An interesting article I found related to Helen appearing at the recently concluded Big Apple Comic Con. I agree with everything the writer said in defense of the movie.
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/popwrap/in_defense_of_guilty_pleasure_mo vies_Vyk8clHVsp6Cg50whRR10L
http://www.fanfiction.net/~karazorel
SUPERGIRL, the female super hero of all time
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I don't see how you agree with everything the writer says in defense. That to me is an insult. They defend the movie because of it's 'camp' value and for it's 'uber cheesiness.' which is a statement I find totally degrading and sickening. The film is not cheesy, nor is it campy. It's just what it was supposed to be, "Supergirl." You are wrong to come to this writer's defense on any level.
I'm going to tell you why you are WRONG in this case, because if you have ANY respect for "Supergirl" you will know these facts: In the filmic terms regarding the male gaze in Hollywood, women either have to forgoe their feminie looks (like Sigourney Weaver cutting her hair in "Aliens" or Linda Hamilton buffing her body up to a chestless, make-upless face in "T2") to be considered taking on a masculine task. She must also use her fists and let go of her looks that consider her "hyper sexual" in order for her to be anything other than a symbol of "to-be-looked-at-ness" or objectivity that will attract men and women alike.
In "Supergirl" they tried to make her use her strength only when she needed to like the truckers scene, or crushing rocks. Her mind was her virtue, which is a standard of women in power, though only ever seen in the original 'Alien' and "Silence of the Lambs." And those films were completely different genre, so we can't compare them on this level. Anyway, Kara was seen as innocent and timid, not hypersexual or objhectively, like in "Charlie's Angels" movies or "Lara Croft: Tomb Rader." She instead was given elegance, grace, intellegence, and a path to which she must find herself before overcoming. This is not the Hollywood standard for women in power films, nor was Jeannot Szwarc in a place of power like James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, or Jonathon Demme. For these reasons, Supergirl is to this day, not granted the kind of respect and study it deserves.
And another thing, Faye Dunaway is VERY MUCH proud of her role in this film. As a matter of fact, were it not for her European press tour of the film "The Messenger" at the time of the SG DVD release, she WOULD HAVE done a commentary GLADLY with producer Ilya Salkind.
Helen Slater, wonderful actress and person that she was, wore emotional scars for the failure of that saddly underrated movie, and when she is trying to acknowledge it, piss poor publicity like that is only going to exacerbate her feelings about being recognized for it, and thus repell further fans from discovering the film for the genuine piece of cinematic acheivement that it is. I urge you to think about agreeing with what this guy says, if you are as much a fan as you claim to be.
I don't post on these boards very much, mainly because I don't feel I have to anymore. But I am one of the BIGGEST and most devoted, loyal fans of this movie, and it really bugs the crap out of me when meaningless dreck like this article are flung around in attempts to make more fun of the movie. JUST PLAIN BUGS ME! And I hope you realize that Supergirl is a sensitive subject with many film goers, you either love it or hate it. Those who love it, know it for all it's merits, fine qualities, and what all it brings to the table. Those who hate it, are those who don't know what really to think of it, because it does make you think, so they reject the unfamiliar.
Are we clear? I thought so. I don't want to have this conversation for another few years.
Young man is angry! Girl is afraid! He wants to get high, she wants to get paid! City's Burning!
Yeah, that's right, Faye Dunaway is so ashamed of this film. That's only why she was excited to do the commentary before her schedule got in the way...as was already stated.
The film, as we real fans know, has so much beauty, a wonderful heart, a SUPER message, a story unmatched, and the best cast line-up of the 80s.
This jerko needs to have a hammer between the eyes! (I do not believe in guns)
P.S.- WTF Lu-21? Defend this idiot's pathetic tabloid crap? You should know better!
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.
Guys, Please don't come down so hard on me. I actually did not see the review the way you guys saw it. You guys know I love the film and I defend it every step of the way. I will admit that I do not know a lot of things about the background of the film. I am behind by 25 years or so. So all the stuff that I am reading now, all the stuff that I am learning, I am hearing for the first time. When I first read the article, I really thought it was a good one. I know very little about the history of Faye Dunaway and the film. Only what I discover through my own research and right now, it is hard to dig up information on the film and its stars. So my tendency is to believe what I read.
After reading what Banshee and Heartmonger had to say, I realize that what I understood about the article was in error. All I can say is that I apologize for offending everyone. That was never my intention. I actually thought the writer was just trying to be funny and a fan of the film.
You have all had over 2 decades of experience in following the film and the stars. I did not have that liberty and I hope that I can be forgiven for this one error, though grave, on my part. I promise to be more careful next time and be more analytical of the things I read. I hope that my apology can and will be accepted by those I have offended. It was never my intention
You all know what my previous posts were like and I stand by them. I remember it all clearly. This movie is the best of the Super films. I am a huge fan and supporter of the film. I even started another discussion forum for it over at fanfiction.net. And everybody there is a fan of the film and we all support it bigtime. Even going so far as to dissect the filming and the acting.
Again, my apologies. I will be more discerning in the future.
http://www.fanfiction.net/~karazorel
SUPERGIRL, the female super hero of all time
The sad truth about this whole mess, is that online tabloids like that bozo only mean to slander the film for the sake of it's unjust reputation it was given years ago. I used to battle idiots, such as that online journalist, all the time. They're intellectual retards. In any case I'm sorry for coming on strong.
When you see an article such as that, it's most likely a pessimistic, or just plain mean approach/attack on the film, and should be avoided. I have written many online news sites in the past whenever an article like that is put up. Couldn't find any info last night though. I'll still try. I always give jerk-offs like that a piece of my mind.
...on a brighter note, YES, Faye Dunaway stands by the film. Scott Bosco, who interviewed Jeannot Szwarc on the commentary, has many times told the tale about how Faye Dunaway was in constant communication over a number of attempted meetings regarding her participation in the films commentary. Ultimately, she was unable to do so because she had to travel to Europe to promote "The Messenger: The Story Of Joan Of Arc". She was ecstatic about the idea though, and had said on many occasions she was wanting and willing to do one.
SO-never listen to crude a$$holes like that online twit. They never know what they're talking about, and they'll say or write anything to shove the film in a negative light. People like that are pathetic, and people who read it and believe/agree with it are even worse.
...needless to say...Helen is not ashamed in the least, hence she attends the conventions proudly.
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.
Thank you for the 2nd chance Banshee. I realize that I am probably the most novice supporter of the film in this forum and I have a lot of learning and catching up to do. So if anybody can point me towards more reputable sources of historical accounts regarding the film, I would be highly appreciate it. In order to make further amends, I would like to show you guys the blog I did about the movie over at my own blogsite. It is of course in full support of the film and is reminiscent of the supportive posts I have come to be known for at this forum. You can read it over at http://valueddiscards.blogspot.com/2009/10/supergirl-heart-of-super-fi lms.html
Once again, I apologize for my lapse in judgement. I truly am sorry for not realizing that the man was not a fan of the film. I thought he was just trying to be humorous. I hope you enjoy reading my blog
Also, I am proud of the fact that Helen embraces Supergirl. I hope that she continues to do so because the movie will forever be gaining more and more fans as time goes by and it eventually gets released in various formats. That I have not lost hope on
http://www.fanfiction.net/~karazorel
SUPERGIRL, the female super hero of all time
Hi Lu,
Forgive my bluntness. It wasn't my intention to put you down. I am deeply sorry for that. I just wanted you to be aware that you need to take a first few looks before you plug an article. This kind of stuff has been on the net for years. You'd think they'd learn!
Anyway, my feelings toward you are to the contrary, I admire you fully for your dedication to this film. It's good to know there are great people out there who recognize greatness!
I love this film tremendously, and have fought battles for it. I see you have that same driving passion for the film as well, so I encourage and am glad to be in yoru correspondace. Good to have you here!
That said, please accept my apology. It just surprised me that someone who supports the film as you, could agree with such hasty crud. But I stand corrected. I guess we all do.
So keep the support flying high...pun intended!
Young man is angry! Girl is afraid! He wants to get high, she wants to get paid! City's Burning!
No offense taken Heartmonger. I just hope that BansheeCreature will also find it in her heart to forgive my shortcoming and misinformed action as well. I guess we all slip up sometimes and then learn lessons. This was one of those lessons that I needed to learn. Rest assured that I learned from it and will be more discerning of the stuff I post from now on. I guess I was just too much of an eager beaver in the past. I will make sure it never happens again What is more important is that we all stand together, united in the defense of the film we all love. I am glad that we managed to resolve the issue. Please always remember that I will never put the film down. If it seems that way, then it was unintentional. This film is so special to me that it pains me to read anything negative posted about it on this forum. I love it so dearly that I try to get new fans for the movie and Helen with every chance that I get. I am and will forever be, an ardent supporter of this film and its stars.
Long live Supergirl! Fly high Kara!
http://www.fanfiction.net/~karazorel
SUPERGIRL, the female super hero of all time
I have no ill fellings. I am quite content that we're all here for the very reasons you have posted Lu-21. It does my heart good to know other people such as yourself are out there. I pay no such attention to negativity, or at least I try not too. This film is too beautiful to have that kind of crud attached to it. Still, I will fight the good fight until thy kingdom come, and the world gets the idea!
We're all friends, fans, and ardent supporters always.
BTW- I'm a he...LoL.
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.
I wasn't offended by the article. I just realize that different people see different things. Some people see a bad movie. Some see a movie that's so bad that it's good. Others, such as myself, see much more. I see a beautiful movie about growing up, finding oneself, facing one's fears. I see a movie about a vulnerable heroine who uses her inner strength to save her family and friends. I see a wonderful, oft misunderstood movie.
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from what i heard, Faye Dunaway was the only actress who IS proud of her role. Helen Slater has said numerous times that its not a great movie while Marc Mclure has also said it was disappointing. I certainly dont think Peter O'toole will rate it high on his resume! Doesn't bother me though, i LOVE the movie, still one of my favs! Peace.
we all go a little mad sometimes....
The film is not cheesy, nor is it campy.
Supergirl's air ballet is cheesier than Kraft macaroni
No way. The flying sequence is just gorgeous. It's only what any of us would do if we found out we could fly.
Say what you like about this movie but that scene is just lovely from start to finish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r56yFhT_lxY
I write stories, and am working on my dream project. An absolutely gorgeous girl in an action sequence, my recently written chapter. The girl outfoxes her adversaries, mainly because they see her as a little nothing, they, the big men, could throw around. My female lead character has grace, and elegance, she loves animals, she is kind, she is everything worthwhile, but when the chips are down, when it is time to fight back, and there is no help and not the option of running away, she does what she has to do to survive.
I was very unsure of my ability to write that scene properly, as 'my girl' is very dainty, but having succeeded, it sure beats the pants off any notions of anything-remotely-manly heroines.
Superpowers are overrated. It takes a whole lot of talent to overcome life's obstacles. It is that much more to be admired.
Supergirl is no cheesier than The Never Ending Story or films of that ilk, and yet they get so much more respect.
Granted there were a few scenes in this that could have been delivered better - e.g. the Kryptonian power source just happening to land on Earth in a pot of dip belonging to a would-be-supervillainess who just happens to be out eating a picnic? WTF? - but overall, it's a great, fun movie that kicked my ass when I was 10 and I can still enjoy now without a sarcastic sneer on my face.
There is an incredible sweetness to this film, very much like the sweet undercurrent in the 1st Superman film. It is an innocence and big-heartedness that is so sorely lacking in more recent films.
I love this movie, I have from the first time I saw it. it might not be the "greatest" film ever made, but the heart is in the right place. And that HAS to count for something.
Very true, and very well said!
I'm livin' in desperate times. Bein' alive's my only crime...
The Supergirl movie exists in it's own tiny perfect little bubble. There's nothing else quite like it but it just has this settling mood. Like the director said, it's more of a fairytale than an action/adventure. The casting of Slater was absolutely on the nose.
"Not The Gold!!" - Augustus Steranko.
The Aerial Ballet is nothing short of beautiful. How can you not absorb such a fantastically photographed moment, subjecting total innocence, absolute wonder, and a naitivity that brings with it a strength and responsibility, the latter comes at the close of the moment when she remembers why she has come to earth. Terrific.
...and children...Faye Dunaway is neither campy, nor over the top. She is dead on with comic book villainy. She's not supposed to be like Anton Chigurh in "No Country For Old Men", but she is certainly NOT "Frank n Furter". I think that's a little harsh. She clearly holds back when she could have really gone all out. Her intensity is so powerful, it's a shame that people can't seem to tell the difference from campy, over the top, and comic book villainy. There is a difference from all three of them. She is no different from Gene Hackman in "Superman".
I'm livin' in desperate times. Bein' alive's my only crime...
Agreed. Well, mostly agreed. Gene Hackman in Superman messed up his lines at least twice: mispronouncing "charismatic" during his introductory scene and during his explanation to Superman, he pronounces "new" like "mnew" (obviously mixing up the lines "the new west coast, my west coast"; it comes out like "the mnew west coast, my west coast"). I think Faye Dunaway overall did a better job, keeping a consistent, suitably hammy performance throughout.
shareI'm no longer the kind of person who hates on Campy Superhero movies. This movie is fun, and it's kind of the artsiest of the Superman series.
"There's no art to this war Spencer"-Alison DiLaurentis