OK, this year I'm currently up to nine for ten only a few months after the best picture Oscar was awarded, meaning at least I'm ahead of last year's ratio in the same month. I began getting more and more behind in 2009 when the number of nominees for best picture increased from an easier-to-manage five to eight, nine, or ten. Consequently, because I've still not seen several post-2008 best picture nominees, my film geek bona fides started feeling a little suspect around this time last year. But I'm now slowly reclaiming my status; I saw the three 2024 nominees below over just this past two weeks.
Of those three, I'm Still Here worked best for me end-to-end, a surprise because sub-titled films are not usually a go-to for me. The lead actress (Fernanda Torres) is clearly deserving of her best actress nomination as a ferociously devoted mother of five who holds her family together after her husband is "disappeared" by the military dictatorship that ruled Brazil in 1970.
Of the nine nominees I've now seen, Nickel Boys is clearly the most innovative. My expectations for this film adaptation were probably unrealistic given my reverence for the source material, Colson Whitehead's extraordinary novel of the same name. But in his directorial debut, RaMell Ross made an exceptional film that pulled off a feat I didn't think possible, i.e., he packed the same punch into the surprise ending of his film as Whitehead did with his Pulitzer Prize-Winning novel.
The Brutalist had some terrific moments. And the main character - played by the always reliable Adrien Brody - is compelling even when it's difficult to like him. But for me, there were just as many moments when the script had a hollow ring to it. For example, the rape scene and the confrontation between the wife of the main character and the rapist both felt un-earned.
If you've seen any of these nominees, I'm curious to know how your reactions match or differ from mine. And I'm even more curious to hear which of the ten 2024 nominees would have gotten your vote for best picture. After I see the last of the ten - Dune: Part Two - I'll report back on my vote.
Sad to admit this but I haven't seen one of the Oscar nominated movies. Not one. It's sad because I used to see all of them and would have strong opinions about them too. I don't know what changed--me or the movies.
ReplyDeleteRegina; Not one, huh? As an unrepentant and indiscriminate film geek, I'm not sure if I should send you a note of condolence or congratulations. Maybe something down the middle? Condoluations, anyone?
DeleteMy vote still goes to "Complete Unknown" and to Timmy, as personally I think he was robbed. Agree totally with your sentiments and analysis about "The Brutalist".
ReplyDelete"Anonymous"; Thanks for the comment, your vote for best pic, and your concurrence with my view of "The Brutalist".
DeleteHey Pat. So far, for the 2025 nominees, I've only seen - A Complete Unknown, Conclave and I'm Still Here (Haven't read this book though). Finding it more and more difficult to get to the theater to see movies these days so I wait for them to come to streaming. And sometimes a comfortable family room, a large flat screen TV, and our dog laying next to us is a great way to watch a movie. I don't believe a vote would be fair since I've just seen these. Hopefully I'll see the others soon and will have a better response.
ReplyDeleteBe well,
Bob
Bob; so when u get around to seeing the other seven, be sure to check back in with your vote. Given I have just one left to see, I’m pretty sure the film that won best pic won’t be getting my vote
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