Happy Birthday, Wes Anderson!

Today, we're celebrating the 43rd birthday of Academy Award-nominated director Wes Anderson. He started directing in the mid-1990s, and he created his first feature length film - 1996's Bottle Rocket - with the acting help of Luke and Owen Wilson. From there, he's gone on to brand himself into a particular type of director, whose films all have the same quirky comedic feel. Anderson has also managed to partner himself with some of the bigger actors in Hollywood, having included the likes of Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzmann and Cate Blanchett in a number of his films. With such fan favorites as 1998's Rushmore, 2001's The Royal Tenenbaums and 2004's The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Anderson has definitely made a name for himself amongst the public. Most recently, Anderson delved into animation to create the 2009 film, Fantastic Mr. Fox. Audiences will next be able to see his work in the upcoming 2012 film, Moonrise Kingdom. And so, to celebrate his directing prowess, I've listed my five favorite of Anderson's directorial efforts, and I've found clips from each film for your viewing pleasure. I hope you enjoy them. Once again, happy birthday, Wes!

5. Rushmore

1998

*****

4. Bottle Rocket

1996

***** 

3. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

2004

***** 

2. The Royal Tenenbaums

2001

***** 

1. Fantastic Mr. Fox

2009

Happy Birthday, Bill Murray!

Today we're celebrating the 61st birthday of Bill Murray, one of Hollywood's most iconic comedic actors. Although he has been acting since the mid-1970s, he nabbed his first hit with his supporting role in 1980's Caddyshack. From there, Murray skyrocketed to superstardom, appearing in smash hits like 1984's Ghost Busters, 1986's Little Shop of Horrors and 1993's Groundhog Day. In 2004, he received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in 2003's Lost in Translation, giving his career a little bit of dramatic legitimacy as well. As he continues to act today, Murray always brings a strong presence to the screen, and it's always a fun sight to see him prancing around. So, for his birthday, I'd like to count down my five favorite of Murray's roles (as you can see below). I hope you enjoy them as you join me in wishing Bill Murray a happy 61st birthday!

5. Dr. Peter Venkman
Ghost Busters (1984)


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4. Arthur Denton
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)


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3. Steve Zissou
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)


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2. Bob Harris
Lost in Translation (2003)


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1. Carl Spackler
Caddyshack (1980)

Awards
2003: Winner - Best Couple; Nominee - Best Actor, Comedy
2004: Nominee - Best Actor, Comedy; Best Voice Acting
2009: Nominee - Best Cameo or Brief Appearance

Happy Birthday, Willem Dafoe!

We've got a pair of birthdays to celebrate today, but the first shall go to the bigger name in Willem Dafoe, who turns 56 today. Dafoe is one of those actors who's instantly recognizable, both for his looks and for his voice. He may not be the best-looking man out there, but he has a very distinctive look about him that's hard to mistake. However, that voice is the real selling point, and whenever I heart it, I instantly turn towards the nearest screen. There's a very strange appeal about this man, and I can't quite figure out what draws me to Willem Dafoe as an actor. He's proven that he has some chops - he's a two-time Academy Award nominee - so maybe that's what makes him all the more appealing. So here we are, counting down my five favorite Dafoe roles. I hope you enjoy it!

5. Det. Donald Kimball
American Psycho (2000)


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4. Norman Osborn / Green Goblin
Spider-man (2002)


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3. Klaus Daimler
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)


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2. Sgt. Elias
Platoon (1986)


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1. Paul Smecker
The Boondock Saints (1999)


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Awards
1999: Nominee - Best Supporting Actor, Drama
2002: Nominee - Best Villain