THB Headlines, July 7
THB Headlines, July 7
James Caan… he was more than an actor… he was the definition of a certain kind of manhood in our culture. For better or worse. He never seemed to care. Here is how he defined himself on Twitter…
Was he one of our greatest actors? Not really. He was one of our greatest movie stars. He was naturally iconic. He was able to show his deeply held emotion fighting to come out while remaining a guy full of raging bravado. A more honest version of “a real man” of the 60s-90s.
“Jimmy” was 5’ 9”. (Everyone called him “Jimmy,” like everyone calls David Zaslav “Zaz.” Most people didn’t earn the right. To either.) He was the tallest, strongest, toughest 5’ 9” guy ever. On the other hand, his lack of height was part of his power. Like Jimmy Cagney. He punched up… always.
He had a 62 year film/tv career, starting with a Naked City guest spot in 1961. His self-accounting on his Twitter account Top 10 doesn’t include Cinderella Liberty, Freebie & The Bean, Funny Lady, Silent Movie, Gardens of Stone, Alien Nation, Honeymoon in Vegas, Flesh & Bone, Bottle Rocket or The Way of The Gun. His work in his 2nd 10 best films put most movie stars’ first 10 to shame.
Loved his kids…
It would be disingenuous to not note that he had some weaknesses…
James Caan believes Trump makes the US an offer it can’t refuse
But being Jewish was not one of them…
Caan made himself available to promote the new Godfather 4K re-release for the 50th anniversary of the seminal film, just a few months ago. You could see the age taking its toll (as with Duvall).
CBS Sunday Morning: "The Godfather" at 50: The making of a classic
There are a lot of ways to feel about James Caan. He was a bit of a throwback. But not a bullshitter. You knew where you stood. He was fearless. And he did represent some of what our better angel-ed culture is seeking to work past. But I celebrate him and who he was, high and low. I will miss knowing that he is somewhere close, ready to say anything he thought.
2012 interview in Toronto…
In other news…
Michael Cieply chiming in - and opening with some serious ass-kissing - on Bill Kramer’s plans for The Academy is interesting, because it has the scent of someone having had an actual conversation with Kramer before Dawn Hudson was forced out. So I am paying attention. I have nothing against Kramer and look forward to any strong choices that he makes moving forward.
Predictions, Large And Small, For The Academy’s Kramer Regime
Almost Famous Musical Sets New Broadway Opening Date, Lands Venue
Bob Chapek’s Sun Valley Challenge: Define His Vision for Disney
No. Media’s interest remains sharply atuned to Chapek’s specific view in many categories. He has no Sun Valley Challenge aside from working the room as he sees fit.
The Top Global Licensors Report 2022
Media Hysteria continues around any basic cost-cutting as a result of a merger
Warner Bros. Discovery to Sell Knoxville Office Building
Significant in that it reflect on a trend on how Marvel is managing D+ content
Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio Returning for Marvel Series ‘Echo’
Thor Headed
Sort of reviewing Thor: Love and Thunder by Marshall Julius
You can’t really be against this… it’s money and effort well spent…. but what does it tell us about AMPAS, an American industry organization? Why isn’t The Academy doing more for “Hollywood” talent? Why hasn’t The Academy managed to find even 10% American racial minorities to include in its expansion year invitation counts?
Academy Launches Development Program for Black British Film Composers
