As in most years I have seen all the movies that have been nominated for an Oscar in the major categories. More accurately I have seen them all in the theater.
As this is my first experience with blogging I decided to start with a quick review, or opinion, about each of the films that have been nominated for Best Picture.
I should mention that I've been addicted to movies since I was roughly 12 years old. Every year I probably go to the theater 40-50 times. I enjoy all sorts of film ranging from the artsy indie types all the way to the summer blockbuster commercial types; and pretty much everything in between. I'm particularly drawn to drama and action, especially if it's on the darker side. I just find sad, demented, tortured, and angry more interesting then happy. Horror and silly, slapstick, comedy are probably my least favorite genres but I have enjoyed any number of both. My primary gauge to judging a movie is how entertained I was. If I'm moved or if I learn something, I consider that a bonus. I do not go to the movies to feel good, but I do like to feel something, even if it's sadness.
So, I will give my opinion about Oscar's Best Picture nominees for 2013. I will review them in no particular order.
1. AMERICAN HUSTLE: I understand that this movie is one of the front runners to win Best Picture. Director David O. Russell has assembled an A list cast and it shows. The movie was well written, interesting from start to finish, with rich characters brilliantly acted by Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner and Jennifer Lawrence. My issues with the film were few but significant. While I felt Jennifer Lawrence's performance was quite good I found her character to be unbelievable. I have heard many contrary opinions from those who found her character to be absolutely spot-on. However, I found it hard to believe anyone could be so self delusional, naive, and unaware, while still being so clever, manipulative, and insightful at the same time. I didn't think she deserved the Oscar win over Jessica Chastain last year, and won't be rooting for her this year, which is not to deny her significant talent. I also felt the film lacked the big scene; the one unforgettable moment. While there were many scenes demonstrating acting brilliance, like Cooper trying to seduce Adams or Bale scheming with Adams, not to mention the bathroom scene between Adams and Lawrence. Still, there wasn't that one moment that jumps to mind when I think about the movie. In fact, there were many moments that felt like I'd seen them before.......maybe in "Casino" or "Goodfellas". All that being said, I won't be disappointed if it wins the Best Picture award.
2. NEBRASKA: Another actor driven movie. It was fun to see Bruce Dern, who clearly doesn't work enough. June Squibb stole every scene she was in; a true joy to watch. Even big screen novice Will Forte held his own. Still this movie, while being an acting gem, was somewhat slow moving, bordering or boring to me. Dern's character thinks he's won a million dollars in an obvious sweepstakes scam. I kept wondering why nobody just explains his delusion to all those who accept it as true. It would only have taken a few sentences to let the world know he was delusional but then we wouldn't have had a movie. I'd only recommend this film to acting aficionados and true indie movie lovers.
3. CAPTAIN PHILIPS: Based on a true story, which is a tag line that should give pause in most cases. The movie was solid but far from overwhelming. I just never felt the sense of menace needed to drive the dramatic tension. Not once did I think Hanks might die. I was riveted by Barkhad Abdi and was thrilled to learn his performance was rewarded with an Oscar nomination. That alone wasn't enough to make it a truly great film. It was entertaining enough and certainly worth seeing. I am a fan of Tom Hanks but didn't find this performance Oscar worthy, and am not one of those crying about his being "snubbed". Joaquin Phoenix has a far better case for being overlooked in "Her".
4. PHILOMENA: Another film "based on a true story" but far more interesting and relevant then "Captain Philips". It's a beautifully written and acted film about the meaning of faith and forgiveness. "Philomena" shows what it is to struggle with your faith and yet never lose faith. It's insightful and poignant, but still clever and funny at times. It is a slow moving film and likely won't appeal to a younger demographic. I don't think a movie like this has a chance to win any of the major awards but it is a gem!
5. DALLAS BUYERS CLUB: This was my favorite movie of the year and the one I hope wins for Best Picture, although I don't think it has a chance. The character masterfully played by Matthew McConaughey shows the greatest "arc" of any of those up for best Actor. He takes us on a journey it'll be hard to forget. We start out hating him, pitying him, cringing at his antics, and by the end we are genuinely rooting for him, even falling in love with him Despite his transformation he manages to remain true to his core self. There is no epiphany, no bolt of lightening. He simply grows, learns and evolves in to a better person; flawed but better. Jared Leto plays a cross dressing drug addict in truly unforgettable fashion. He will win the Oscar for best supporting actor and he'll deserve it. This is not a feel good movie by any stretch of the imagination, but it's a must see!
6. 12 YEARS A SLAVE: Clearly the most important film in the group and the likely winner for Best Picture. The deeply personal and deeply painful look in to slavery was gripping and memorizing. Steve McQueen has a way of showing inner pain in a unique and powerful way. 2011's "Shame" was perhaps the most sad and tormented portrayal of a human being I can remember seeing. The topic, the performances, the direction, and the visuals were powerful and meaningful. I will have no objection if it wins the award for Best Picture, in fact I expect it to. My one "issue" with the film was the writing. It seemed that every single characters, no matter how high or low their station in life....... from slave to slave owner...... spoke as if the words were written by Shakespeare. There was an eloquence that was so much more flowery then seemed natural. This is an important film and I strongly recommend it.
7. GRAVITY: A thrill ride of a movie. If it's not already a ride at Disney Land it should be. Much to my surprise I have heard several people say things like "it was cool to see but lacked a story". I couldn't disagree more. There are essentially only two human characters in the movie but the lead was played by "space". The deep peril of facing near certain death, the cliff hanger feeling knowing debris was imminently inbound, the shear terror of being alone miles above early...... simply gripping. I also found the story to be fascinating and the visuals to be mind blowing. This is one movie that deserves to be seen on the big screen....... IMAX if you can find it. Even better, the run time is only 91 minutes. A bit of a pet peeve of mine- the need to make all movies well over 2 hours long.
8. THE WOLF OF WALL STREET: Martin Scorsese is probably the best living Director. Leonardo DiCaprio is at worst in the conversation for best living male actor. Terence Winter is a writer without peer. The movie was absolutely entertaining and time seemed to fly. That being said, I'm not sure it needed to be a full 180 minutes long. I can't remember a movie that glorified drug use more. Heck, it made me feel like I needed to use drugs if I want to enjoy my life to the maximum. The decadence and debauchery was legendary. What bothered me was the degree to which they choose demonstrate how "over the top" the characters were. I understand that "over the top" and "out of control" is what it was all about The characters lived in a rule free, narcissistic, greed fueled world. Still, it went over the line of what I found believable. When a movie plays it straight; meaning it tries to make you believe "that could happen", then it should stick to that form or story telling. I don't mind if a movie wants to go the unbelievable route- heck, I loved "The Hangover". All I ask is for it to be consistent. This film just crossed the line from plausible drama to just plain silly too often. All that being said, I did really enjoy the film. In my opinion DiCaprio got robbed when he didn't win for "The Aviator" but I don't think he deserves it this time.
9. HER: This is the least discussed and I believe the least well known of the nominated films. It also happens to be one of my favorites. Joaquin Phoenix continues to add to his resume in impressive fashion. No matter the role he takes on he seems to inhabit the character in an authentic way. There seems to be a sadness or torment within him that he doesn't mind sharing with us in his performances. This movie is relevant in a number of ways. It explores the impact automation may have on all of our futures. Will it be a blessing or a curse? Spike Jonze gives us a glimpse in to what may lay ahead. However, the film really has less to do with what the future holds or anything abstract. At it's core it's a film about loneliness and what we're willing to do to combat it. Humans are intrinsically social creatures and we all need a connection to someone. Does that someone need to be human? This is a thought provoking work of art.
I do hope someone reads my thoughts.
If you have read my blog and wish to share your thoughts I'd welcome it.
I hope to continue writing more detailed reviews as I watch movies going forward.
I think I'll also give a few suggestions for movies people may have missed in 2013 that I think are worth seeing.
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