12 years ago, a screenwriter wrote Blue Valentine. In 2003, Michelle Williams read it and loved it. On set a year ago, Derek Cianfrance (writer/director) told her he's glad she liked it, buuuuut, its obsolete and a new script is now in place.

Blue Valentine had a tumultuous journey before it hit screens. According to the producers, this movie had two actors on board 6 years prior: Williams and Gosling. But when financing finally got situated, the actors' schedules were not in unison. Finally, as fate usually has it, the window of opportunity opened. And Cianfrance wanted part of the financing of the movie to go toward Williams and Gosling shacking up-- like a real married couple, so that they can get into character. Of course they didn't LIVE there overnight, but they did stay there all day for a month and spent time with their "daughter" from time to time. He asked them to develop a relationship and get to know each other until shooting began. Well, shooting the lovey-dovey stuff was just a breeze for the actors. They got along just great. But, when it came time to film the feisty, bitter scenes, Cianfrance wanted the feelings to be organic. Williams had a hard time disliking her co-star, but Cianfrance explained to her just how important it was that they adopt these real emotions. 

The words: blue, Valentine imply exactly what this movie is about: love, but sad love. A marriage the sways from tender to worn, from passion to dissatisfaction. This movie provides what not many do: realness and honesty. Never do you see a soft lens used here. You almost feel like you're actually a fly on the wall in a married couple's life. And as you're taken back to the past and to the present, you see love juxtaposed from beginning to end. 

The movie, though hyped for its sexual content is really no worse than something like Love and Other Drugs. I suppose that what is more raw is the truth of the movie, which is the most difficult to face-- that love sometimes is just not enough. The conclusion is that not every ending is a happy one, and just like the title suggests love can be bittersweet.  

1. Make sure locations are LOCKED down and that those owners expect you'll be pretty much taking over that whole day!
2. Like the people you're working with because one negative attitude can really throw it all off course. Luckily, I did not have a problem with this.
3. If you're the director, it's YOUR vision and YOUR job to make sure everyone sees it. This keeps the goal a shared one. 
4. The Editor is way important. I know this shouldn't be a revelation, but for me, it was.
5. The schedule is your bible. And so is your budget. If these two clash, prioritize the 1st. 
6. Help! Ask for it, you'll definitely need it. Call up all those crazy aunts who can make a killer salad and ask them to bring it on set. 
7. Storage space for footage is vital. Back up all the files like 3x over. We "lost" footage on one computer, but luckily had it saved on like 3 other hard drives. Talk about saving yourself a heart attack!
8. Seeing it all through until its done. When you put the finishing touches on the script, you're not done. When the movie wraps, you're not done. When the editor sends you a complete version, you send notes. 


It's fun to make a movie. But you really gotta love what you're doing, or else you'll hate this whole process. I love it and can't wait to do it all over again. This time though, I'll keep these lessons alive.

Alright, I have to admit when I first saw the previews for this movie, I had my doubts. But it seems the Denzel Washington-loving Scott actually impresses again with Unstoppable. 

There are two types of movies I HATE to watch: boring OR violent. The Killer Inside Me fit the latter. Casey Affleck stars with lead ladies Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson in a thriller based in the 1950s. After a passionate and tempestuous relationship begins between sheriff Lou Ford (Affleck) and prostitute Joyce (Alba), the protagonist Lou becomes violent and sociopathic. 

Truth be told when I wasn't disturbed by the violence I was bored. Since this was based on a book, I'm sure there's a lot missing that's supposed to make you somehow identify with the "protagonist" but there is none of that in the movie.

This movie was as painful to watch as An American Crime with Ellen Page and Catherine Keener.

When the movie was over, I was relieved, but had to follow it up with some really cheesy chick-flick type stuff to flush out the awful imagery. Even Jessica Alba herself walked out halfway through the screening!

What's interesting is how many times this film was supposed to be made. Once in the '80s with Demi Moore as the prostitute; again in the late 90s but after September 11, it was deemed too violent. Another version was to include: Casey Affleck, Reese Witherspoon (girlfriend),  Maggie Gyllenhaal (prostitute).

Anyway, if you can stomach movies like this, do watch. Casey Affleck deserves at least a nomination for his depiction of this callous murderer. Plus the film noir elements make this an almost beautiful canvas. 

Everybody loves movies but what about the real devout filmie? You know, the one who knows every line from every movie and can tell you who was in what and with whom they worked with before. How do you know what they love above the rest or have not seen yet? Here's a cheat sheet of items they might enjoy seeing in their stocking stuffers:

• Netflix or Blockbuster memberships: Online streaming, 24/7 access to hundreds of movies, this can't be beat. Do your research on which plan is better for you or them, but start here if they don't already have this. 
• Fandango giftcards: No matter which theater is near, Fandango does not restrict which theater at which to view the latest blockbuster. 
• SceneIt? games: Man are these fun! Anyone who loves cinema loves the challenge of recalling movie quotes, years, actors, and directors. There are even different SceneIt versions for different areas of interest.
• Roger Ebert's, The Great Movies: This book is filled with all kinds of stats and pictures of many classic movies that your film lover is or will be familiar with.
• Variety or Hollywood Reporter subscriptions: Hardcore movie lovers aren't pleased by actors gossip or what E! reports, we want to know the facts on studios and directors. These are expensive memberships, but well worth it if your filmie is ambitious about making it into the industry.
• Film Independent: I should be a paid correspondent for these people! This membership is for an indie film maker or even someone who just wants to be a part of  movies or cool screenings. Visit their website for details. 
• Computer Programs: If you've got a few extra bills to drop and your filmie is serious about writing, editing, or composing, I'd say investing in an industry-standard program is a huge tool for them. These programs vary in price so you may have to ask them first before purchasing, but these are vital if they have a dream of making it into the business. 
• Personalized collection: You know your own filmie better than I do, so you know their favorite movies, flavor of popcorn, and places to eat. Try making a gift basket including some of these items. No one ever lets movie tickets go to waste or doesn't watch their favorite flick with commentary. 

In essence, movies unite people by communicating unforgettable experiences. Whether you're behind the camera or in front of a Blu-ray player, your filmie will love you for knowing exactly what they wanted. You can tell them Film Child helped you, and you're welcome.  :)

Winter's Bone, a Spirit Award nom in many categories, is a bold drama about a 17 year old girl who is the sole caretaker of her two younger siblings and incapacitated mother. When her meth-cooking father doesn't show up to court, her family's home is at risk to be taken for bond. The heroine is forced to track down her father and in the process meets other hard-edged people who warn her not to say anything. 

The film is based on a book with the same name written by Daniel Woodrell. I did not read the book, but I could not imagine I would after 10 pages in. The movie is grim and slow, and altogether just depressing. I mean, can you imagine the tone on that kind of set? J-Law (my cool way of referring to Jennifer Lawrence) was a believable 17 year-old matriarch and feminist. And the story line ain't bad (now I'm talking country too): cinematography was effective, directing on point. But minus its cinematic accolades, I think its slow pace is not for everyone. 

For a full list of awards this one has been nominated for (as far as Spirit Awards are concerned), visit this page. 

Last week, I decided to begin a weekly ritual of dedicating Monday blogs to goal-setting. I did this because Mondays are the days when I personally feel the least motivated; and I bet I'm not alone in that sentiment. 

The assignment last week was to write down 10 things I want to happen in a year and 20 ways to make that happen. Now, I bet you're either thinking a) Yeah, I sort of did that or b) what the heck is she talking about (if this is you, read last Monday's blog)?

Ambition is a wonderful quality to possess, but we need to know what to do with it. After writing down your 20 goal-achieving tactics, how many did you knock out? 5, 10? That's wonderful! Here are some key elements for pushing forward and getting the rest of those goals off your list: 


Self Discipline: This makes everything possible for you. Not only will you gain a new respect for yourself, but your accountability will go up and therefore your confidence. Nothing will deter you if you have this and the more you practice it, the easier it becomes.


Learn from the experts: They say you are what you eat. Well I say you are what you read. Read books, ask for advice, attend seminars in your field. Spend one hour each day reading in your desired field. Network and build a community of others who understand you. Rome was not built in a day and it certainly was not built by just one person. 


"Hold yourself up to a higher standard than anyone expects from you". Harriet Beecher Stowe had it right when she said those words. Don't compromise or take the easy way; stay consistent. This will demonstrate your true character. 


Demonstrate your values in your behavior. What virtues and values do you have that make you special? Study and mimic values that you admire. Behave consistently with your values.


Visual reminders everywhere. Write yourself little notes or change your screensaver to keep yourself on track. Pictures help you visualize the end goal. 


Set deadlines: We humans work better with a target in mind. If you wrote down 20 goals to help you get what you want, set a timeline and stick to it. NO EXCUSES! This is where the self-discipline element will be tested.


Look at your list again. Re-write it. I know I will. I'll remind myself of these qualities too, especially when I'm feeling lazy or overwhelmed. What about you, what are some of your goals that you are dead-set on achieving?

Ever search movie trailers just to be sure you are in the know about what's coming up? I like to visit Apple Trailers or Trailer Addict for mine. Anywho, Here are the ones that most caught my eye: