Erin Wooddell
Over the past few weeks, I've been trying to cram my evenings with viewings of all the Oscar-nominated films. That way, when the Academy Awards air on TV, I'll know what’s what. (It also gives me an advantage in Oscar Bingo, and I like coming into the game as an educated opponent.)
This practice has been a recent addition to my life, as I spent my childhood simply impressed by the evening itself--stars in beautiful ball gowns, spending an evening in grandeur. It's all so glamorous. Then I grew up and realized I should try to see the movies being discussed and rated.
Despite how my taste in film matures and changes, one thing remains clear: the Academy and I will never see eye-to-eye.
Over the past few weeks, I've been trying to cram my evenings with viewings of all the Oscar-nominated films. That way, when the Academy Awards air on TV, I'll know what’s what. (It also gives me an advantage in Oscar Bingo, and I like coming into the game as an educated opponent.)
This practice has been a recent addition to my life, as I spent my childhood simply impressed by the evening itself--stars in beautiful ball gowns, spending an evening in grandeur. It's all so glamorous. Then I grew up and realized I should try to see the movies being discussed and rated.
Despite how my taste in film matures and changes, one thing remains clear: the Academy and I will never see eye-to-eye.
| I remember rushing to see a last-minute replaying of The Artist in 2012, excited to see this apparently cutting-edge production. I was met with disappointment. And I love black and white films! A silent film in the 21st century didn't seem cutting-edge to me and I didn't enjoy the flow (or lack thereof) of the story. In 2013, I left the theater after watching Silver Linings Playbook, feeling completely on edge. The whole movie was a giant cluster of screaming emotion and it stressed me out. |
Last year I begrudgingly went to see Gravity and proceeded to have a 90-minute panic attack, trying in vain to breathe for Sandra as she floated aimlessly through space. (After the film, I remember people telling me my fear of abandonment in space was ridiculous and unfounded. But given everything happening in the news with space and the way we’re using up our planet’s resources, I don’t think it’s such a far-fetched fear.)
| See, isn't that terrifying!? |
I also sat through American Hustle, feeling only a small wonder at Christian Bale’s physical transformation and wondering why Jennifer Lawrence (who is amazing in everything) was getting such buzz when she was barely in the film. The next day I saw Wolf of Wall Street, a movie that was an hour too long.
Despite that little diatribe, I’ve enjoyed some of the best-picture nominees over the years, like Captain Phillips, Midnight in Paris and Chef--oh my goodness, I loved Chef. For some reason, the films everyone gets excited about are the ones I can’t stand to watch. Case in point: the two Oscar-nominated movies I’ve seen this year.
Boyhood: When I first heard about Boyhood, I was only half-listening to the review, and at the end of the broadcast I was under the impression it was a film that took 12 years to make due to budget issues and cast availability. Come to find out, it took 12 years to make … on purpose. That piqued my curiosity, so I moved the film to the next slot in my Netflix queue.
Two weeks ago, I decided to watch it as I did a few chores around the house. It was around 8 p.m. on a weeknight and I assumed it would be over in plenty of time to get a good night’s rest. After all, how much could there be to cover in this indie film about a little boy growing up?
Fast forward to 11 p.m. and it was still going. Slowly but surely.
The premise was pretty neat and aspects of the story were entertaining, but as I lay in bed that night, all I could think about was the fact that (SPOILER ALERT) their mom didn’t save her step-children from their abusive father.
The Grand Budapest Hotel: I didn’t have high expectations of liking this film, knowing it was a Wes Anderson creation. No offense to Wes, he’s insanely interesting and brilliant and people love his work, his movies just aren't my cup of tea. (To this day, I still don’t quite understand the allure of The Royal Tenenbaums.) In this new film, the cinematography and writing were quirky—as expected—but the speed of both the story and script were elements I didn’t predict. It was short, in comparison to Boyhood, and easy to get through.
What held my attention the most was Ralph Fiennes' fascinating performance of a very odd character. It also helped that there were so many cameos to spot, ranging from Owen Wilson to Bill Murray.
There are only four days left until the 87th Annual Oscars’ live broadcast, so I won’t be able to see the rest of the nominated films in time, but I’ll try to fit in what I can. Ever the glutton for punishment (considering past experiences) I remain hopeful that the other movies up for best picture will be wonderful to watch. Here's hoping my optimism of their greatness is rewarded...
Do you agree or disagree with my review of these two films? What is your pick for the best-picture win? Comment below or tweet me @adventuringMISS.
Do you agree or disagree with my review of these two films? What is your pick for the best-picture win? Comment below or tweet me @adventuringMISS.