MovieChat Forums > Kristen Stewart Discussion > Time for some more music

Time for some more music

posted 6 years ago by CKid (3816)
39 replies | jump to latest

Burned another of my Kristen music cds today, this one mostly containing songs by another band I like a lot -- The National. Even though they've been around for awhile, I only became aware of them about six years ago when I heard their song, 'Think You Can Wait,' which was written for the Paul Giamatti film, Win Win, when it played on HBO. You can find it on track #10.

Of the nineteen songs on this disc, the first fifteen are by The National. The final four include two by Scars on 45 -- the cover of The Cure's 'Friday I'm In Love,' which LL just used to make a great Kristen music vid and 'Runaway,' a song which has only appeared on an EP that the band sold at their concerts.

There has never been a YouTube video of that song, until today that is, for I just made one! You can find it on song #16 of the following track list (LL's video can be found at track 18).

So here's ... About Today
. 1) About Today - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipx8qWt2fVA
. 2) Slow Show - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCR0Tr2HTfA
. 3) Fake Empire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KehwyWmXr3U
. 4) Blank Slate - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyjZHXRuR9c
. 5) Sorrow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxWh5ivlBS0
. 6) Runaway - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxT9v8reXB0
. 7) Lemonworld - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCfWAVRR794
. 8) Bloodbuzz Ohio - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfySK7CLEEg
. 9) Exile Vilify - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUwkGFw226U (Note: I really love this video!)
10) Think You Can Wait - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2psTO8EurH0
11) Carin at the Liquor Store - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEe_yCVLQSc
12) Lean - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAadz5_0Zg8
13) I Need My Girl - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Tod1_tZdU
14) Graceless - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpz_gUyImhw
15) Don't Swallow the Cap - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dkzh8b5Mj3s
16) Scars on 45: Runaway - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m89X6KdvFYk (Made a new one of this on May 11th)
17) The Cure: Just Like Heaven - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0RaG5EsTI4 (Yea, 'Adventureland'!)
18) Scars on 45: Friday I'm In Love - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C78I97Bgp6E (Great music vid, LL!)
19) Marc Cohn: One Safe Place (live) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdhL1zkT4BI

There you have it. Think I'll go listen to the cd again.

Oh yeah, I first heard the last song on the disc when I saw the Joan Allen film, 'The Upside of Anger' with Kevin Costner.

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

Oh yeah, my video is made up of a whole bunch of screen caps from Kristen's films, etc., one of which still cracks me up every time I look at it. Let's see if you can guess which one it is.

I'm guessing it's the last screencap in your video Carved, the screenshot of her character Mallory from Welcome to the Rileys. Admittedly, my guess was not an easy one as your video included scores of well-chosen stills which demonstrate various meanings, nuances, and significance in relation to her various performances from most of the movies in her filmography including "JT Leroy", "Lizzie" and "Underwater"--yet it still manages to stand above the rest in the sense that it was the most uproarious, especially when this screenshot is understood in the context of the film, which resulted in a tradeoff so to speak: It was unfortunate that after Lois Riley took Mallory shopping for clothing items, that the underwear she sported for the rest of the film paled in comparison in terms of exhibiting her individuality and character. Yet to be fair, Lois Riley was more concerned about Mallory's health and well being, which included her wearing clean underwear as opposed to her making a fashion statement in a pair of used, STD-infused undies.

Speaking of songs used in movies, The National has been featured in several such as Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Syriana, Good Kill, The Company Men, Warm Bodies, The East and Warrior to name just a few.

[–] CKid (3816) 6 years ago

I regret to inform you LL, that despite your insightfully well written answer, your guess is completely wrong. In fact, it's not even close!

The correct answer is a little ironic (oh I can just hear Alanis Morissette singing now), because although I mostly dislike 'The Twilight Saga' films [with the notable exception of the last 45 minutes of 'Breaking Dawn II' (I really like the fight!)], the one screen cap that still makes me laugh is the one of Bella, Jacob and Mike at the movies in 'New Moon.' The expression on their faces as they watched the film (I think it was called 'Face Punch' or something like that -- but I'm probably wrong) was priceless. Plus, if I remember correctly, Mike was feeling a bit nauseous at the time. For me, it was quite refreshing to have some unexpected and much welcomed humor thrown into that film.

[–] Ron2011 (907) 6 years ago

I notice that a lot of the music is mellow, which I like and I also like music with some feeling to it. Many of these songs have those. Carved, you've now introduced me to The National, and I find I like their easy listening songs with heart.
A favorite song is on LL's video - Friday I'm in Love. :)

Good choices Carved, you're a good music aficionado. :)

[–] CKid (3816) 6 years ago

Hey Ron, speaking of Scars' cover of Friday I'm In Love, here's the video of the song with the story of Aimee's addition into the band included ... https://www.scarson45.com/videos/2013/11/17/friday-im-in-love-for-bilboard
[Hmm, had a bit of trouble making this link clickable but then I noticed that I had to misspell 'billboard' in the addy.]

Meanwhile, I just found another song from their early years that I had never heard before, a tune titled 'Tired Eyes.' I like it a lot, and while listening to it, I was wondering why it had never appeared on any of their releases. Then I heard Aimee drop the F bomb in it (she does so twice), so I'm guessing that that's probably the reason.
If you want to hear it, click away ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS17BwndGaw

Finally, good to hear that you like The National. As LL mentioned, their songs have been on the soundtracks of several films, and I sure wouldn't mind to one day hear one of them in a film with Kristen. Ditto with something from Scars!

[–] Ron2011 (907) 6 years ago

Very pretty rendition of Friday I'm In Love , thanks for posting that Carved. I like how in the video interview the singer talks about how she first started singing to that song when hearing one of the band members playing it on the piano. She started singing to it but had never really sung before. Sounds like that got her well deserved a place in the band. :)

[–] CKid (3816) 6 years ago

Glad you liked it Ron.

Meanwhile, I've just completed another music video -- this one in anticipation of Kristen's upcoming project, Against All Enemies, where she will play Jean Seberg. The music I've selected is from Eddie Manion's 2013 album, 'Nightlife,' where he does a composite cover of Springsteen's 'City of Night' and King Curtis' 'Soul Serenade.' FYI, Manion is from New Jersey and has been a part of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes as well as the 'Miami Horns,' which is the name of the horn section of Bruce's E Street Band when on tour.

So here's Kristen and Jean ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb_kuKVmKv4

As you can probably guess, I'm really looking forward to this film.

[–] Ron2011 (907) 6 years ago

As I remarked on the video site, "I love all the still pics in this, reminders of Kristen's roles plus Jean Seberg. Great mellow listening tune! Nicely done."

[–] CKid (3816) 6 years ago

Thanks, Ron. Glad that you liked it.

That being said, I wouldn't exactly classify the music I chose as "mellow."
I chose it because to me, it was "soulful," thus seemed to fit Jean Seberg's involvement in the 1960's civil rights movement .

As previously stated, I am looking forward to this project with extreme interest.

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

In order to show how beautiful Kristen is, sometimes the best way is to juxtapose her pictures with that of other Hollywood beauties. Wow Carved, you're really on a roll--churning out two breathtaking videos in a matter of a couple of days!

I told myself that I would refrain from working on any video edits until I've completed the rough draft of my screenplay written specifically for Kristen. Yet I'm fighting an uphill battle a third of the way through the second act and am being consumed by the storyline at the moment. I'm rereading some books on screenwriting to help me through what many screenwriters call the most difficult part of a script largely responsible for writer's block. So I thought, why not take a breather by doing a video edit of Kristen. With fake rumors that she got back together with Robert Pattinson circulating on the internet, I thought, why not do an edit focussing mostly on some of her heterosexual onscreen romances of the past while including some of the most iconic film clips of her career in my humble opinion, accompanied by the song "Never Be the Same" performed by newcomer Camilla Cabello from her debut studio album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b5yDQ-G51s

[–] Ron2011 (907) 6 years ago

LL, good luck on writing your screen play. That kind of things is a challenge and great learning experience, even just coming up with the story. Then putting it in settings, environments and cast of characters with continuity of the story with what characters see and do. Good stuff. I couldn't do it. :)

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

Thanks Ron for your vote of confidence as I'll need all the encouragement I can get. And yes, it's definitely a learning experience as I had to do research on various subjects ranging from evangelical Christian religions to political science to macroeconomics to futurist predictions to machine singularity, to genetic engineering/cloning to reverse engineering of the human brain to quantum physics and several topics in between.

While I have most of the story outline already in my head including the climax and concluding scene, one reason why I'm at an impasse is that I'm not sure if I should keep the storyline tailored for a small budget, which I believe will have a much better chance of being produced and hopefully directed by Kristen, or if I should go bigger in terms of production costs which may never be greenlit as it would be competing for dollars against big-budget superhero franchise movies produced by major studios such as Marvel. I've entertained the notion of whether or not to create a storyline involving real-life superheroes, in terms of using supernatural characters biblical-wise whom Christians believe to actually exist or focus the story primarily on human characters with divine intervention mostly implied. The heart of the story, which will revolve around the world of Kristen's character, does not require a big budget. So most likely I'll go the indie route, as the star of this film I'm hoping will be the greatest indie actress of her generation and perhaps even its greatest director of independent films.

[–] Ron2011 (907) 6 years ago

"While I have most of the story outline already in my head including the climax and concluding scene, one reason why I'm at an impasse is that I'm not sure if I should keep the storyline tailored for a small budget, which I believe will have a much better chance of being produced and hopefully directed by Kristen, or if I should go bigger in terms of production costs which may never be greenlit as it would be competing for dollars against big-budget superhero franchise movies produced by major studios such as Marvel."

I'd say go for the smaller budget movie. I would think a story for a big budget film would be a lot harder to write, produce and get going. Given also that I think this is one of your first attempts it may be better to start smaller. Just my first take opinion but you know better what you're capable of and what your best goal is. :)

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

I'd say go for the smaller budget movie. I would think a story for a big budget film would be a lot harder to write, produce and get going. Given also that I think this is one of your first attempts it may be better to start smaller. Just my first take opinion but you know better what you're capable of and what your best goal is. :)

Thanks for your input Ron and I'll take this to heart. One of the books on screenwriting which I am currently rereading mentions how the bigger the world portrayed in a film, as impressive as it will appear on the big screen, the less personal and intimate the story becomes for the main character, as the focus will be more on the outward aspects including dazzling special effects, exquisite set pieces and elaborate backdrops instead of the inner feelings of the lead. So while I'm currently stuck at a crossroads--as my storyline could go in a multitude of directions regarding budget, ratings, and size of the cast, I'm leaning heavily towards focusing on the world as seen through the eyes of the main character instead of the other way around. This must be one of the major reasons why most critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated performances are in small budget indies as opposed to big budget blockbusters.

[–] Ron2011 (907) 6 years ago

"One of the books on screenwriting which I am currently rereading mentions how the bigger the world portrayed in a film, as impressive as it will appear on the big screen, the less personal and intimate the story becomes for the main character, as the focus will be more on the outward aspects including dazzling special effects, exquisite set pieces and elaborate backdrops instead of the inner feelings of the lead."

That's an interesting point and some of what I had in mind. Looking at Kristen's roles in her Indie movies they're often about the characters and issues or challenges characters are going through. That being a smaller story may allow a writer to focus on the particular issues rather than a larger and more encompassing environment. Maybe that'll also help with writer's block, by giving a narrower focus on the story?

I guess on the other hand, the bigger movie story line allows for less detailed characters while adding in more action, flash, scenery and special effects to flesh out the story. I would think though that might have more moving parts to it which each need some attention, so not necessarily easier to write.

Interesting, I'll be curious which way you decide to go as each way has its pluses and minuses.

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

Looking at Kristen's roles in her Indie movies they're often about the characters and issues or challenges characters are going through. That being a smaller story may allow a writer to focus on the particular issues rather than a larger and more encompassing environment. Maybe that'll also help with writer's block, by giving a narrower focus on the story?

Exactly Ron. Another example is an ensemble film which has a plethora of characters. Very difficult for an actor, especially one with a bit part, to demonstrate range, more specifically, character arc. While Kristen did an exceptional job in her feature film debut in "The Safety of Objects", because there were 15 other lead characters involved in this film which intertwined a bunch of short stories, for her to display noticeable range in that role, was virtually impossible. Same thing with her other bit parts in films like "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk", "Certain Women", "What Just Happened", "Jumper" and "Anesthesia". While she did an admirable job in all these roles considering they were small roles, one even being a mere cameo-like appearance, it would be unfair to expect her to be truly transformative in any of them. And then there were her roles in "Twilight", "New Moon", "Eclipse", and "Cold Creek Manor" where her characters were purposefully written with a very narrow range. Kristen showed a measure of growth, or character arc if you will, in her coming-of-age films such as "Adventureland", "The Yellow Handkerchief", "The Runaways", "The Messengers", "Amercian Ultra", "In the Land of Women", "Zathura", "Undertow", "Fierce People", "Equals", "On the Road", "Anesthesia", and "Breaking Dawn - Parts 1 & 2". And finally, there were her roles where her character was tested under fire so to speak, which allowed her true character to come to the forefront, which she exhibited wonderfully in terms of character arc in films such as "The Cake Eaters", "Welcome to the Rileys", "Speak", "Camp X-Ray", "Still Alice", "Panic Room" and "Personal Shopper".

Kristen's best role to date was in "Clouds of Sils Maris" because not only did she excel in a role in a film which defied convention, her character arc was off the charts even though her character wasn't tested under fire. Here's a preeminent example of her acting prowess, where she has the deft ability to act spontaneously at times based on unwritten subtext as they say in the industry because she was given the freedom to do so by COSM director Assayas. This is a major reason why I want her to act in a film which she directs--I want her to have the freedom to run with it, make the character her own so to speak--since that's when she truly shines as an actor. Imagine if Kristen had a story with both compelling story arcs and life-changing character arcs to work with--how phenomenal a performance she could churn out if she was given free reign to do as she pleases.

Thus when her naysayers accuse her of churning out one-note performances in some of her past films they have a point--although it should be stated that Kristen shouldn't be faulted as she, like the vast majority of actors working in Hollywood, are usually required to act out a role as it is written. So what I seek to accomplish is giving Kristen a role to demonstrate her range, testing her character under fire, in life or death situations to reveal her true character arc. And unlike many of her previous roles, her character will be a likable one, one whom audiences can sympathize or at least empathize with--one with whom they would love to vicariously go on a journey with.

[–] Ron2011 (907) 6 years ago

"Kristen's best role to date was in "Clouds of Sils Maris" because not only did she excel in a role in a film which defied convention, her character arc was off the charts even though her character wasn't tested under fire. Here's a preeminent example of her acting prowess, where she has the deft ability to act spontaneously at times based on unwritten subtext as they say in the industry because she was given the freedom to do so by COSM director Assayas. This is a major reason why I want her to act in a film which she directs--I want her to have the freedom to run with it, make the character her own so to speak--since that's when she truly shines as an actor. Imagine if Kristen had a story with both compelling story arcs and life-changing character arcs to work with--how phenomenal a performance she could churn out if she was given free reign to do as she pleases. "

Good points. Even though she's had many roles and done very well with strong critical praise, this would be something that would really allow her a lot more freedom to explore and expand a role. It would be very interesting to see her do this, I guess it would be like getting to a next level.

[–] CKid (3816) 6 years ago

[deleted]

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

How can I not like a video featuring two of the prettiest and successful young actresses working in Hollywood today, Carved? If Robsten had a baby, I'm guessing it would look a lot like Emma Watson. The interesting thing about Emma is she already knew she would become a Hollywood actress from a very young age. When Kristen was around that age she nonchalantly mentioned that she wouldn't mind giving acting a try but did not want to be the center of attention and thus aspired to become a screenwriter or a director instead. When I was six years old, I had no idea what I wanted to become when I grew up. Heck, 'till this day, I still don't know for sure what my mission in life truly is.

Awesome cover by The Corrs. I'll always love their biggest hits "Breathless" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzerbXFwGCE and "Runaway" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fMUYU8DC1U

[–] CKid (3816) 6 years ago

As far as The Corrs go LL, in addition to their cover of Hendrix's 'Little Wing,' it was their amazing cover of Ryan Adams' 'When the Stars Go Blue' with Bono that made me a fan ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVNmwWDCne8

For those interested in the makeup of the band, it's the eldest, Jim, the brother, playing guitar and keyboards, the sisters, Sharon playing violin, Caroline on drums and Andrea with the vocals and tin whistle. Hard to believe that so much talent comes from one family, not to mention how beautiful the sisters are.
Here's a brief early history ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoc39mpziRI
Man, it's also hard to believe that as teenagers, they were in the film, The Commitments.

Oh yeah, another fave of mine was when they appeared with Rod Stewart to do 'Ohh La La' ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYgdb3Glu3M

Finally, here's all one hour and twelve minutes of The Corrs Unplugged. Watch it, it's great.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcF1HEvuX9Y

P.S. Glad you liked my Kristen/Emma 'Little Wing' vid.

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

For those interested in the makeup of the band, it's the eldest, Jim, the brother, playing guitar and keyboards, the sisters, Sharon playing violin, Caroline on drums and Andrea with the vocals and tin whistle. Hard to believe that so much talent comes from one family, not to mention how beautiful the sisters are.
Here's a brief early history ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoc39mpziRI
Man, it's also hard to believe that as teenagers, they were in the film, The Commitments.

Thanks for referencing her role in The Commitments Carved, as it retroactively adds to the pleasurable experience I've gained from watching this absorbing film a few months ago. While Andrea Corr only had a supporting role, she definitely has screen presence. Andrea was also cast in "Evita" starring Madonna, where she was able to showcase her vocal talent alongside arguably the greatest female pop music icon of all time and more than held her own, as she has a voice of an angel so to speak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPRGaHETh1w

I'm not sure exactly why songs from artists who blend modern rhythms with acoustic instruments such as the violin, drums, tambourine and penny whistle resonate with me so deeply. Perhaps it may have something to do with me being enrolled in the orchestra at the middle school I attended, playing the violin for 3 years or the fact that my older sister is a fan of artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell, KT Tunstall, Suzanne Vega, Joan Baez, Shawn Colvin, Colbie Caillat, Michelle Branch and Mazzy Star, playing their music endlessly while I was a captive audience while still living at home.

For example, Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You" puts me in a trancelike, hypnotic state: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImKY6TZEyrI

[–] CKid (3816) 6 years ago

It's interesting that you mentioned Mazzy Star's 'Fade Into You,' LL, because that was the third song on a Kristen music cd I burned a month or so ago. There are eighteen songs on that cd, which is titled Time After Time since the Cyndi Lauper song starts it all off.

'Missing' by Everything But the Girl precedes 'Fade' and 'My Eyes Are Still Bright' from Scars on 45 comes after. Here are videos of the three. Oh yeah, The 'My Eyes Are Still Bright' video is a new one that I just uploaded. It's a bit different from the ones I've previously made, but fear not, for Kristen is in it.

Missing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9VdJA6BCww
Fade Into You - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgF484AGsBA
My Eyes Are Still Bright - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z_eVRNXMvU

Those are followed by tracks 5 & 6, namely 'Twenty One' by The Cranberrires and then Martina McBride's 'Concrete Angel.' I'm posting these because like what 'Fade Into You' does to you, 'Twenty One' puts me into a similar trance-like state, and as for 'Concrete Angel,' lets just say that this particular fan-video of it is one of my all time faves.

Twenty One - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzpLMD1xb0Q
Concrete Angel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A70OrFlo7zI

The disc closes on the upbeat however as the last three songs are ...
Adele: Rolling In the Deep - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYEDA3JcQqw
Concrete Blonde: Joey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdpTcvSn8HQ
Roxette: Listen To Your Heart - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf_J-PWE7Mc

And now, since I'm in the mood, I think I'll add one more rockin' song -- this from a film that starred someone Kristen has worked with twice before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCIrPJ6SBl4

Oh was Diane young back then. I confess that 'Streets of Fire' has always been a guilty pleasure flick for me. ;-)

[–] CKid (3816) 6 years ago

OK, now it's time for some fun along with some music.

'Streets of Fire' was an early Diane Lane film, but it was not the first time she had played a singer. The first time was in the film, 'Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains.' Here's the trailer and final scene/closing credits ...
trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_lRg2f9agY
closing credits - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D44rlaan1NY

As stated in a previous post on this thread, Diane Lane has appeared with Kristen in two other films -- the first being 'Fierce People' and the second, 'Jumper.'

Three other actors in The Fabulous Stains have also appeared with Kristen on the big screen. Can you name them and the films they appeared in?

Hint: like Diane Lane, one of those actors has been in two different films with Kristen (and her father has been in one as well -- name him and that film), one was in a short, and the other had a "small" role in one of Kristen's bigger films.

Answer: [spoiler]Laura Dern was in 'Certain Women' and the upcoming 'JT Leroy'; her dad, Bruce, was in 'The Cake Eaters'; Steve Jones, the guitar player in The Looters, owned the guitar store in 'Cutlass' and Ray Winstone, lead singer of The Looters, played Gort in 'Snow White and the Huntsman.' He's the third one from the right in this photo ...
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1735898/mediaviewer/rm4058228480
Hey, I said it was a "small" role. ;-)[/spoiler]

Man, amazing Kristen connections for such a small, almost forgotten, film.
Speaking of which, the swimming pool shots in The Stains' closing credits video sure reminds me of the swimming pool scene in 'The Runaways.'

[–] Ron2011 (907) 6 years ago

Good one Carved. Lately I've seen Laura Dern in several films, older and newer.
Also, In the Cutlass video there were a lot of popular actors or young iactors who have a lot of work under their belts. Really fun video for a small video.

Virginia Madsen, Chevy Chase, Kristen Steward, Dakota Fanning, Kurt Russell, Sarah Roemer. I think also Dax Shepard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik7SyDvidaE

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

In the Cutlass video there were a lot of popular actors or young iactors who have a lot of work under their belts. Really fun video for a small video.

Virginia Madsen, Chevy Chase, Kristen Steward, Dakota Fanning, Kurt Russell, Sarah Roemer. I think also Dax Shepard.

Since the day I first watched Cutlass I've been wondering how a micro-budget short film like this was able to draw so much acting talent. The fact that this film had a minuscule budget in itself proves these actors didn't do it for the money. With an all-star cast, including Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen, 2-time Golden Globe-nominated actor Chevy Chase, Golden Globe-nominated actor Kurt Russell, along with two of the most talented teen actors in Hollywood--makes one wonder why they all signed on. I mean--come on now--Kristen didn't have anywhere near this level of Hollywood star power at her disposal in her short film Come Swim! Okay, so I do admit that "Cutlass" had a more endearing storyline than "Come Swim", but the latter was artsier and partly justifies me thumbing my nose at the former. And it wouldn't have hurt if Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne or someone of his stature played the lead in Kristen's directorial debut. If there was a scheduling conflict to sign Eddie, Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Eisenberg would suffice.

So in my feeble attempt to understand why life is not fair, and more specifically, that not all short films are created equal, I decided to apply the six degrees of separation rule to this short film as a means of consolation. This was Kate Hudson's directorial debut. Kate, as you probably know, is the daughter of Oscar winning/8-time Golden Globe-nominated actress Goldie Hawn. Goldie Hawn is married to Kurt Russell. Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase were the co-leads in the comedies "Seems Like Old Times" and "Foul Play". Can't seem to find a connection to Sarah Roemer other than she looks a bit like Kate Hudson when they were around the same age. Dakota Fanning costarred with Russel in "Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story." As far as Kristen being cast in this, it appears she was chosen primarily on her own merit--unless there's a Zathura connection involving the casting of her and Dax Shepard in "Cutlass". Perhaps you or Carved may want to further explore other six degrees of separation possibilities I may have overlooked.

So perhaps if Oscar-winning/5-time Golden Globe-nominated actress Julianne Moore was Kristen's real-life mother, not just her onscreen mom in "Still Alice", then "Come Swim" would have had a cast of A-list actors that would rival an all-star cast of an Oscar-bait, full-length feature film.

[–] Ron2011 (907) 6 years ago

" As far as Kristen being cast in this, it appears she was chosen primarily on her own merit--unless there's a Zathura connection involving the casting of her and Dax Shepard in "Cutlass". Perhaps you or Carved may want to further explore other six degrees of separation possibilities I may have overlooked. "

Zathura came out in 2005, Cutlass was filmed in 2007, so there could likely be a connection between Dax Shepard and Kristen being selected in Cutlass. I didn't find a connection with Sarah Roemer in her movies previous to Cutlass, though in a small video like this with so many bigger names there could be some connection of course.

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

I didn't find a connection with Sarah Roemer in her movies previous to Cutlass, though in a small video like this with so many bigger names there could be some connection of course.

Perhaps in Roemer's case, it was simply a matter of talent begets talent and for up and coming actors like her, it may not be such a bad idea to star in a film loaded with name actors already attached to the project even if the pay wasn't great.

[–] CKid (3816) 6 years ago

There are two possibilities, or a combination thereof, re Kristen getting cast in Cutlass.

Firstly, Kate Hudson and Dax Shepard were dating when Cutlass was being developed and filmed (please keep in mind that filming only took three days). Thus it is entirely possible that Dax mentioned his work experience with Kristen during the filming of 'Zathura' to Kate.

The other thing, although admittedly being so small that it's almost microscopic, is that Kate's "Dad" (please note the "quotes" - meaning that he's not her real Dad) had recently worked with someone who cared about Kristen a lot. Yup, not only did Kurt play Kristen's dad in 'Cutlass,' he also played Michael Angarano's dad in 'Sky High,' which was filmed after 'Speak' and before 'Cutlass.' It is entirely possible therefore that Kurt (and maybe Kate as well) met Kristen at the premiere of 'Sky High,' as that was around the time that Michael and Kristen began seeing each other.

Now as far as 'Come Swim' being cast with an unknown, I'm pretty sure that Kristen has stated that that was the way she had wanted it done.

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

Firstly, Kate Hudson and Dax Shepard were dating when Cutlass was being developed and filmed (please keep in mind that filming only took three days). Thus it is entirely possible that Dax mentioned his work experience with Kristen during the filming of 'Zathura' to Kate.

That seems quite plausible considering Kristen received the role that would make her a household name, Twilight, in part from the recommendation by Emile Hirsch who starred with her in "Into the Wild" to Catherine Hardwicke whom Hirsch worked with in "Lords of Dogtown" which Hardwicke directed. Of course, Kristen still had to prove her worth to Hardwicke who in hindsight said she was perfect for the role as Bella. To illustrate how much Hardwicke valued Kristen, she still cast Kristen when she was still a minor, knowing it would slow down production of the film, as minors can only work up to five and a half hours per day. And what I still find funny to this day is Hardwicke actually had second thoughts about hiring Robert Pattinson but did so because he had good chemistry with Kristen: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/catherine-hardwicke-thank-lord-i-163905

But come to think of it, which of Kristen's onscreen lovers in any of her past films did she not exhibit good chemistry with? Makes me wonder why she isn't more highly sought out for such roles since she never disappoints in this area.

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

Oops--I clicked the spoiler "Answer" by mistake Carved, so, to be honest, I guess that means I'm disqualified from playing the game. Anyhow, great example of Kristen's six degrees of separation as an actress. To further prove the sheer amount of acting talent she's worked with in the past, I've compiled a list of just the actors who starred with Kristen who received at least one major accolade (i.e., Oscar, SAG, Golden Globe):

In "J.T. Leroy" Kristen costars with 2-time Oscar-nominated actress Laura Dern.

In "Against All Enemies" Kristen costars with Golden Globe-nominated actor Colm Meaney.

In "Lizzie" Kristen costars with Oscar-nominated actress Chloe Sevigny.

In "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk" Kristen stars with 5-time Golden Globe-nominated actor Steve Martin.

In "Cafe Society" Kristen costars with Oscar-nominated actor Steve Carell along with Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Eisenberg.

In "Certain Women" Kristen stars with 4-time Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams.

In "American Ultra" Kristen stars with Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Eisenberg along with Golden Globe-nominated actress Connie Britton.

In "Anesthesia" Kristen stars with Oscar-nominated actor Sam Waterson.

In "Still Alice" Kristen costars with Oscar-winning/5-time Oscar-nominated actress Julianne Moore along with Oscar-nominated actor Alec Baldwin.

In "Clouds of Sils Maria" Kristen costars with Oscar-winning actress Juliette Binoche.

In "On the Road" Kristen stars with 5-time Oscar-nominated actress Amy Adams, 2-time Oscar-nominated actor Viggo Mortensen and 2-time Golden Globe-nominated actress Kirsten Dunst.

In "Snow White and the Huntsman" Kristen costars with Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron.

In "The Runaways" Kristen costars with 2-time Oscar-nominated actor Michael Shannon.

In "Welcome to the Rileys" Kristen costars with Oscar-winning actress Melissa Leo along with Golden Globe-winning actor James Gandolfini.

In "Adventureland" Kristen costars with Oscar-nominated actor Jesse Eisenberg along with Oscar-nominated actress Kristen Wiig and Golden Globe-nominated actor Ryan Reynolds.

In "What Just Happened" Kristen stars alongside 2-time Oscar-winning/7-time Oscar-nominated actor Robert De Niro.

In "The Yellow Handkerchief" Kristen costars with Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne along with Oscar-winning/4-time Oscar-nominated actor Willian Hurt.

In "Into the Wild" Kristen stars alongside 2-time Oscar-nominated actress Catherine Keener.

In "The Cake Eaters" Kristen costars with 2-time Oscar-nominated actor Bruce Dern.

In "In the Land of Women" Kristen costars with 3-time Golden Globe-nominated actress Meg Ryan.

In "The Messengers" Kristen costars with Golden Globe-nominated actor Penelope Ann Miller and Golden Globe-nominated actor Dylan McDermott.

In "Zathura" Kristen costars with Oscar-winning actor Tim Robbins.

In "Fierce People" Kristen stars alongside Oscar-nominated actress Diane Lane and 2-time Golden Globe-winning actor Donald Sutherland.

In "Catch that Kid" Kristen costars with Golden Globe-nominated actress Jennifer Beals.

In "Speak" Kristen costars with 2-time Golden Globe-nominated actress Elizabeth Perkins.

In "Cold Creek Manor" Kristen costars with Oscar-nominated actress Sharon Stone along with 2-time Golden Globe-nominated actor Dennis Quaid.

In "Panic Room" Kristen costars with 2-time Oscar-winning/4-time Oscar-nominated actress Jodie Foster along with Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker.

In "The Safety of Objects" Kristen stars with 6-time Oscar-nominated actress Glenn Close and alongside Oscar-nominated actress Patricia Clarkson.

And finally, if Kristen is cast in the "Charlie's Angels" reboot, fingers crossed, she will be co-starring with Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o.

[–] CKid (3816) 6 years ago

Two little additions, if I may ...

In 'Into the Wild' Kristen stars alongside 2-time Oscar-nominated actress Catherine Keener and Hal Holbrook, who received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his work in the film.

In 'Speak' and 'Fierce People,' Kristen costars with 2-time Golden Globe-nominated actress Elizabeth Perkins.

[–] CKid (3816) 6 years ago

Now that the Dolphins have selected Minkah Fitzpatrick, safety from Alabama, with the 11th pick in the NFL draft, I do believe that it's time for some more music.
So here's a disc I burned a few weeks ago titled, Meeting Across The River ...

. 1) Bruce Springsteen: Meeting Across the River - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbirnz5LAk0
. 2) Tom Waits: Kentucky Avenue - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DXXHT8v52I
. 3) The Smiths: Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nxQLJmshak
. 4) Everything But the Girl: One Place (from: 'Acoustic') - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iWpGwTJkX8
. 5) Van Morrison: Stranded - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XglpJkr_52M
. 6) The Wallflowers: Closer To You - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvwBCstZuTc
. 7) Scars on 45: Runaway - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m89X6KdvFYk
. 8) Van Morrison: Piper at the Gates of Dawn - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14VTF3EWqUo
. 9) Jackson Browne: Before the Deluge - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqfDpNymGSE
10) Bruce Springsteen w/ Michelle Moore: Rocky Ground - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPmIIXXv0d8
11) The Byrds: My Back Pages - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZwncQfvaKk
12) Scars on 45: Tired Eyes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS17BwndGaw
13) The Swell Season: Fitzcarraldo (live) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR_1V1QWKYA
14) The Rolling Stones: Time Waits For No One - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLAOsALvkCY
15) Michael Stipe: In the Sun - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUMCAS2U5bM
16) Bruce Springsteen: New York City Serenade - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEQENfRoBgw

Note: The version of 'In the Sun' that I linked to is Michael Stipe singing it with Joseph Arthur, who wrote the song. Apparently, Stipe's solo version of the song is no longer available on YouTube.

This is like a greatest hits cd to me, since it contains a lot of my favorite songs.

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

Now that the Dolphins have selected Minkah Fitzpatrick, safety from Alabama, with the 11th pick in the NFL draft, I do believe that it's time for some more music.

I was thinking Miami was going to select Louisville's Lamar Jackson since QB is one of their most pressing needs. But I guess Fitzpatrick's overall rank in this year's NFL Draft was way too high for the Dolphins to pass up on Carved. Then I was thinking that Ron's Patriots were going to draft Jackson since QB is also one of their most pressing needs as well--and they had two chances in the first round to do so. However, because they lost offensive tackle Nate Solder to the Giants, OT is currently the number one position they must fill. While the Patriots did draft Isaiah Wynn with their #23 pick, he is undersized at OT as he's listed at 6'2" 313 and is projected to play guard in the NFL even though he has experience playing tackle in college. By way of comparison, Solder is 6'8" 325. The top rated OT's in this year's draft are comparable in size: Notre Dame's Mike Glinchey at 6'8" 309 and UCLA's Kolten Miller at 6'9" 309. Unfortunately for the Patriots, the 49ers selected Glinchey with their #9 pick while the Raiders chose Miller at the #15 spot. After Glinchey and Miller, there is a huge dropoff in talent at the offensive tackle position, in terms of players who are capable of playing OT in the NFL.

The Patriots selecting Georgia's Sony Michel with their #31 pick also came as a surprise as New England is already loaded at the running back position. So I'm pretty sure they drafted Michel not just because he was one of the best RBs in the draft, but more importantly, he was one of the best overall players still available. Michel also played well on the biggest stage in college football, the CFP National Championship against Alabama, so this was very likely another reason why the Patriots decided to add yet another RB to their roster. Perhaps Michel was too tempting to pass up on with the #31 pick. As we speak, the Ravens just selected Jackson at the #32 spot. Hopefully, the Patriots will address their need for players at the DE, ILB, QB and TE positions with their other picks. But then again, even if the Patriots can't meet all their pressing needs in this draft, Belichick is often a genius when it comes to picking up free agents and players off waivers to address their roster needs.

[–] Ron2011 (907) 6 years ago

I was dismayed when the Patriots traded away Garoppolo but I think he would likely have left the team as a free agent so the Pats wouldn't have gotten anything if they let that happen. I'm waiting to see if they do draft a backup QB who could be Brady's replacement when he does retire in ten years or so. :) Seriously though, they do have Hoyer but he's not the long term replacement QB.

Belichick does have a knack for picking up good or great players. Brady was a late round pick, overlooked by other teams, and there have been others who have floundered or had problems with other teams but who did well with the Patriot system.

Carved, good luck to the Dolphins. I've always liked them but of course my hopes go to the Patriots.

[–] CKid (3816) 6 years ago

In between watching who the "Swimming Mammals" pick in the 2018 NFL draft, as well as keeping an eye out regarding which teams draft players from "The U" (Go 'Canes!), I re-burned my Meeting Across The River cd an hour ago because there were some songs I just had to include.

The playlist for said disc which I posted a few days ago has been edited, so just scroll on up if you'd like to see and hear it.
And yes, I did include two by Scars on 45, namely 'Runaway' (since I recently made a Kris-vid using it) and 'Tired Eyes,' a song I did not have in my library until I downloaded it from YouTube this morning.

Btw, I hardly ever download songs from YouTube, but 'Tired Eyes' is not available for sale anywhere, so I had no choice.

UPDATE: From the, I Just Knew That Was Going To Happen file, when the Dolphins signed free agent receiver Danny Amendola a few months ago, I predicted that Belichick would draft University of Miami receiver Braxton Berrios to replace him. You got a good one, Ron.
I had hoped that the Dolphins would draft him, but as soon as they signed Amendola, I knew that that would not occur.

[–] Ron2011 (907) 6 years ago

Interesting Carved. Amendola is a tremendous receiver, versatile and quick. He did amazing things on the field for the Pats. Bummer that he left but the Pats had others to take his place.

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

Belichick does have a knack for picking up good or great players.

Belichick must be a serious judge of talent as he is able to recognize and draft talented players even in the lower rounds that all the other teams pass up on. For example, like you mentioned, Tom Brady was drafted in the sixth round, while Julian Edelman was drafted in the seventh. With all due respect to Gronk, in my opinion, Brady and Edelman are their two best players. Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola were undrafted. And since I was addressing the needs of the Patriots offensive line in my previous comment, I should mention that from their five starters on the O-line last season, only Nate Solder was drafted in the first round--the rest were picked in the third round or later.

Like I mentioned earlier Ron, the 49ers drafted Notre Dame's 6'8" offensive tackle McGlinchey with their first-round pick, the best OT in this year's draft, a player the Patriots really could have used. However, the good news is because San Francisco picked up an elite OT, they could trade their starting right tackle, 6'8" 355-pound behemoth Trent Brown, which fortunately for New England they did, which will fill an urgent need for the Patriots. Hopefully Brown is able to get back into playing condition ASAP after coming back from shoulder surgery, as they are really going to need him this coming season. The good news is Brown is just 25 years of age so he could provide years of protection for Brady if he can stay healthy.

And this is a major reason why Belichick is able to maintain a Super Bowl caliber team year after year after year, in spite of the salary cap and free agency which are powerful forces intended to prevent NFL dynasties and promote more parity in the league. He is able to do so much with relatively less talent. In a year when offensive tackles are at a premium, the best two were gone early in the first round, the Patriots still managed to grab a good one in a trade deal with the team that drafted the top rated one.

[–] Ron2011 (907) 6 years ago

"Hopefully Brown is able to get back into playing condition ASAP after coming back from shoulder surgery, as they are really going to need him this coming season. The good news is Brown is just 25 years of age so he could provide years of protection for Brady if he can stay healthy. "
Agreed, my view is that one of the most, if not the most, important aspects of Patriot's game plan is their offensive line. Protection of Brady is paramount, which opens up the passing game which can become dominant each game.

"And this is a major reason why Belichick is able to maintain a Super Bowl caliber team year after year after year, in spite of the salary cap and free agency which are powerful forces intended to prevent NFL dynasties and promote more parity in the league. He is able to do so much with relatively less talent. In a year when offensive tackles are at a premium, the best two were gone early in the first round, the Patriots still managed to grab a good one in a trade deal with the team that drafted the top rated one. "

Agreed there. That's a huge factor. I also feel that the Patriot organization system is a big part of assisting players to meet their potential, or achieve a greater potential. It doesn't make them unbeatable, as witness last Super Bowl. It seemed like both teams' defenses weren't on the field but it really shocked me at how the Pat's defense under performed.

[–] LLOwens (983) 6 years ago

Agreed there. That's a huge factor. I also feel that the Patriot organization system is a big part of assisting players to meet their potential, or achieve a greater potential. It doesn't make them unbeatable, as witness last Super Bowl. It seemed like both teams' defenses weren't on the field but it really shocked me at how the Pat's defense under performed.

The biggest shocker Ron, much to my dismay, was that Malcolm Butler didn't play a single snap in Super Bowl LII. In my opinion it remains a headscratcher in my mind as Butler is known to rise to the occasion in big games, most notably when he made a game-sealing interception against the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX and I strongly believe he would have made a difference in the last Super Bowl especially considering, like you mentioned, their defense was virtually nonexistent, as both teams allowed more yards (1,151) in Super Bowl history, while the Patriots defense didn't force the Eagles to punt the ball a single time.

[–] Ron2011 (907) 6 years ago

Yes, there was some discussion by fans and sports pundits on why Butler wasn't in the game, and if he would have made a difference. He was an excellent pass defender for the years he was with the Pats and who knows. He could have stopped a few pass plays and that might have been enough for them to win a very close game which was an offensive shoot out.