Cry Of The Loon …(And The Oscar Goes Too)

It is Oscar season. In the next few weeks we will learn whom in Hollywood will win an Oscar for their performance. Many articles have been written about who deserves to be the winners. Today, I offer up two nominations worthy of nomination for “political character actor of the year”. The nominations are: Ed Schultz for his role in “The Ed Schultz Show”, where he plays a talk show host recently converted to liberalism. The other nominee is Hilary Rodham Clinton for her role in “A Move To The Middle”, where she plays a liberal recently open to more centrist ideas. Allow me to provide some background just in case you have missed one or both of these performances.

Hilary’s performance takes place as she pushes for the Democratic nomination for President in 2008. We have not seen such a stunning, far reaching performance since Jane Fonda starred in "Agnes of God". Hilary gives a very calculated performance by giving speeches that begin with prayer and praising God. She talks about the hope that women never ever again need another abortion. In what many call “her performance of a lifetime” she even votes for a black woman for Secretary of State while 12 others from her party do not. This performance leaves it up to the audience’s imagination on whether or not her conversion is genuine and the ending fails to show whether she does gain the nomination in 2008. The reason so many are applauding her performance is that rarely have we seen such a premeditated attempt at playing your exact opposite. It is rare when an actor can actually play the part so well that she is able to make her audience vomit. Her acting is made that much more believable with the silence of NARAL, Planned Parenthood, and NOW.

As much as Hilary’s performance leaves the audience in suspense, Ed’s performance does not. This is a performance that leads one down a money trail. Like Hilary’s, Ed’s act is career worthy. Many have related his willingness to do anything for money to that of some of the best hookers to ever take part in Hollywood movies. One review stated, “Ed plays a slut better than any man I know.” His most convincing scene is when he actually shows how bought and paid for he really is by supporting Ted Kennedy on a regular basis. He shows his versatility as an actor by often changing his accent from Midwestern to southern, reminiscent of his Virginia upbringing. Ed plays a very juvenile talk show host but does so with his total being. You can tell he really gets into the role. He works hard at allowing us to realize that you can make it in this world without really knowing anything. Ed allows the audience to get so close they can almost touch him. He puts himself out there as a mouth for hire and his performance should provide more opportunities to advance his career. Hollywood movies are always in need of hookers whether a high priced call girl or a street ho. This performance shows Ed is versatile enough to play either. One minute he tells a caller, "to shove it up his ass" and the next he is close to tears as he says, "I think they are still my friends." Pure and simple the man has total range as an actor.

And The Oscar Goes Too ?