Simon Russell Beale – This Had Oscar Buzz

338 – The Death of Stalin

After passing off the reins of Veep, Armando Iannucci returned to movie screens with another political satire. Based on the graphic novel, The Death of Stalin farcically recounts the last days of the dictator and the scramble for power in the days after. With stars like Steve Buscemi, Jason Isaacs, and Simon Russell Beale, the film received solid reviews at its 2017 TIFF premiere and solid box office at its spring 2018 release. But thanks to BAFTA recognition and a Screenplay prize from the National Society of Film Critics, some folks predicted The Death of Stalin for a surprise Adapted Screenplay nomination that never came to be.

This episode, we talk about Iannucci’s career and how the surprise screenplay nomination for In The Loop stirred Oscar anticipation for this film as well. We also discuss the correct way to pronounce Buscemi, the film’s balance between serious-mindedness and farce, and our favorites from the film’s ensemble.

Topics also include the 2017 TIFF lineup and the 2018 Adapted Screenplay and Supporting Actor races.

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260 – The Deep Blue Sea

A few weeks ago, we lost the great and greatly undervalued filmmaker Terence Davies, who listened have heard our love of on our previous episode for The House of Mirth. In 2011, Davies adapted the play The Deep Blue Sea for the screen, with Rachel Weisz taking the role of a post-WWII married woman devastated by a failed affair with a veteran pilot, played by Tom Hiddleston. The film launched at TIFF but didn’t hit US screens until the following year, with Weisz an outsider contender in Best Actress with a NYFCC win and a surprise Golden Globe nomination.

This week, we talk about Davies’ heartbreaking passing and his career that culminated with Benediction. We also talk about Weisz’ career and Best Supporting Actress win for The Constant Gardener, Hiddleston’s breakthrough year in 2011 including Thor, and Simon Russell Beale’s tender performance as Weisz’ husband.

Topics also include what a cockle is, NYFCC’s other Best Actress choices, and the under appreciation of this year’s Dead Ringers limited series.

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