Ello

Todays update is dominated by Goya’s Ghosts but still no answer to the big mystery. Nevertheless…

Let’s begin with a negative review (note – beware spoilers in all these reviews) from Variety, which at least has some kind comments for Natalie.

Portman is a particularly convincing muse for Goya earlier on, then spends much of the later stretch wearing startling, uglifying makeup and doing a good turn as a trembling madwoman.

Although perhaps that is meant to be a backhanded compliment…

And now for a couple amateur/fan reviews.

The first is mostly negative, although nothing like a train smash, but this extends to Natalie’s work in the film.

Finally, Natalie Portman ultimately throws the film completely off genuineness in a role that is completely at odds with her persona. Portman looks like the beautiful girl next door, she doesn?t resemble anything Spanish nor does coating her with globs of makeup to convince us that she just spent fifteen years in an Inquisition prison, or throwing on a harsh accent and some false teeth help to sell the role. Portman has been effective in films like Anywhere but Here, Where the Heart is, and the little known Beautiful Girls. Her recent promotion to stardom in V for Vendetta and the new Star Wars films as characters in science-fiction universes rings false. It?s like trying to cast John Wayne as Genghis Kahn, makeup does only so much and what one is capable of in one area does not always carry over.

The second review (need to be registered on Oscarwatch) is mixed but he sure loved Nat.

Natalie Portman…. Natalie Portman… Natalie Portman… well, I read critics that said she was good the first hour, and pathetic the rest of the film. IT’S FALSE. She is fantastic the entire film, really, she is the best of the film by a mile, her scenes as Inés a woman who becomes nuts after the Inquisition are tender, probably the best scenes of her career; and she is fascinating as Alicia.

So where does that leave us? I’ll be damned if I know. The opinions are all over the place on this film. Kinda reminds me of V for Vendetta in that regard.

There is now a strong rumour that the film will get a US release in the Spring, which is very disappointing for those of us who hoped the film would get Natalie some award recognition. Thanks to Veggiegal and Stellanonline.

And finally, the Gael-Nat rumours are hotting up again. British tabloid paper, The Sun, gives the skinny. Thanks to Irene and Marina.

Nite