I like pretty dresses. I even, on occasion, like to watch celebrities, with remarkable bodies and perfect hair, wear pretty dresses. I also like to watch celebrities, wearing pretty dresses, give and receive statues of little gold men.
Yep, that's right folks. Verified movie snob though I may be, I still get a kick out of watching the Oscars. And, I know, I know-- I do, indeed, feel sheepish that I'm not scoffing at the whole ritzy ritual and rigmarole because it's so self-congratulatory and because it's nothing but Hollywood trying desperately to affirm its tenuous grasp on artistic credibility and because, really, it's a venue in which ridiculous big-budget hackjobs (did someone say Titanic?) get to win prizes just because they plundered bajillions of dollars out of the pockets of underinformed moviegoers--underinformed in terms of the theatrical options available to them. Yes, I do realize I'm throwing my credibility into question here when I say that I still think this red-carpet paparazzi-fest serves a purpose other than keeping Kathy Griffin and Joan Rivers employed.
Part of this purpose is to elevate the visibility of certain little films that are a little outside mainstream tastes. For example, last year, Amy Adams got nominated for Junebug, which was a real little gem. I'd been lucky enough to see this movie in a theatre well before nominations came out and could smugly declare that, indeed, the film was worthy of the nod while everyone else was asking "June-what?" See? I'm a really film-snob after all. But my point is, it's a damn good movie and, without the notice of The Academy, surely my talking it up would have done very little to increase its viewership.
And then there's the fact that sometimes The Academy really does get it right-- and they manage to recognize the right people for real artistic accomplishment. Last year, there were no finer performances than Philip Seymour Hoffman's Truman Capote. Truly. In my opinion, that movie should have won best picture-- it was better than the slightly maudlin Brokeback Mountain and it was sure as hell better than the beat-you-over-the-head-with-its-message Crash. But that's neither here nor there when Hoffman's fearless and vulnerable performance got it just desserts. And that's nice, you know? It's just nice when talented people get recognized.
But this year, with the ink on the new crop of nominations still wet, well, I'm afraid I might, at long last, be losing faith in the tradition. While a few nods were dead on, I'm just a little baffled by some of the others.
So, first, let me start with what I think is good: Unfortunately, I haven't been able to see as many of the nominees this year as I was last (I miss you, Jon), but I hear that Ryan Gosling is pretty fantastic in Half Nelson, a little indie with minimal buzz so far, but he'll never win. He's Amy Adams all over again. A couple of years ago,he was also pretty great in The Believer , another good movie of which no one's ever heard, so I think this kid's got some real potential. And it doesn't hurt that he looks a little like Christian Bale. But Forrest Whitaker's Idi Amin from Last King of Scotland has a real shot. I am DYING to see this movie and I'm glad it's getting notice because, from what I know about it, it looks Important (capitol I). And then there's Little Children, which has put a contender into each the Best Actress and the Best Supporting Actor categories. And it looks like Pan's Labyrinth, a little Mexican fantasy, is getting some notice as well. This doesn't make up for the fact that, last year, The Academy overlooked the German/Turkish Head-On (Gagan Die Wand), a film that's made it into the pantheon of Marjorie's Top Five. But it's a start.
And then there are some seriously questionable decisions that The Academy seems to have made. Little Miss Sunshine for best picture? WHAT? This movie is kinda cute and all... but it's certainly NOT one of the 5 best films of the year. All I can say is, at least Dreamgirls didn't get a nod here. I can only deal with so many Broadway musicals-cum-big-buzz-movies getting so much hype. A la (yawn-fest) Chicago. But I think Babel is likely to win this category, anyway-- I haven't seen it; it got mixed reviews; I'm gonna withhold my opinion until it comes out on video. But, then, Will Smith in the Pursuit of Happyness? Really? This movie looks like such a sappy schmaltzy puddle of high-fructose corn syrup that I can't figure out why anyone would take it seriously. Oh, and Ms. Meryl getting her obligatory annual nomination for--whatthefuckever--The Devil Wears Prada. Yeah, ok, so, she's still Meryl Streep and all but how could there possibly be anything challenging enough in a comedic-bitchy bad boss role to merit such congratulations as an Oscar? With any luck Penelope Cruz (Volver)or Judi Dench (Notes on a Scandal)will win in this category, but I think the smart money's on Helen Mirren in The Queen--a movie that strikes me as having as little real-world relevance as its subject matter. But Alan Arkin in Little Miss Sunshine? Abigail Breslin in Little Miss Sunshine? I'm not sure either of these actors was actually ACTING in these parts. And just because I think Dreamgirls looks like a piece of crap to begin with, I do not think Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy are exactly deserving of their nominations either-- but that has more to do with my feelings about that movie than it does with their performances.
There just seem to be so many more suspect nominations this year than last. I find this terribly disheartening because, frankly, I don't want to be just another cynical Oscar dissenter. I miss the bedazzlement I felt watching the show when I was a kid. Ok, to be perfectly honest, I've felt a little distrustful of the whole event ever since the year Titanic, which I consider to be pretty much the worst, sappiest, most manipulative, politically problematic hunk o' gar-BAHHGE ever, swept. Yes, I hate the movie Titanic. A lot. But still, I WANT to believe in the institution of The Academy Awards. And so, come early March, you'll find me, glass of red wine in one hand, bucket of Trader Joe's cookies in the other, spread out on my sofa, hoping for the best. C'mon Forrest. I'm countin' on you, man!
9 comments:
I'm with you--I also hope Forrest wins. I love him! Have not seen the movie yet, but planning on it. I really am surprised that you watch these insipid awards: it's really just a big party for a bunch of famous people who are friends, who pat each other on the back. disgusting.
Stop! That's the whole point of that post! I love the Oscars and I'm sick of listening to people shit on them. Film is really one of the few art forms in which a lot of people still partake. And, while the Oscars is, of course, a very flawed ritual, it's the one in which real talent has the best chance of getting recognized. It's certainly not going to happen in, say, the People's Choice Awards! But it's tradition and there IS good work being done, even if the people who do it are unearthily pretty and overpaid. And I applaud the instinct that lets real artistic risk-takers have their moment. I mean, really? Do you think Philip Seymour Hoffman could ever draw the same kinda paycheck as, I dunno, Jim Carey? As Tom Cruise? As Will Smith, even? And maybe someday one of those guys will win an Oscar too. And, sure, that devalues the statuette in a general sense, but it doesn't devalue the notion that real artists deserve recognition. And this is the best we got. So, please, for my sake, put aside the cynicism for a moment and take note of what was done well, and made enough money to get noticed for having been done well, in the film industry this year. And folks, quit making me feel bad for feeling how I feel about the Oscars. Seriously. Jon, this means you, too.
Okay, I agree that sometimes the Oscars are a complete sham and you are right, all you have to do is say the word, "Titanic," and the point has been made and you can stop the discussion right there and nothing else needs to be said. But I appreciate your pointing out that sometimes they do get it right and that there are some redeeming qualities.
I guess you probably know what I will disagree with you on. Little Miss Sunshine. Its hilarious that you would complain about this movie and talk about how they get it right in the same post.
Do you remember when we saw this in the theatre? As soon as it was over I said something like, "wow, that was great, I wonder if it will get nominated for best picture--it seems like the type that might get nominated." Then you loudly scoffed at what I had just said. I mean you almost embarassed me for bringing it up.
Now I don't feel so bad-- I guess we can just disagree on that one. I thought that film was great and so was Alan Arkin. No it isn't perfect, but I think its just a matter of taste that makes us disagree on this film. Its my kind of a film, but not your kind of a film.
I NEVER SAID THE OSCARS WERE A SHAM, GODDAMMIT! WILL SOMEONE PLEASE READ WHAT I WROTE? MY WHOLE POINT IS THAT THEY'RE NOT NOT NOT A SHAM. JESUS. When you say that you agree with me, you are, in fact, disagreeing with me. With needless cynicism-- exactly what I'm trying to disavow!
As far as Little Miss Sunshine goes, well, refer back to my original blog about it. I re-iterate: not that great a movie, full of obvious gags. Alan Arkin as predictable dirty-joke-telling grandpa... yawn-city! I've allowed for plenty of room for acknowledgement that the Academy isn't perfect... but this is far from an example of what they got right.
Now, would people please quit judging me about this? And let me have my little bit of Oscar night magic back? Please?!
I'm not judging: what I am saying is that while film may be considered art, who exactly is the artist? there are so many people involved in making just one film, and many of those people might be great at their jobs, but all the credit/attention goes to the actor/ess, who is not the artist but someone playing out someone else's art. I am aware that the screenwriters, directors, etc, all get recognition, but they still do not get as much as the actors do. I have no problem with people getting awarded if they deserve it: many times they do. But that does not take away my feeling that this even is just for actors, and that a lot of awards are given due to the fact that the films were campaigned for in some way. Just think of "Dreamgirls": it was hyped for oscars before it was even in wide release. Talk about propoganda! So no, I"m not judging you, I just think you should call a spade a spade. It's a congratulatory party for a bunch of rich people. Now, having said that, don't you think you were a little judgemental about your friends who like 'the goonies'?
I couldn't disagree with you more about actors being artists. There is something transformative and creative-- in the sense that there is something being created-- in the act of giving your body and mind over to a sort of human consiousness that is not your own. And, yes, this is the highest profile aspect of award shows and, well, I'm ok with that. I never said there wasn't a troubling capitalistic aspect to all this-- and I think I was pretty clear in delineating what I see as problems with the institution-- and admitting that those problems were present in the first place. But the the wholesale dismissal of the tradition, I think, is every bit as blind as wholesale Oscar worship.
And I don't judge YOU for liking The Goonies. YOU are a lovely and intelligent person. In fact, the idea that you like this kitschy peice of fluff doesn't even make me question your taste! Trust me, there are things I love that I also acknowledge as having minimal value-- artistic or otherwise. But this does not change the fact that The Goonies is a REALLY bad movie. Even for a kids' movie.
I have to agree with Marjorie
acting is a wonderful and mysterious and fluid art (that can be captured wonderfully sometimes by odd or seemingly otherwise moronic people).
I have to agree with Jen
Goonies is great
"that's what I said, setting boobie traps."
Fine, fine. You can all overrule me on the Goonies thing if you must. Still, in my occasionally humble opinion, the inanity thereof is irrefutable.
Go here for my comments. :-)
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