracies abound, in fact the surviving Doors hated it. But I can't help but love it, as Kilmer is THAT mesmerizing and eerie as The Lizard King. Meg Ryan also turns in a surprisingly good performance here as Pamela Courson, Morrison's long time girlfriend. Can't forget the rest of the band, played by Kyle MacLachlan, Kevin Dillon and Frank Whaley, all fantastic in their roles.
7. Ed Wood (1994) Directed by Tim Burton.
I love Johnny Depp. There, I said it, and that might make me biased here. But one can't help but love him in his role as "the worst movie director of all time", Ed Wood. He's fantastic, quirky, amazing. And don't forget Martin Landau as Wood's biggest name star Bela Lugosi. Also note Bill Murray's turn as Ed's openly gay friend Bunny Breckinridge! And have I mentioned how good Depp looks in cashmere?
8. Chaplin (1992) Directed by Richard Attenborough.
Robert Downey Jr.'s acclaimed performance as British comedian Charlie Chaplin is a must see. Supporting him is a stellar cast including Dan Aykroyd, Marissa Tomei, James Woods and Kevin Kline.
9. Man on the Moon (1999) Directed by Miloš Forman.
Forman gets another place on my list! Jim Carrey offers up a spot on fantastic performance as quirky comedian Andy Kaufman. It's a role that fit Carrey like a glove, actually. It's spooky watching it as you really feel the late Andy coming back to life before your eyes. Courtney Love is also here, and she's pretty darned good. Also here and equally fantastic are Danny DeVito and Paul Giamatti.
10. Coal Miner's Daughter (1980) Directed by Michael Apted.
Sissy Spacek! She WAS country legend Loretta Lynn! Well, there must have been something there because Loretta hand picked her to portray her in the movie. Fantastic, iconic performance. Joining her are Tommy Lee Jones as Loretta's husband 'Doo/Mooney. Rounding things out are Beverly D'Angelo and an acting turn by The Band's Levon Helm! Plus other great Opry stars playing themselves. Sissy did her own singing, too!
Runners up: Blow, Silkwood, Milk, Monster, Capote and Goodfellas.
Okay there are a few good ones. What are your favorites? Discuss! :)
