This week’s home video releases offer a new take on Frankenstein’s monster, a sex comedy featuring several young stars, and an offbeat dramedy about romance and technology.
Tag Archives: Aaron Eckhart
Video Verdict: ‘Take Shelter,’ ‘The Rum Diary’

Michael Shannon struggles with a feeling of impending doom in the psychological thriller “Take Shelter.”
It’s a slow week for home video, with no wide-release theatrical films making their way to the small screen. That’s not such a bad thing, however, because it allows me to spotlight two noteworthy independent projects.
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Video Verdict: ‘Battle Los Angeles,’ ‘Hall Pass,’ ‘Red Riding Hood,’ ‘Big Momma’s: Like Father, Like Son’
This week’s major home video releases include two mainstream comedies, an update of a classic fairy tale and a science-fiction thriller starring Aaron Eckhart.
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Ask Forrest: How ’bout Eckhart?

Aaron Eckhart in "The Dark Knight."
Question: About a week and a half ago, you reviewed “The Dark Knight” DVD release and gave it its deserved due. But you, as everybody has, elevated Heath Ledger to acting-sainthood, while the performance that I found most fascinating in the film has been mostly ignored by all media. Of course, I’m referring to Aaron Eckhart’s turn as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, perhaps the most tragic figure ever in the Batman Rogues Gallery.
In the course of the film, while the Joker appears already fully formed, Dent gets to transform. I never once connected with the Joker, while Two-Face stirred my feelings up for weeks after I witnessed Eckhart’s performance. If you ask an actor or an acting teacher what makes a good performance, they will usually tell you that the broader emotional arc a character has to pursue makes for a more remarkable experience. The Joker makes virtually no emotional journey during “The Dark Knight,” while Two-Face goes almost literally from Heaven to Hell. Where is the press for Eckhart?
Answer: You just succeeded in creating at least a little press, so I hope Eckhart appreciates your efforts.
As for your question …
Click here to read full column: http://www.rgj.com/article/20081226/COL14/812260363/1117/ENT
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