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It must be the favourite for the Best Picture at the Academy Awards. And Smith, if he's a success, has to be a shoe-in for a nomination at the very least.
But it's going to be difficult. Doing such recent history that so many people already know about it and refreshing it won't be easy. We've all seen pictures and films about Ali, heard his voice, read his words. He is an icon. If Will Smith can embody this, then it will be quite an achievement. He's got the look down. He's got the voice down. And we all know he has the confidence. My fingers are crossed that he can deliver.
If Michael Mann can deliver Ali as good as The Insider then there'll be no stopping this one. But is that an impossible task? The Insider was an incredible true life story but its characters were unknown personalities. Ali's characters from Ali himself to Malcolm X are public personas and are going to be much more difficult to turn into honest and real characters.
This is the film I'm hoping will conquer all comers at the Oscars next year. I've got great expectations but a lot of worries.
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I couldn't believe that she knew my name. Some of my best friends didn't know my name.