So far so good... My adventure through the many films nominated for Academy Awards is really paying off. I am completely amazed at how great films that sound so bad in title and on paper can turn out to be. I keep getting the same response from people: they are Oscar movies, they are supposed to be good. But most Oscar movies have a tendency of being bland and overrated. This year, I have enjoyed the small titles just as much as the big ones.
Here is an outline of what I have seen and where it fits in the nominations, and if I can, my predictions with what I have seen thus far (or speculation, as far as Avatar nods go):
Actor in a Leading Role
* Jeff Bridges in “Crazy Heart”
* George Clooney in “Up in the Air”
* Jeremy Renner in “The Hurt Locker”
Prediction: Jeff Bridges (should be close between Bridges & Clooney)
Actor in a Supporting Role
* Christoph Waltz in “Inglourious Basterds”
Prediction: Christoph Waltz (Only one I've seen so far but ultimately want him either way)
Actress in a Leading Role
* Meryl Streep in “Julie & Julia”
Predictions: Not Meryl Streep (Not Oscar-worthy performance)
Actress in a Supporting Role
* Vera Farmiga in “Up in the Air”
* Maggie Gyllenhaal in “Crazy Heart”
* Anna Kendrick in “Up in the Air”
Predictions: Anna Kendrick (honestly do not think anyone could top this performance)
Animated Feature Film
* “Coraline” Henry Selick
* “Up” Pete Docter
Prediction: Up (out of these two, obviously Up... afraid either way, my bias against stop motion filmmaking will cause me this category)
Art Direction
* “Sherlock Holmes” Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
Prediction: No Sherlock Holmes (do not see any Oscar nods in Holmes' future)
Cinematography
* “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” Bruno Delbonnel
* “The Hurt Locker” Barry Ackroyd
* “Inglourious Basterds” Robert Richardson
Prediction: The Hurt Locker (see this film taking best director, screenplay, & picture)
Costume Design
* “Coco before Chanel” Catherine Leterrier
Predictions: ??? (possibly Coco, but very tough to tell without other viewings - gut feeling tells me Nine will take it)
Directing
* “The Hurt Locker” Kathryn Bigelow
* “Inglourious Basterds” Quentin Tarantino
* “Up in the Air” Jason Reitman
Prediction: The Hurt Locker (see Cinematography Prediction)
Documentary (Feature)
* “The Cove” Nominees to be determined
Prediction: ??? (Gut feeling tells me Food Inc. -- watching that one tonight.)
Film Editing
* “District 9” Julian Clarke
* “The Hurt Locker” Bob Murawski and Chris Innis
* “Inglourious Basterds” Sally Menke
Prediction: ??? (Gut feeling tells me Avatar for anything technical)
Makeup
* “Star Trek” Barney Burman, Mindy Hall and Joel Harlow
Prediction: ??? (Gut reaction says Young Victoria)
Music (Original Score)
* “The Hurt Locker” Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders
* “Sherlock Holmes” Hans Zimmer
* “Up” Michael Giacchino
Prediction: Up (Hands down thus far, deserves it ---whether it will get it is another story)
Music (Original Song)
* “Loin de Paname” from “Paris 36” Music by Reinhardt Wagner Lyric by Frank Thomas
* “The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)” from “Crazy Heart” Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett
Prediction: Crazy Heart (just because I believe since it didn't get Best Picture nom it deserves to win everything else it is up for... haha... skewed perception of justice I know)
Best Picture
* “District 9” Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham, Producers
* “The Hurt Locker” Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier and Greg Shapiro
* “Inglourious Basterds” Lawrence Bender, Producer
* “A Serious Man” Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, Producers
* “Up” Jonas Rivera, Producer
* “Up in the Air” Daniel Dubiecki, Ivan Reitman and Jason Reitman, Producers
Prediction: The Hurt Locker (gotta go with Hurt Locker just because it has been bringing home awards where ever it goes, there's no way Avatar can take it without having anything in either acting or screenplay... know it makes it so Up In The Air wins nothing throughout the night, but I will be damned if anything besides those two win)
Short Film (Animated)
None yet
Sound Editing
* “The Hurt Locker” Paul N.J. Ottosson
* “Inglourious Basterds” Wylie Stateman
* “Star Trek” Mark Stoeckinger and Alan Rankin
* “Up” Michael Silvers and Tom Myers
Prediction: ??? (Avatar most likely...)
Sound Mixing
* “The Hurt Locker” Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett
* “Inglourious Basterds” Michael Minkler, Tony Lamberti and Mark Ulano
* “Star Trek” Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson and Peter J. Devlin
* “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers and Geoffrey Patterson
Prediction: ??? (Avatar most likely again...)
Visual Effects
* “District 9” Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros and Matt Aitken
* “Star Trek” Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh and Burt Dalton
Prediction: ??? (Okay, if it took him 20 years to make, obviously it will probably win this one... Avatar...)
Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
* “District 9” Written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell
* “In the Loop” Screenplay by Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche
* “Up in the Air” Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner
Prediction: Up In The Air (possibly the only award it will bring home that night... sad)
Writing (Original Screenplay)
* “The Hurt Locker” Written by Mark Boal
* “Inglourious Basterds” Written by Quentin Tarantino
* “A Serious Man” Written by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
* “Up” Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Docter, Story by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy
Prediction: The Hurt Locker (I think to solidify its spot as Best Picture is has to win this one)
My Journey Thus Far
Julie & Julia
JULIE & JULIA
Up For: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Meryl Streep)
Julie & Julia inspired me to start this blog.
The film itself was entertaining, but did not strike me as Oscar-worthy. The performances were sub-par, especially from Meryl Streep. I simply have a feeling that the people that grew up with Julia Childs teaching them to cook on the television saw the striking resemblance in Meryl and thus decided she deserved a nomination.
The plot was based on two true stories, which made for an entertaining, back and forth story-telling. Once again, the film rose to the challenge of its bland title and subject matter and I was able to latch onto certain ideas the film delved into, like the process of getting a book published. I have always wanted to be a writer and so as Julia Childs tried to get her cookbook published, I followed along. My passion for writing was then matched by Amy Adams character, as she too was frustrated with her current position in life and wanted more, thus starting a blog and working her way through the entire Julia Childs cookbook.
The acting was solid all the way through. Streep & Adams lived up to their names, while Stanley Tucci and Chris Messina provided nice support for their women (both acting-wise and plot-wise).
Glad I viewed this film at least once, but otherwise do not feel the need for a second viewing. Not really turned onto the book either.
(23 FILMS TO GO)
Paris 36
PARIS 36 (FAUBOURG 36)
Up For: Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
The first thing I told myself was to take the easy way out and simply look up the four individual songs up for nominations (the fifth I had already seen in Crazy Heart) and choose from there without watching the entire films. Instead, I took the leap into the unknown of Paris 36.
Warning to many, the entire film is subtitled, something that does not bother me at all.
The song was good, catchy, and fit the film perfectly, but unsure if it deserves an Oscar. It is hard to pick a song that should win when they come from not only different genres of films but of genres of music.
Oscars aside, Faubourg 36 was a mix between Moulin Rouge and Chicago. The plot involves the restoration of a famous show house, the rising of unionization in France, and a lover's quarrel between the rich and the poor. There is so much that fills this film. So many characters, storylines, and dynamics, it is a wonder how it even made the two hour cut.
Great film. Once again, I went in thinking I would pull my hair out and ended up thoroughly pleased. If you ever want to challenge yourself, rent this film and give it at least one try. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
(24 FILMS TO GO)
The Cove
THE COVE
Up For: Best Documentary, Features
With a tag line like "The Bourne Identity meets Flipper", the Cove was a passing joke between my colleagues and I at work in the video store. That combination makes the documentary sound ridiculous. View the film, however, you will be in awe.
The Cove was phenomenal. Though extremely one sided, the film is a great blend of information about the situation, and action from the filmmaker.
The director, Louie Psihoyos, is present the entire film, taking you to the Japanese location of the debate about dolphin killing.
The knowledge you gain from the telling of the first person stories and the interactions of the Americans with the Japanese are haunting but thought-provoking. I simply did not know that dolphin killing was such a huge deal in those parts.
A nice (and funny... not sure why) cameo from Hayden Panettiere will make this a fun filled documentary as well.
My favorite part of the film, the inclusive and unique adventure the filmmaker takes you on in fighting to see what actually happens in "the cove". The use of high tech equipment to catch and record what the secret dolphin killings is powerful and gut wrenching. The explanation of government involvement is intriguing as well, which caused a lot of after thought once the film was over about all government involvement and cover ups.
Overall, the documentary took me through the full range of emotion, providing for heart racing suspense and heart warming tales.
Not sure this one takes the Oscar, as Food Inc. was much more publicized, but a nice runner-up if anything.
(25 FILMS TO GO)
Coco Before Chanel
COCO BEFORE CHANEL
Up For: Best Achievement in Costume Design
Before committing to the Oscar Challenge, I scanned the list of Feature Films I would have to watch. Several categories looked like they would be torture. Costume Design was one of those categories.
You read a title like Coco Before Chanel and the first thing that came to my mind at least was "torture". I thought to myself "this is going to be a test". The image of pulling my teeth out watching some of these films haunted me.
After viewing Coco Before Chanel... absolutely fantastic.
The story is a tad overused, but the costume design was absolutely amazing. Not only that, but the cinematography and set design were gorgeous as well.
For a film about a famous designer, I expected nothing less than perfection in costume design. I was not let down. The films got stiff competition however. Nine & Young Victoria are surely going to be fore-runners in the taking of the title Best Costume Design.
Oscars aside, great film. I was impressed that a film with such a bland-sounding title kept be engaged throughout the whole piece. The film felt the right amount of historically accurate (I know absolutely nothing about Chanel besides that it involves clothing) and cinematic experience. The visuals are crisp, the story engaging, and the acting is wonderful. (Did not know that Audrey Tautou was also co-star in The Da Vinci Code with Tom Hanks). The male actors are exquisite as well.
Honestly, I would absolutely recommend this film to anyone... please do not get it confused with the Lifetime original Coco Chanel film that is also out starring Brigitte Boucher. I cannot vouch for that one. Maybe it's good, I would not know. Haha.
(26 FILMS TO GO)
Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince
HARRY POTTER & THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE
Up For: Best Achievement in Cinematography
What an odd place for this film to be nominated.
Costume? Maybe.
Visual Effects? Possibly.
Cinematography? ...I really do not know...
The fact of the matter is, you watch this Harry Potter film and in no way would I leave a theater saying this film should be up for Best Cinematography. Most of the cinematography seems more of visual effects than actual hands on cinematography. Same with Avatar in that case. If you are considering the camera movements and style of digitally rendered 3D animation as cinematography, then okay, but then why isn't Up in this category?
Great installment in the Harry Potter franchise. The older Harry gets the more I feel the books match up with the films. They have a darkness to them that the books have, that the early films lacked. The early films had an innocence and child-like feel to them, while the books were dark and foreboding. Not Oscar-worthy however.
Surprised they haven't ever given Harry Potter a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay. The books are fantastic. What do the screenplays lack that the books have? So many questions. Excited to see how they finish off the franchise.
(27 FILMS TO GO)
In The Loop
IN THE LOOP
Up For:
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Never would I have told myself, "Hey, I'm bored, let's watch In The Loop tonight." The cover of the DVD was uninviting, the tagline of "British comedy" turned me off, and I had literally heard nothing about it. But the Oscar Challenge makes you watch films you never thought you would see.
My verdict after viewing? Great film. Several occurrences provided for its success in my eyes. First, the reemergence of Anna Chlumsky from her days as the main character in My Girl. She is a) grown-up a lot and gorgeous, b) still able to act. Next, James Gandolfini was dead on. His tough guy persona in the film, mixed with comical dialogue was brilliant and really shows his range of acting (from Sopranos to a British comedy). Tom Hollander played his dumb-guy part perfectly. Peter Capaldi is spot on with his vulgar insensitivity towards everyone. And Chris Addison makes a great film debut.
In The Loop was a great surprise. I do not see it taking home the Oscar, however, but does not take away from its brilliant and dynamic screenplay.
If you enjoy the Office (either the BBC or USA version), then I suggest this film to you.
(28 FILMS TO GO)
Coraline
CORALINE
Up For:
Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
Wholeheartedly did not enjoy the viewing of this film. Personal preference for stop motion animation, the story was nothing spectacular. Not sure if there was a lack of Animated Features this year, but Coraline was far from anything enjoyable.
The film "9" (though I have not viewed it yet) seems like it had more potential than this film.
The story is dry. Plain and simple, it has been done before. Sure, never in a separate universe where the "other" mother has buttons for eyes, but watch Home Alone and you will understand the jest of this film.
Even the stop motion wasn't the greatest. Sure, the graphics are getting better and I had to ask myself whether this was digitally done or good-old fashion stop motion claymation.
Overall, never been a big fan of the sub-genre of movies that Tim Burton helped to create and which Coraline carries on from.
No chances at Best Animated Feature. Coraline doesn't hold up against Up.
(29 FILMS TO GO)
Crazy Heart
CRAZY HEART
Up For:
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
Where in God's name is the Best Picture nomination?
Crazy Heart was absolutely amazing. By far the best film viewed throughout this journey (Sorry Up In The Air, Thank you Marcus Theaters for finally getting something good at your theaters).
Jeff Bridges will take this award hands down. The guy was bred for success. Winning an Oscar in 1971 for Last Picture Show, to being a legend from the Coen Brothers' Big Lebowski, to Crazy Heart (which has its moments of Big Lebowski nostalgia). Singing his own songs, wearing his emotion on his sleeve, Bridges has engraved himself as one of my favorite actors of all time.
Maggie Gyllenhaal was stunning as well. Name any movie Maggie has been in before this film, I would most likely say I did not enjoy her (she was fine in The Dark Knight, but when you're replacing Katie Holmes, anyone looks good in that part). Maggie finally found the part for her. She was made for this part and for that I enjoyed it. Do not see the Oscar in her future, however. (Anna Kendrick still blew her away).
Best Original song... more like Best Original songS! My friends and I left the theater after seeing the film asking each other which song was up for the award because all of them were great. "The Weary Kind" is up for the award and rightfully so (oddly enough, written by Ryan Bingham, the character from Up In The Air... coincidence?). The "Falling Seems Like Flying" song was a personal favorite of mine. Even if you do not see this film, at least give the record (or CD) a try. In the essence of Walk The Line if you will.
Colin Farrell? This film made me enjoy two actors that I normally would not enjoy. Add Robert Duvall (loved him in The Road this year as well), and you have another great film.
As a musician myself, this film meant a lot more to me. It is uplifting yet rooted to the ground and down to earth. I will own this film.
Seriously though, no Best Picture, no Best Adapted Screenplay, not even Best Director? Very confusing this year, Oscars... very confusing. Would have put this in the running for Best Picture if it were there... guess you need to make room for Blind Side & District 9??? Whatever.
(30 FILMS TO GO)
A Serious Man
A SERIOUS MAN
Up For:
Best Motion Picture of the Year
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Honestly, what would the Academy Awards be without a Coen Brothers film these days? A staple in the Awards for almost 2 decades, not seeing them at the Oscars for at least one award would be a rare occurrence. Winning the big awards (Best Picture, Screenplay, and Directing) in 2007, they make a return this year with Best Picture & Screenplay.
Best Picture, no way. With no offense what-so-ever to the Coen Brothers, this was not a Best Picture. It definitely deserved the nomination, because out of the year, this was the one film that felt like an Oscar-nominated film.
The screenplay, however, was fantastic. Deeply rooted in the Jewish culture, it created an entire world (set, dialogue, atmosphere) that was Yiddish through and through. Not just anyone could produce such a screenplay, and, if by some miracle, Serious Man wins the Best Screenplay, I will approve.
The performance from lead star Michael Stuhlbarg was great. Though the film had a Ben Stiller-esc feel where everything bad is happening to the main character, I somehow was less annoyed than I am in a "Stiller" (Meet The Fockers, nothing ever goes right for Stiller in that film and it ends up being painful). Stuhlbarg's reactions and timing make for a decent flick.
Overall, Coen Brothers definitely have an aura about them. Take away their name from the cover of the Blu Ray case, with no knowledge that it was them, and I would have walked away from the film, wondering whether the Coen Brothers were at it again. They have created a type of film all their own (like Tarantino, he more or less revolutionized an existing film-type, but you know when you've just watched a Tarantino film).
(31 FILMS TO GO)
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