More than just a lead
I just noticed a new online marketing scheme for Marion Cotillard's performance in "La Vie en Rose." There's Marion's beautiful, flawless face, big and bright, and then there are three screenshots of her in full makeup as Edith Piaf in the Picturehouse film -- a totally different person.That big and bold Stephen Holden quote from the New York Times is pretty helpful as well, to say the least.
With the critics giving Cotillard awards left and right, it's safe to say she's well on her way to an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. But what these ads might do is give the film a leg up for Best Makeup.
It didn't happen for "Monster" in 2003, but Cotillard's transformation seems even more dramatic than when Charlize Theron was turned into a -- shall we say, unattractive -- Florida serial killer.
Picturehouse honcho Bob Berney first clued me into this earlier in the year during an interview about foreign acting contenders, but it didn't really gel for me at that time. The more I see the film, however, and the more these ads keep popping up all over the place, the more I think the film could zip past "Hairspray" and "Sweeney Todd" and actually win the makeup award. After all, it's up against a fat suit and spurting blood.
Red Carpet District is Variety contributor Kristopher Tapley's attempt at making sense of the ever-expanding glut of film awards coverage. He's been on the beat for six years. Email 
Yeah, I've thought LVER would get a makeup nod for a while now. Remember when that Javier Bardem movie 'The Sea Inside' randomly got nominated in the category a few years back.
Posted by: Glenn@StalePopcorn | 12/10/2007 4:01:32 PM
Extremely striking ad. She really is a very beauiful woman. But anyone who's seen A Good Year or A Very Long Engagement is aware of that. I think they're very wise to play up the transformation. It will pay off in the end, I think. Makes the power and the beauty of Marion's fantastic performance look even more impressive.
Posted by: Sherry | 12/10/2007 1:10:50 PM
The DVD''''s extras give strong props to the makeup director as well, explaining how he accomplished aging makeup everyone had said couldn''''t be done convincingly, after several others had quit in vain. I''''ve suspected this could have a very good shot at the makeup award, and these new FYC ads are brilliant.
Posted by: jennybee | 12/10/2007 12:59:36 PM