CLEAR SKIES WITH A CHANCE OF SATELLITE DEBRIS: So, what are you hoping to see at the Academy Awards this year? Do you have a favorite between 12 Years A Slave, Gravity, and American Hustle for Best Picture?
I found American Hustle the most entertaining, Gravity the most technically astonishing, and 12 Years a Slave the most "important." I won't have a huge problem with any of them winning, though.
Gravity. Gravity, Gravity, Gravity. For now and for always: Gravity. One of these days, I hope to write about Gravity without excessive use of superlatives, but I'm not there yet. I think it's one of the greatest films I've ever seen.
There were a lot of things to admire in 12 Years a Slave, but it had a couple of pretty significant flaws: too many distrating cameos by well-known white actors (especially, but not exclusively, Brad Pitt), and the script remained too episodic.
As for American Hustle, I think I'm in the minority on that one. It's the only Best Picture nominee that I'd give thumbs-down. The performances are un-directed messes - seriously, David O Russell must be stopped before he kills Jennifer Lawrence's career!
Leaving aside that the best film of the year and the one with the most interesting things to say about human nature and love, Upstream Color, was completely ignored...
I don't know that I have one award that I'd love to see someone win. Th eonly one might be Cinematography, where Roger Deakins (11 nominations) and Emmnuel Lubezki (6) are both up and long-deserving; I'd love to see Deakins win (especially after being hosed for his work on Skyfall) but Lubezki is almost certain to win for Gravity and I'm perfectly AOK with that. (Also, it amuses me tjhat both have done fine work with the Coen Brothers; Deakins of course for things like Fargo, but Lubezki shot Burn After Reading.)
I think I'm routing for Gravity for Best Picture, but I haven't seen 12 Years a Slave. I probably most want to see the Before Midnight folks win Adapted Screenplay.
Well, in a perfect year (in my mind), it would be "Her." But among the three front-runners, I enjoyed and admired Gravity the most. I think "12 Years a Slave" will win it, though, with Cuaron taking Best Director for the leaps and bounds in technical achievements.
Having seen all three, I'm leaning towards Gravity ever slightly over 12 Years A Slave. I think Lupita Nyong'o deserves an award, her performance made my heart ache.
You're not in the minority. I've talked to plenty of people who loathe American Hustle, though usually not as much as I do. I lean towards Gravity for Best Pic as well, but I wonder if Wolf will sneak in, because of the affection people have for Marty. I did enjoy 12 Years, but I don't think it's as much of a contender. Great performances, but it did have a few problems. But let's be honest. I am TERRIBLE at picking Oscar winners, so what do I know?
I'm bummed that Sandra Bullock doesn't have a chance against Cate B. Cate B was good, as always, but Sandra B was acting inside of a box with no one else around. And was effing fantastic.
I found American Hustle the most entertaining, Gravity the most technically astonishing, and 12 Years a Slave the most "important." I won't have a huge problem with any of them winning, though.
ReplyDeleteGravity. Gravity, Gravity, Gravity. For now and for always: Gravity. One of these days, I hope to write about Gravity without excessive use of superlatives, but I'm not there yet. I think it's one of the greatest films I've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteThere were a lot of things to admire in 12 Years a Slave, but it had a couple of pretty significant flaws: too many distrating cameos by well-known white actors (especially, but not exclusively, Brad Pitt), and the script remained too episodic.
As for American Hustle, I think I'm in the minority on that one. It's the only Best Picture nominee that I'd give thumbs-down. The performances are un-directed messes - seriously, David O Russell must be stopped before he kills Jennifer Lawrence's career!
Leaving aside that the best film of the year and the one with the most interesting things to say about human nature and love, Upstream Color, was completely ignored...
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I have one award that I'd love to see someone win. Th eonly one might be Cinematography, where Roger Deakins (11 nominations) and Emmnuel Lubezki (6) are both up and long-deserving; I'd love to see Deakins win (especially after being hosed for his work on Skyfall) but Lubezki is almost certain to win for Gravity and I'm perfectly AOK with that. (Also, it amuses me tjhat both have done fine work with the Coen Brothers; Deakins of course for things like Fargo, but Lubezki shot Burn After Reading.)
I think I'm routing for Gravity for Best Picture, but I haven't seen 12 Years a Slave. I probably most want to see the Before Midnight folks win Adapted Screenplay.
ReplyDeleteWell, in a perfect year (in my mind), it would be "Her." But among the three front-runners, I enjoyed and admired Gravity the most. I think "12 Years a Slave" will win it, though, with Cuaron taking Best Director for the leaps and bounds in technical achievements.
ReplyDeleteHaving seen all three, I'm leaning towards Gravity ever slightly over 12 Years A Slave. I think Lupita Nyong'o deserves an award, her performance made my heart ache.
ReplyDeleteYou're not in the minority. I've talked to plenty of people who loathe American Hustle, though usually not as much as I do. I lean towards Gravity for Best Pic as well, but I wonder if Wolf will sneak in, because of the affection people have for Marty. I did enjoy 12 Years, but I don't think it's as much of a contender. Great performances, but it did have a few problems. But let's be honest. I am TERRIBLE at picking Oscar winners, so what do I know?
ReplyDeleteI'm bummed that Sandra Bullock doesn't have a chance against Cate B. Cate B was good, as always, but Sandra B was acting inside of a box with no one else around. And was effing fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like American Hustle at all. I'm pulling for Wolf of Wall Street.
ReplyDelete