The 68th Annual Golden Globe Round Up 2011

In 2009 The Golden Globe ceremony didn’t have a host. I feel this is a better way to go. The actors/actresses just came out to present and announce the winner. I don’t remember what they did for an opening, but a joke monologue isn’t the only way to open the show with energy.

I don’t want to be a Pollyanna or someone who only accepts niceties and tact, but I felt some of this year’s host Ricky Gervais‘, blunt, roast type humor may have been unnecessary. Do I feel this way because we’re talking about Hollywood Royalty, like Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie? Maybe. But on the other hand, if they have a movie that bombs, shouldn’t it be allowed to stink out in the open?

You know I don’t like jokes about my man Robert Downey, Jr., but he’s self-effacing enough to take it; and truthfully, I thought his presentation to the Motion Picture Best Actresses, could have been a lot smoother and less overtly smarmy (click HERE for speech).
But let’s move on to the fashion. In my opinion, the style of dress for the Golden Globes should be markedly different from the Oscars. After all, it’s supposed to be a big party. Round tables filled with food and drink, people nominated for categories, but sitting way, way in the back unable to find a path to the stage. This is not the place for ball gowns, and tuxedos are boring. The formality of the Academy Awards necessitates them, but for the Golden Globe Awards, I’d like to see the men in jackets, open collar shirts, designer suits. The women in sophisticated cocktail dresses or two piece ensembles, as long as it’s not a two piece atrocity the likes of Tilda Swinton. Her outfit looked as if moments before going on stage to present, some careless, drunk celeb, spilled a glass of red wine on her dress. They rushed her backstage where a producer took off his dress shirt, a chubby production assistant took off her skirt, they hastily dressed Swinton in the items and said, “Go, your on!”
The other dress catastrophe was Julianna Moore in that fuchsia, one arm, unfinished drape, held up by a tacky headband doubling as a necklace. (And I criticized Ricky Gervais for being insulting).
The Emerald City look – Not sure. Feel free to comment – Mila Kunis, Catherine Zeta Jones, Angelina Jolie.

This year, I’d have to say the women in black were my favorites – Halle Berry (always stunning), Eva Longoria and Melissa Leo, although understated, perfect choice for her.Sandra Bullock’s dramatic bangs were a little heavy, but fun to see a new look for her. Annette Bening’s hair was crazy mother of four, out of control. Natalie Portman’s hair was too controlled, but good dress draping over the baby bump.

Click HERE for more fashion photos from the evening.

Christian Bale Best Supporting Actor for his role as Dickie Eklund in The Fighter – Well deserved. Although, it’s arrogant when a person won’t wrap up their speech. Recently, I posted commentary on a film “Out of Focus” that’s a take on Bale’s on set rant of 2009 (click HERE to read).

Colin Firth is wonderful in The King’s Speech. He’s so earnest in the role, taking the character of King George VI down to size, so it becomes a story about working through personal fears and finding inner strength. But I would rather Firth win the Oscar and felt Jesse Eisenberg, deserved the Golden Globe.
Glad The Social Network was the big winner in the other categories – Best Director- David Fincher, Best Screenplay –Aaron Sorkin, and Best Motion Picture. Black Swan and True Grit will most likely give them a run for their money come Oscars. Speaking of which, Natalie Portman gave the most natural, warm, time correct and professional speech of the night.

Al Pacino was none of those things. Was someone escorting him back to the nursing home at the end of the night?
Robert De Niro’s Cecil B. Demille Award acceptance speech, was pretty good, seems like he’s got good perspective on his legacy and the industry in general.

So that’s Tinsel & Tine’s little wrap up of The Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s big night!

Other than to say, Thanks mainly to Philadelphia Film Society, I have seen a gang of the films noted this year (below links go to my commentary on each film):

Alice In Wonderland, 127 Hours, Black Swan, Blue Valentine, Burlesque, Country Strong, Despicable Me, I Am Love, Inception, Rabbit Hole, Red, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of The Dawn Treader, The Fighter, The Kids Are All Right, The King’s Speech, The Social Network, The Tourist, The Town, Toy Story 3, Wall Street:Money Never Sleeps and Winter’s Bone