On this week’s Reel Thoughts, we’re asking NCFCA member Nicole Ackman to weigh in on five film-related questions/thoughts:
Take One: Name one comedy that always makes you laugh.
No matter how many times I watch When Harry Met Sally, I can’t help myself from laughing out loud. I believe that Billy Crystal, Carrie Fisher, and Nora Ephron are some of the greatest comedic talents we’ve ever had, and all the jokes about dating only get funnier to me as I get older.
Take Two: Favorite film production design of all-time? Why?
I’m very partial to Sarah Greenwood’s production design for Anna Karenina. (I’m actually just very partial to Greenwood’s work in general from Pride and Prejudice to this year’s Cyrano). The theatricality of the design for the city sections, showing that everyone in high society is putting on a performance, is so brilliant and the contrast between the city and the country is fantastic.
Take Three: Favorite film-time snack you never want to be without?
I’m actually not a huge movie snack person, but if I’m at a theater that does soft pretzel sticks with cheese dip, I have to have them.
Take Four: Which costume designer would you want to “design” your life and why?
There is only one possible answer to this question for me and it’s Jacqueline Durran. Her designs are absolutely stunning, and I love the way that she is able to contribute to a character’s personality through their costumes. I actually bought a dress recently just because it reminded me of the green dress in Atonement that she designed. That’s my favorite movie costume of all time.
Take Five: Name one acting talent who typically makes you cringe. Why?
People who follow me on Twitter or listen to my podcast Petticoats and Poppies will probably already know the answer: I can’t stand Matt Damon. I can admit that he occasionally gives a good performance (like in The Martian or Ford vs Ferrari), but I find him a wildly inconsistent actor, and I’ve never moved on from The Great Wall. Plus, his personality in interviews just rubs me the wrong way, and he has way too modern of a look to ever blend into a period drama. (I think he’s the weak link of The Last Duel, a film that I adore.)
Nicole Ackman is a writer and podcaster. She is a regular contributor to Next Best Picture, Culturess, In Their Own League, and FF2 Media. Ackman is also the co-host of Petticoats & Poppies: History Girls at the Movies
