The Academy Award Nominations: my thoughts and comments.
I know all you readers out there are rigid in eager anticipation on my thoughts regarding the 2012 Academy Nominations, and believe me they are legion. I don’t want this post to go 1,000,000 words, so rather than write my usual clever and scintillating intro will dive right in. I will also include links to all the reviews I wrote for these so feel free to check those out.
Best Picture Nominations
The Artist-didn’t see it, and I know that is a failing on my part. However, it seems a move nominated for Best Picture should be considered outstanding on all aspects of the film, including dialog and sound. Honestly, not having spoken dialog seems like an unfair advantage; it’s like a blind person having his or her hearing enhanced by focusing so much energy on it. By not having to worry about the sound performance of the actors the director can focus on the other visual aspects of the film and make them that much better. The Descendants-I can’t really argue with this one. While I had a couple minor issues with it (having to do with lack of tone) I can say it probably deserves to win. Really good, considering the complete lack of gunfights, chase scenes, or explosions (or perhaps because of that). Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close-I was surprised this even got a nomination. Way too soon in my opinion, and by that I mean during my lifetime. Also, while the kid did a great job as a kid actor, his performance isn’t really going to set the world on fire. I predict no actual award for this one. 
Hugo–I have a feeling the Academy couldn’t let Martin Scorsese do a film and not throw him something. Visually impressive, but the story kind of meanders at points (Hugo image courtesy of the Movie Tshirt category). Midnight in Paris-fun and whimsical, but not really Oscar worthy in my opinion. The Help–if this film had been based on a true story I think it might have been a real contender, but as it was a fictional book (and the fact that it was based on a white woman coming to help the oppressed minorities rather than them helping themselves) I think it won’t win anything. Moneyball-probably my second choice for Best Picture, and if I actually had a vote in the Academy the one I would actually vote for. War Horse-good movie, but I think the lack of an actual protagonist you can really connect with, combined with horrific scenes of animals in extreme pain, makes this one not really a choice. Tree of Life-oh God are they kidding? I’d give it the Academy Award for the Most Worthless and Pretentious Picture of the Year. The very fact that this random collection of home movies chewed up, partially digested, and then vomited all over the screen got a nomination tells me that Hollywood is desperate to prove to the world that they have some form of artistic merit, but I studied art and there is surrealist art that makes a point and then there is weird just to be weird, and this film fits firmly into the second category, except for the fact that it was also one of the laziest productions I have ever scene. If this dog wins it will not only prove once and for all that the Hollywood intelligentsia has their head firmly lodged where the sun doesn’t shine, but will make me question my desire to ever see another movie again.
Best Actor
George Clooney, The Descendants. He probably should win. Jean Dujardin, The Artist. Didn’t see it. Gary Oldman, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. I thought he was good, but I also don’t think it really a stretch of his acting ability to play a deadpan British man who shows no emotion throughout the film. Kind of robotic. Brad Pitt, Moneyball. He was good, but I really think George Clooney has it this year. Demian Bichir, A Better Life. Didn’t see it, although in doing some research on it kind of wish I had.
Best Actress
Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs. Not only did I not see this one, I wasn’t even aware it existed. Another triumph in film marketing. Viola Davis, The Help. If you want to talk about emoting and delivering a range of emotions, Viola really did a great job. I would seriously consider her for this award. Rooney Mara, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. You know, I really enjoyed this film and Rooney’s portrayal of Lisbeth. However, she really seems to have locked on to that character and not exercised much divergence. I have little to no acting ability myself (and am also a terrible poker player) but it seems to me that playing an angry young adult is not that challenging an acting roll. Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady. I’m torn on this one. I thought Meryl did an exceptional job in portraying young Lady Thatcher as a powerful world leader. However, I found her performance as a decrepit dementia victim a little contrived and unfortunately that is where the director decided to focus. In my review I talked about how unfortunate it is that a great actress like Meryl Streep is not given the room she needs to show her acting strength in this film. Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn. Didn’t see it, and to this day I don’t regret that choice.
Best Supporting Actor
Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn. Didn’t see it. Jonah Hill, Moneyball. I will say this about Jonah Hill. He plays a fish out of water better than anyone I have seen in a long time. Nick Nolte, Warrior. I don’t see an alcoholic abusive father as much of stretch for Nick’s acting ability. Christopher Plummer, Beginners. Didn’t see it. Max Von Sydow, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close. In spite of my issues with this movie, I actually really like Max in this film. I’d probably give it to him.
Best Supporting Actress
Berenice Bejo, The Artist. Didn’t see it. Jessica Chastain, The Help. Meh. Plus I’m still annoyed at her for helping make Tree of Life happen. Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids. You know, I wouldn’t have thought to nominate her, but now that it has been done I have to say I would probably say she deserves to win. She is an exceptional actress. Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs. Didn’t see it. Octavia Spencer, The Help. Another great performance. I’m actually torn between her and Melissa McCarthy.
Best Director
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris. Maybe. This movie was good, but it’s no Match Point. Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist. Didn’t see it. Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life. Not only should he not get an award, but after the ceremony the Academy should take him out back and beat him with a garden hose full of sand. Alexander Payne, The Descendants. Yeah, this one should get it. Martin Scorsese, Hugo. I’m pretty sure Mr. Scorsese did this film in order to learn how to do 3D.
Best Original Screenplay
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris. Actually, this screenplay was actually pretty good. I think it would be a good choice. JC Chandor, Margin Call. Missed it. Did anyone even know it existed? Asghar Farhadi, A Separation. What is the deal with candidates for Best Screenplay all having Worst Marketing Campaign? Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist. Didn’t see it. Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, Bridesmaids. I don’t know about this. I enjoyed the movie, but one of my criticisms was that the screenplay felt more like 11 skits rather than a single movie.
Best Adapted Screenplay
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxton, Jim Rash, The Descendants. Probably the winner. John Logan, Hugo. Meh. George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon, The Ides of March. Sorry, but I thought the screenplay was one of the major problems with this film. Aaron Sorkin, Steven Zaillian, Moneyball. Maybe. Not as good as the Descendants. Bridget O’Connor, Peter Straughn, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. If the book this movie is adapted from is as good as I have heard, than this might be the all time worst adaptation.
I didn’t see many animated films that are up for awards, and don’t have a strong enough opinion on the technical items to really have an opinion on Best Score or Cinematographic achievements, so I will not comment on those.
That’s pretty much it. Feel free to agree or disagree here or on Twitter @NerdKungFu. New movies coming out this weekend so look for some new movie reviews soon. Thank you for reading. Have a great day.
Dave
