Entertainment Souffle
First, allow me to pass on a link that I've been shamed into posting: Instant Karma. (Thank Stiggie for this one). Now, to make up for introducing you to that monstrosity of carnage, check out this existential link for a soothing rejoinder to the reality of your odd life as a primate: Modern Living. Finally, here are two internet based commercials for your enjoyment: I. Car, II Beer.
Great. Where was I? Oh yes. I finally got around to seeing all of the nominees for Best Picture. Like you really care… here is my mini-blog rundown:
Sideways. Easily the densest, most layered and intelligent film of the year. Of all the films nominated this year for Best Picture, this movie gives itself entirely over to the characters and the story (as opposed to the personalities of the actors or the stylistic imperatives of the director). This is a huge film masquerading as a low-budget buddy flick.
Finding Neverland. The only other film on the list (besides Sideways) that actually deserves the award. Unassuming and surprisingly humble, it is utterly seamless in conveying its central themes. The respect it has for artistry, along with it's unapologetic celebration of artistic manipulation, will surely backfire and drive audiences and Academy voters away. Spectacular implosions of huge personalities are inevitably more appealing to watch than subtle displays of beauty.
Million Dollar Baby. Stylistically predictable, given Eastwood's penchant for broody and quiet reflections on aging. Personally, I think that having Morgan Freeman deliver voiceover narration is, frankly, tantamount to cheating (without it, Shawshank Redemption probably would have been unwatchable). It's a tight movie, but too sluggish and geriatric to deserve timeless honors and endless accolades. I wouldn't be disappointed if Hillary Swank gets another Oscar for this one.
Ray. Superbly acted and adroitly directed. The only real shortfall was that it was so thematically limited for such an epically long movie. Mostly, one walks away thinking, "Jamie Foxx was really convincing as Ray Charles"…and little else. Much of the spiritual backbone of the film comes from Ray's music; it's like an essay that's really good because it's filled with great quotations. Surprisingly good work from Sharon Warren as Ray's mother.
The Aviator. Total shit. A complete waste of time.
My prediction for the film that will walk away with the Best Picture Oscar: The Aviator.
5 Comments:
you're right, "The Aviator" will win - but not based on its' own merits. It'll be one of those situations where the Academy will give the award to honor the body of work Scorsese has contributed over the course of his career, that the Academy has previously ignored. Now, they feel they'd better throw him a bone before he dies and they all look like assholes (too late)...
My contempt for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is rivaled only by my contempt for the Jeff Committee here in Chicago. The whole awards system is a complete joke and in my opinion, only serves to give those of us too afraid to discuss what's REALLY going on something to focus our A.D.D.-addled minds on while the powers-that-be make the world a much worse place in which to live right under our noses. Like you really care.
The only things that are REALLY going on that are REALLY worth paying attention to: Art, Beauty, & Truth.
Did you get that off a fortune cookie? But, you're right. Sadly, true art, beauty and truth are not ideals that the Academy (or even the general populace) seem to hold in high regard, let alone merit award-worthy.
Of course, I guess I have no right to even comment - I've boycotted every award show televised since Landau won best supporting actor for ED WOOD - in my opinion, the last award given that was truly deserved. For me, it just doesn't get any better than that.
Shawshank Redemption "unwatchable"? Morgan Freeman is the best thing about that flick, but you could still watch it on mute. Brooks was here. So was red.
I am going to let that slide as sarcasm, because I would hate to completely discredit an otherwise insightful review.
The Aviator is not an utter waste of time, unless you still bear emotional scars from Titanic. I don't. And it isn't.
Other than that, I promise to see 'Sideways'.
Point taken. Still, I don't think I'll be watching Shawshank Redemption on mute anytime soon. While I have some problems with it, it is a darn good movie.
As for The Aviator, I envy you Dague. Truly. I mean it. When I pay my money and sit my fanny down, I want to enjoy what I see. I wish I could. As an audience member, I desperately want to be moved, astonished, or [pick your word]. If (and when) The Aviator wins, I’ll endeavor to write a post that explains my flippant and minimal dismissal of the picture. Regardless of who wins, however, what ultimately matters is whether or not people got something from the films; and people did.
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