One of the worst Oscar years in recent memory was 2005, a year where the slate of so-called prestige pictures offered little other than self-important, self-congratulatory garbage.  Hollywood has always been very good at patting itself on the back, but in 2005 it seemed like the town had finally managed to completely disappear up its own ass.

The selections for the Best Picture category were dire.  Brokeback Mountain was beautifully directed but otherwise forgettable romance that was notable only for somewhat breaking sexual taboos in mainstream cinema.  Capote was the token annual exercise in mediocrity featuring an actor doing a disturbingly dead-on impression of a dead celebrity.  Munich revealed to us that Spielberg only likes his own people when they’re the helpless victims, not when they actually choose to fight back against tyranny.  Good Night, and Good Luck bravely tackled McCarthyism (gee, I wonder if it was trying to say something about Bush).  Crash, the worst film of the lot, was an overcooked, emotionally manipulative turd designed to help white liberals who live in gated communities and harp on about diversity feel a little less racist than everyone else.

And I’m not even bringing up the socio-political themed garbage that didn’t nab a Best Picture nomination.  2005 sucked.  Hard. (more…)

Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing a man who has helped bring to life some of my favorite films, series and projects. Captain Dale Dye, USMC (Ret.) has enjoyed an incredible career in Hollywood as an actor, a writer and as the most recognizable military/technical advisor in the industry. He recently worked as the Senior Military Advisor on HBO’s upcoming World War II miniseries “The Pacific” (currently in post-production) and is preparing to direct his first feature, “No Better Place to Die.”

J.R. Head: Thanks so much, Dale, for taking the time to talk with me.

Dale Dye: You’re most welcome. It’s a pleasure to be anywhere talking about the business we love these days. Hopefully, things will loosen up a bit, we’ll all go to work and I won’t have time for this in the near future.

JRH: Well, I’m glad I caught you when I did. First, let me say that I’ve enjoyed so many of the projects you’ve worked on.

DD: That means a lot coming from a guy with a military background. The reason I work so hard at it is to ensure guys like you and millions of others who served get a fair shake from Hollywood. (more…)