For the most part movies aren't my thing. Or atleast they weren't, I'm not sure exactly where our relationship stands right now. Similar to books, I dont have much patience for mediocrity. And, it can be hard to find folks with taste similar to mine when it comes to recommendations. One must remember that I don't care for Lord of The Rings, Men in Black, Top Gun, The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Coneheads (ok, who did like that one?) and Rudy, Jerry Maguire, etc. On the other hand movies I have liked have been, Silence of the Lambs, Se7en, Runaway Jury, Napoleon Dynamite, Manhatten Murder Mystery, and America's Sweethearts.
I decided this year to prep for the Oscars. This year I would not root for this actress simply cuz she was good in the last film I saw her in, or root for that movie simply cuz it was the only one I'd seen... no, this time around I wanted the right to have a real opinion.
There are of course, oodles of categories under which academy awards are given. I committed to watching those nominated for the following 'Best' awards: Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, and Best Picture.
My goal was not so much to lay down clear bets on who or what will win after completing viewing. Honestly, there are some ways in which I don't feel qualified to comment.
Coincidentally I saw all pictures nominated for Achievement in Directing, Achievement in Art Direction, Achievement in Film Editing and Best Adapted Screenplay. Far be it from me to comment on directing and art direction as I can't pin down what aspects of each film the Editor versus Director versus Cameramen deserve credit for.
As it is, I feel a bit challenged in identifying Oscar worthy acting--it's easier to identify that which definately doesn't deserve an award. But to boil down what it takes to impress me, I look most for the actor to help me forget that I am watching a portrayal of a story versus witnessing the story first hand. I look for showing of genuine emotion, for consistency, for the character to be played with depth, with well-roundedness, with honesty. I look for a 'marriage' between the actor and character, almost as though it were destined for that person to play that part. I look for the actor to make it unlikely that I'll be distracted by images of them in previous roles they played.
Armed with knowledge of my standards in judgement, and with knowledge of the types of movies I tend to like and dislike, perhaps you can meld the following (brief and randomly assembled) opinions with your own.
Happy Oscar watching!
The Visitor (Richard Jenkins)
The storyline revolves around Richard's character who owns a second apartment which is illegally rented out during his absense to two illegal aliens (who don't know the apartment was not owned by their landlord) Richards character has pity on the dwellers and lets them hang around for awhile. One of them teaches him how to play the drums and thus a connection begins. Richard helps them fight extradition and really, that's the bulk of the movie. I was pretty underwhelmed by the film and was left wondering why Richard had made it into the 'Lead Actor' category. If it doesn't win any awards I will lose no sleep.
Frost/Nixon (Frank Lagelia)
I'll be upfront that despite the scope of the Nixon scandal the subject has never been able to keep my interest. While this angle on the historical event was a bit different from other attempts, I felt it was unable to legitimatize itself where I was concerned. I found it boring and par for the course. Nothing special. Frank as Nixon grated on my nerves. Not limited to this film, I find it especially hard to watch movies where an actor is portraying someone I have knowledge of or images of in my memory. The simple fact that Frank doesn't look like Nixon created a huge barrier in my mind. This film created confusion as I tried to grasp why the heck it had been nominated. Again, perhaps there was something special where Directing or Editing was concerned, but the acting left me with that all-too familiar feeling that 2 hours is just too long to sit.
Milk (Sean Penn/Josh Brolin)
I didn't previously know anything about Mr. Milk's story, so take that into consideration. I'd put this film in the 'worth watching' and 'well executed' categories and maybe with less awesome movies as competition it might have made my list for award worthy. Sean Penn does tend to appear similar in his various roles and several times I felt I heard him speaking as Sam from 'I am Sam' which is unfortunate. Josh Brolin was nominated for supporting, I thought he was fine in the role, but not fantastic. Overall, not sure it cuts the award mustard, but it's not a waste of time to watch, so do so and judge for yourself.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt/Taraji P. Henson)
Sorry, but I plain didn't connect with this movie. It was one of the hardest to get through. I found Cate Blanchetts character annoying and the storyline unable to offer anything I like in a movie. I didn't even like the 'special' filming techniques. As unique as the storyline appeared, it hit me as uncreative. In one word I'd call it overrated. Frankly, I want my two+ hours back. I will say however that I make no claim on whether or not it deserves an Art Direction or Achiement in Makeup award. Despite the story not being entertaining to me, I fully admit there might be other aspects that were executed spectacularly. To ensure I don't gloss over the specific actors nominated, I'll make it clear none impressed me. I particularly have no patience for Southern accents gone wrong. It seems they are the hardest to execute and when it's off, boy it is crazy-making. Cate's attempt at an accent was the worst. This movie has it's fans though I can't figure out why.
The Wrestler (Mickey Rourke/Marisa Tomei)
It's a sad story. A has-been wrestler trying to revamp his popularity and wants to 'settle down' with a stripper (from a joint he frequents) whom he has interest in. He's not been a good father to his young adult daughter who eventually disowns him after allowing him another shot or two (he fails, mainly due to drug addiction) at melding into her life. I was impressed with Mickey Rourke. He thoroughly became the role. This part was meant for him. I've not seen any of his previous work, but assume none of it came close to his execution of the Wrestler. By far, I think he deserves the 'Actor in a Leading Role' award. Good luck Mickey! Marisa on the otherhand was completely forgetable for me. No clue why she received a nomination.
Tropic Thunder (Robert Downey Jr.)
Comedies are the underdogs when it comes to academy awards and a part of me would be alright with Robert Downey Jr. winning simply because I feel it's a crime how overlooked comedians are when it comes to acknowledging works of art and entertainment. Tropic Thunder made me laugh multiple times. Though I gotta say probably more due to Ben Stiller's work than Robert who was nominated as a supporting actor. While this was a funny film--and Ben and Robert and everyone in it really, did an amazing job--I think it would not be right for Robert to win out over the other nominees. The competition is steep. And it's not right to award this work simply because comedies don't usually fair well.
Doubt (Philip Seymour Hoffman/Meryl Streep/Amy Adams/Viola Davis)
I enjoyed this film. It raised the question of whether Philip as a catholic priest/teacher had had inappropriate relationships with a student, or several students over his career. The film ended in leaving the audience to interpret some realities and overall I felt nothing was out of place. The parts were well acted, the story well played out. There is no confusion on why several of the actors in it were nominated for various roles. But, in my view Viola Davis should do without the award. Meryl who often is great was just adequate, par for the course of the role. Amy Adams impressed me, but not to a degree that I'm willing to say she definately deserves an award--she'd be my second pick for supporting actress. Philip was also adequate and did not dissapoint, but he's got steep competition and therefore I'd vote against his winning the supporting actor award.
The Dark Knight (Heath Ledger)
I enjoyed this film. The inclusion of Maggie Gyllenhaal was mystifying to me as I don't find her talented enough for a movie of this caliber nor is she believable as a 'temptress' in my opinion. I suppose that should be neither here nor there as she wasn't nominated in any category. I'd question whether you are breathing if you've not heard atleast a few words regarding Heath Ledger's performance in this picture. Perhaps the publicity was in part due to his untimely passing, in part due to critical aclaim of his work. All the talk I heard left me expecting this picture to be the best piece of entertainment made since the invention of the camera. It wasn't. It was good, Ledger was good and rocked as the Joker. But it wasn't mind blowing against the praise he received for it. Still, I would see it as appropriate if he won the supporting actor award. Of those nominated he was the most impressive.
Revolutionary Road (Michael Shannon)
I generally don't take to well to films set in the 50s/60's, yet I found it easy to engage in this film. The dynamics between Kate and Leo as husband and wife were authentic and the storyline consistent and a unique take on that time in history. I appreciated that it wasn't just another script leaving us thinking women were equal to slaves before office jobs were commonly available to them and that all a wife's problems would have been erased if only she'd not been expected to find fulfillment in making dinner and tending to the house or kids. It was an enlightening, and sad film. I enjoyed it, though not much due to Michael Shannons contibution. Seeing as how it was nominated for so few awards (major ones anyway) I am expecting it to walk away with none.
Rachel Getting Married (Anne Hathaway)
I'll be upfront that I'm not an Anne Hathaway fan. I've never really cared for her work. For one, her eyes scare me. She's got a cute-gone-awry look; you know, should be nice to look at and yet somehow, for me, definately is not and yes that matters. You can be plain like Meryl Streep, but you can't be almost cute. It's distracting. In general Anne's acting, well, it's fine I suppose for the type of roles she tends to attract. Her work in dramas and comedies all seems to have a similar thread. That said, this is her best work as far as what I've witnessed. She didn't detract from the movie. The storyline was fantastic. The best part of this movie for me was the script. The conversations and situations were so true to life and the actors turned the dialogue into exquisitely real interractions. I am a total fan of this movie. In my opinion it should have received a nomination for best picture (swap out with Frost/Nixon) and if it had it would have been my second pick to receive that award. I would've liked to see Rosemarie DeWitt (who plays Rachel) nominated for supporting actress. Definately see this!
Changeling (Angelina Jolie)
Boy was this an unexpected tear-jerker. I guess I didn't quite know the storyline involved mass murder, but that made for dramatics which I am attracted to. It's based on a true story which means it gets marks from me right off the bat. The script was super-unimpressive however. Angelina was completely underwhelming as her lines were limited to, "I want my son back," and "That's not my son." I swear she uttered the words "my son" more than a hundred times. Still, I would recommend this film for viewing. I'm not surprised it made it to the Oscar nomination list, but for Angelina as best supporting actress? That makes no sense to me. Enjoying a film doesn't make it award worthy--I'll be very dissapointed in the lack of justice in the process if she wins.
Frozen River (Melissa Leo)
As with Mickey Rourke, I'd never heard of Melisssa or seen any of her work prior to this film. That may contribute to my wondering if this role simply channelled aspects of her real-life personality. Her performance was so consistent and dead on. It's always a little more magical if you perceive the actress had to undergo a huge transformation to embody a character. Not knowing how far off this role was for Melissa adds difficulty in assessing whether I should vote for her receiving the lead actress award over Anne Hathaway. Melissa plays a single mom desperate to make extra money to keep her kids sheltered, in their trailor home. She ends up busing illegal aliens into town (stowed in her car trunk) but eventually is caught. Although the pic was worth my time as I see it, please note the other actors in this film were HORRIBLE. Yet, I almost want Melissa to win just in support of my like of small films making the big time. But where limited budgeting gives way to wanna-be actors landing parts way before they are ready... that's an unfortunate tragedy, and I'd be shocked and dissapointed if Misty Upham (plays opposite Melissa) finds work in any other movies in the near future.
The Reader (Kate Winslet)
This movie was just ok for me and would be categorized as one I watched only in effort to prep for the Oscars. The storyline was pretty simplistic. Kate's character meets a young boy would 'befriends' her, reading to her--amongst other services. It pretty quickly becomes the 'Kate Winslet Boob Show' and no, that's not just me being a prude. A good creative writer knows that exclaimation points are to be used sparingly. Art lovers might be able to argue the place for nudity (maybe an exclaimation point? But even so, maybe not... I don't know) but skin and more skin as in this picture amounted to an awkward and clumsy attempt at transparency of the characters. I was touched by Kate Winslets ability to play such a stark character with little softness, who felt unable to connect to the consequences of her actions. Her character was despised by some for good reason, and yet I came away feeling compassionate, not hating. Overall, an Oscar is too lofty a reward for this picture.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (Penelope Cruz)
The storyline of 3 women (2 of them best friends) who are intimate with one man falls into the bizzare for me. The film is narrated by a male who plays no character in the movie, and that set-up isn't one I tend to like. Penelope and Scarlett Johansen play two girls who become intertwined with a Spanish gentleman, Penelope being the mans ex-wife--I've decided to keep the recount couth and PG 13. Frankly, it isn't a stellar film, so my glossing over certain details is not a tragedy. The films bright spot was Penelope's performance. She's not an actress I've ever thought of as award worthy, however this role highlighted a depth in her abilities that I had no idea existed. There are critics who claim Penelope is best in roles that allow her to use her Spanish language skills and after viewing this film I'd agree with that perspective. She has some English lines, however being the film takes place in Barcelona her accent is a plus not a distraction. Despite my wishing this film was not itself, ie not overtly sexual, Penelope does receive my vote to receive the supporting actress award. She did bring the story to another level and left me wanting to see her take on more roles that play to her strengths.
Nominations for Best Picture: 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', 'Frost/Nixon', 'Milk', 'The Reader', 'Slumdog Millionaire'
Given that 4 out of 5 of these films have already been reviewed above, it should be no suprise at which one receives my vote for Best Picture.... Slumdog Millionaire!! This picture is a MUST-see. It may be the only film I have no criticism of. I am even a fan of the music video played following the actual film, during the credits! The film revisits the life of a poor Indian boy who as a young adult ends up on the gameshow Millionare and proceeds to pass level after level drawing speculation that he's cheating his way through. It simply can't be true that he had honest knowledge of each of the random topics the game selects as he is in 'the hot seat.' The film works backward letting us in on his unique history and the life events (all extremely tragic and perhaps unfortunately typical of a 'slumdog' in India) which exposed him to pop culture, history and political answers that paved the way for success on the game show. I may be biased given there's a place in my heart for India's culture and people--but really, I am only one of many (probably the majority) that feel this is picture is hands-down worthy of the 'Best Picture' award. Watch it with Kleenex nearby.
That's all she wrote folks! Until Sunday :)
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