Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Woodworking in the Movies

David Finck designed and built the box at right as a prop in an upcoming movie entitled Nights in Rodanthe, set for release in October. The movie stars Richard Gere and Diane Lane, whose character dabbles in woodworking. David was commissioned to not only supply props, but to instruct Diane Lane in woodworking techniques, including handcutting dovetails and handplaning.

You can see the movie trailer here: http://nightsinrodanthe.warnerbros.com/

I'm curious whether Diane comes across as a legitimate woodworker or if she's as believable as Paris Hilton portraying a brain surgeon. But because I'd just as soon pluck my eyebrows with a chainsaw than go see a barfy romance movie, I'll ask that if any of you would be willing to take one for the team, suffer through the viewing, and then email me your opinion....I'd be indebted. No, really.


24 comments:

  1. Well, if it's anything like the last movie I saw with Diane Lane and Richard Gere. I'll take the bullet for you (when it comes out on DVD)...Sylvia thought it was very steamy...bonus for Vic:D

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  2. Agreed about the movie. Altho the chainsaw is a bit extreme. So is a jointer or a blow torch. May I suggest pliers? Then again,, I've never plucked my eyebrows, so what do I know!

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  3. Paris Hilton as a brain surgeon-brilliant! I was about to volunteer myself for the task but then i saw that it's from the same emotional rapists who brought you The Notebook. So...i rescind my offer! Who is Diane Lane, anyway?

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  4. I'm sorry for posting again, but i just watched the preview, and it is actually APPALLING! I mean, every once in a while a rom-com is ok--come on, Kari-u don't secretly like them sometimes? But this is absolutely egregious--the preview alone almost made me throw up. Ich! Maybe it could count as community service for someone with a criminal charge?

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  5. I would be very, very surprised if she came off as looking at all realistic in the role. I have never, to my recollection, seen a realistic portrayal of a trade in a movie. One of the worst, of course, was Jennifer Beals as a welder in "Flashdance". Then when the lads in "Full Monty" started tearing it up, they made some glaring errors in their heckling showing they weren't much better.

    Oh, and it would take a horse tranquilizer to get to me to watch a movie like that.

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  6. Wow! Scathing reviews! I guess I should watch the trailer. I gotta say though, my position is still the same. If it has the same affect as their last movie together.....:D

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  7. OK..So, after watching the trailer...I see all y'all's point.
    It's absolutely dripping with predictable goo.(and I usually like "chick flicks") Maybe I'll get lucky and Sylvia will never hear about this movie.
    Nice house on the beach, though.

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  8. I hear Lane will be using Blue Screen for the woodworking shots. In reality, James Krenov will be doing the actual woodworking. They'll just super-impose his hands onto hers.

    Paris Hilton is a brain surgeon? Doesn't that require a brain to start with?

    Gary

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  9. I like sappy romances, but #1 I try to avoid anythign with Richard Gere in it and #2 - this looks a bit over the top.

    Sorry VC...I'm waiting for the DVD...or possibly waiting until it's on the Lifetime channel!

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  10. I think they should rename the movie "Nightmare in Rodanthe"!

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  11. Ok, I just read the synopsis at the IMDB. I'll opt for the root canal instead of this movie, TYVM. Plus, I hear that Gere dies his hair gray.

    Gary

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  12. Well... good news for you. My wife wants to watch the movie, so I have no choice. I will let you know how it went.

    Regis

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  13. What a shocker, woodworking in the movies features hand tools users.

    Somehow, the shriek of a planer is a less cuddle-inducing than that of shavings coming out of a hand plane.

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  14. Regis, I feel your pain....but, thanks!

    Eric, I can't think of any other movies that show woodworking, other than one with Mel Gibson, where he built Windsor chairs that always fell apart (The Patriot?).

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  15. I'd watch Diane Lane read a phone book. She is a very talented babe! Gorgeous infact!

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  16. Harrison Ford did some planing in the Peter Weir film, Witness. Don't recall how well it was done but I think it did convey a sense of satisfaction and quiet pleasure.

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  17. Harrison Ford was actually a carpenter before he became "Harrison Ford". I love watching Witness just to see the house raising section.

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  18. Yeah that was quite special. Love wood framed structures before they are clad.

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  19. Steve Martin turned in a creditable performance as a reclusive furniture maker in "A Simple Twist of Fate".

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  20. I don't remember that Harrison Ford played a carpenter, but I do remember the barn raising.

    Thanks, Anon. I've never heard of that movie, but imdb'd it. Might have to netflix it!

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  21. John Cusack built a nice canoe in Must Love Dogs. There's also some hand tool use in The Notebook. Check out when they're repairing the HMS Surprise in Master & Commander, Far Side of the World.

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  22. Thank you, Marc! There seems to be more woodworking in the movies than I ever imagined.

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  23. Movies that feature woodworking: Evan Almighty, where a modern-day Noah has to build an ark.

    I haven't yet seen it -- but the trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4OAUa8bo14) shows him (around the 0:55 mark) opening up a crate of mallets and other ark-building handtools.

    --GG

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  24. Also, crosscutting a log with a two-person crosscut saw, and using a mallet on a wooden peg -- around the 1:28 mark.


    Also, more "woodworking on t.v." rather than "in the movies", but Gibbs on NCIS (building a large boat in his basement). One time someone asked him whether it wouldn't be faster using power tools -- to which he replied something along the lines of ''It isn't the speed; it's the process.''

    From memory, mallets, drawknives, I think maybe a marking gauge have all been shown in use. Not so much the current season, but in earlier ones...


    --GG

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