Kicking back with Max
It’s one of the most exciting Oscar contests in years with flicks like the acclaimed black-and-white silent movie “The Artist,” Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse,” Woody Allen’s delightful “Midnight in Paris” and mega director Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo” on the list for best pic.
From comedy to drama, it’s a diverse field, but another serious contender is the Sept. 11 drama “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.”
The film also has another nod on Oscar night with veteran actor Max von Sydow up for Best Supporting Actor.
M v S took some time out to speak with Malibu Seen about the role that impressed so many Academy voters.
His attraction to the part was an easy one to answer. “I’ve always admired (director) Stephen Daldry,” the actor said. “Even before I knew what the script was about, I was looking forward to being in a film with Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock. It was not difficult to decide whether I wanted it or not. I wanted it.”
As for his preparation for the role of “the renter,” Max says he gave it his all, as usual.
“For me, it’s a matter of course,” he explains, “finding out what kind of life the character has had and then what he wants to do or achieve.”
As for his co-stars, he says he holds them in the highest esteem.
“Sandra Bullock’s portrait of the poor mother is brilliant-really very, very good.”
That’s quite a compliment coming from this acclaimed actor.
He also had great praise for his fellow supporting actor nominees, admitting that he hasn’t quite seen all their films but “they all have my admiration.”
He will confess to being a fan of Scorsese’s “Hugo” and Spielberg’s animated “Tintin.”
As for his future plans and project, he’s keeping tight-lipped, saying, “Well, that’s totally secret. There is something on the way, but I can’t talk about it yet.”
Best wishes, Max.
Oh, What a Lucky Man He Is!
One actor going up against Max in the supporting category is longtime Malibu resident Nick Nolte. Nick’s up for his role in “Warrior.”
But that’s not all. The “Prince of Tides” star is really on a roll these days. Critics across the country are raving about his new television series “Luck” playing alongside two-time Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman.
The show has received glowing reviews in every publication from The New York Times to The Wall Street Journal, USA Today to the Herald Tribune.
The HBO series is set in the world of horse racing. Dustin Hoffman plays Chester “Ace” Bernstein, a gambling operator and ex-con. Nick steps into the role of Walter Smith, a gravel-voiced trainer, owner and breeder.
The production has been shooting at the famed Santa Anita track, so between the two big locals and a familiar locale, it’s already one for the money. The drama has been hailed as “addictive,” so set your DVR and get ready to see what happens at the finish line.