Oscar Palooza
Award season is here! And for the first time ever I was determined to see ALL the Oscar nominees for Best Picture. I’m proud to say: mission accomplished.
There were some amazing films this past year, the theme seemingly being biopics, and tons of noteworthy performances (especially in the Best Actor category, IMHO).
Here’s my ranking of the films, along with a mini review of each one, and who I’m rooting for to take home the coveted gold statuette:
1. Boyhood — I felt like I was experiencing something special, a brand new kind of storytelling, while watching this movie. The story itself is insanely simple: a boy growing up faces very authentic challenges of adolescence along with a difficult family dynamic. But the coolest part about this film was that it followed the same cast of actors for 12 years! Linklater came up with this idea and saw it through (even financing the movie himself at one point) and his commitment to the project really paid off. The film was brilliant, moving, and left me with sweet pangs of nostalgia. What I’m rooting for it to win: Best Picture, Best Director for Richard Linklater, and Best Supporting Actress for Patricia Arquette.
2. The Imitation Game — Not only was this movie crazy entertaining, but there was so much depth to it about issues still relevant today: how much we need people who think differently, a woman who goes against social norms to pursue a field in mathematics, and a man who saved millions of lives by ending World War II early but then was persecuted for his sexuality. The storytelling was entrancing, starting with Turing’s arrest and flashing back to when he worked for a secret branch of British Intelligence to crack the ‘unbreakable’ Nazi code, Enigma. In order to break the code, Turing built the first computer and, in doing so, created an entirely new field of study: computer science. What I’m rooting for it to win: Best Adapted Screenplay. (Benedict’s acting was exceptional but, alas, Best Actor is a tough category this year…)
3. Whiplash — Gotta say, this was the movie that surprised me the most, in the best possible way. It was an incredible story about a prodigy drummer who joins an elite college jazz band, and his teacher who toes the ethical line in pursuit of perfection. I loved the commentary on what it takes to achieve ‘perfection,’ and just how much of yourself you can pour into your art. And, oh, the music! The music was artfully showcased, especially with the subtle way we see Andrew’s drumming improve throughout the film. All told, brilliant acting, smart writing, and one of the most badass endings EVER. Seriously, everyone should watch it. What I’m rooting for it to win: Best Supporting Actor for J.K. Simmons.
4. Birdman — Honestly, I’m still trying to figure this one out. The film follows a washed-up ex-superhero actor who tries to regain credibility by directing and starring in his own broadway show. There were hints of the supernatural, and also of something sinister lurking just below the surface (a psychological thriller like Black Swan kept coming to mind). When the movie first ended, I wasn’t sure if I liked or not, especially given that indecipherable ending (does anyone have any idea what happened??). But bravo for a movie that made me laugh out loud while I was sitting at the edge of my seat waiting for something terrible to happen. Now that is how you write tension! What I’m rooting for it to win: Best Original Screenplay.
5. The Theory of Everything — This was probably the hardest movie of the bunch for me to watch. Ultimately a love story, the film follows the courtship and romance of Stephen Hawking and his first wife, Jane Wilde. It did a great job of highlighting Hawking’s brilliant mind, and also his unwavering spunk and sense of humor when faced with a debilitating disease. There were so many memorable visuals–cream being poured into coffee, burning embers in a fireplace, that final reversal of time–that were just beautiful. But what stole the show was Eddie Redmayne’s performance. I mean, this guy nailed it! It could’ve gone terribly wrong, but Redmayne really captured Hawking’s character, along with the subtle physical manifestations of ALS. What I’m rooting for it to win: Redmayne for Best Actor. In a category loaded with talented performances, he deserves it.
6. Selma — I’m not a big cryer, but this movie made me teary-eyed multiple times. It shows a snippet of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and movement, his march from Selma to Montgomery for equal voting rights. What I especially appreciated about this film was the humanity David Oyelowo brought to the role; King was a great leader and political mastermind, but also a man who struggled with doubt and to keep his family afloat. I left the theater wondering what our country would be like if King were still alive today. Would we be fighting the same racial injustices, or would we be beyond that? One thing’s for sure, I’ll never view jury duty as an inconvenience again. What I’m rooting for it to win: Best Original Song for Glory.
7. The Grand Budapest Hotel — I was already a fangirl of Wes Anderson, and this film exceeded my expectations! It’s the story of how one of the grandest (fictional) hotels in Europe came to be owned by the unlikeliest of people, the lobby boy. There was also a murder mystery, painting theft, jail break, and romance. The cast was chock-full of the fun usual suspects: Bill Murray, Adrien Brody, Edward Norton, etc.. Anderson’s trademark style was everywhere from the visually enticing bright colors to the over-the-top characters to the quirky writing. What I’m rooting for it to win: Production Design, and maybe Cinematography (although, admittedly, I’m not entirely convinced I actually know what this is…).
8. American Sniper — To be honest, this was the movie I was least excited to see, and it still kinda let me down. The film follows legendary sniper Chris Kyle as he starts a family and embarks on four tours of Iraq. I’m a fan of Bradley Cooper and he really transformed himself for this role. But to me, the film felt a little rough around the edges. I had a hard time following the chaotic fight sequences and interpreting Kyle’s emotions during his short stints at home (and, okay, what was with that fake baby?). I would’ve loved for the movie to dig a little bit deeper, especially with Kyle’s struggle to find a place for himself at home, in a country where he didn’t feel like anyone knew what was going on overseas (and let’s face it, there’s some truth to that, at least for me). What I’m rooting for it to win: Nada. Maybe next year will finally be your year, Mr. Cooper.
February 22 is just around the corner, and I can’t wait to judge red carpet couture, eat delicious snacks (the Oscars are like my Super Bowl), and see who wins big!
What was your favorite movie of 2014? Which movie do you think will win best picture? Are there any actors, directors, writers, etc. that you’re especially pulling for? Were there any snubs you wish had secured a nomination?
What I’m reading: Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
What I’m listening to: Mess is Mine — Vance Joy
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