10. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Those criticizing the main character for being self centered miss the point. That's what sets up the conclusion of the film, and why it hits so hard. The film title sets it up: that's why Me is first. There's plenty of humor for those of all who love the Criterion collection, and real chemistry in the new friendship between the Me played by Thomas Mann and the Dying Girl embodied by Olivia Cooke.
9. Love and Mercy. How does one approach the musical genius of Brian Wilson? By splitting it in two. Paul Dano captures the genius of Brian in the 60s: doing amazing work while losing his mind. The film contrasts it with the 80s Brian played by John Cusack trying to find his way back to sanity. Two elements really responsible for placing this film on this list: The way the score works off of Beach Boys music and the outstanding sound design give a sense of Brian's struggles in a way I had never experienced before.
8. Inherent Vice. The first film that gave me a contact high. Of course it is confusing and convoluted. This is a detective film seen through the eyes of a perpetually high detective, so it is a bit hazy. While there are parts of the mystery that still have me confused, the reactions of Joaquin Phoenix trying to process it all and some truly wacky plot twists entertain me every time I revisit.
7. Spotlight. A valentine to the quickly disappearing art of investigative journalism, showing how the Boston Globe uncovered the horrifying sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church. SAG got it right: this is the most impressive work by an ensemble cast. This is a testament to how good director Tom McCarthy always is with actors. (Don't believe me? check out The Station Agent or Win Win sometime.)
6. The Big Short. I've always wondered when writer-director Adam McKay would get political. His website Funny or Die has had some good political material over the last several years. And here it is, a scathing indictment of the greed of Wall Street wrapped in a feel good comedy of a few outsiders who gamed the system. This might not be the funniest film of the year (I'd vote for Trainwreck, which just missed my top 20) but it may be the most important.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Sunday, March 20, 2016
The 2015 Top Ten List (The Runners-Up)
Yes, I am finally getting to my list for 2015. I stubbornly insist on keeping to my criteria of what plays in my general area in 2015 -- Dayton and Columbus, Ohio. If it did not get here until 2016, it is eligible for next year's list. There are few films that effects this year -- especially since The Revenant had no chance to make this list anyway due to quality issues. But two films that were 2014 films on the coast are in my 2015 list because they did not get here until then.
Without further ado, here are my ten runners-up, in alphabetical order:
Creed. All those surprised at how good this Rocky sequel is must not have seen Fruitvale Station, with the same director (Ryan Coogler) and the same star (Michael B. Jordan).
Ex Machina. Alicia Vikander's performance has you wondering what is going on with the robot she is portraying all film long.
Grandma. Nice to see writer-director Paul Weitz back to the form of About A Boy and In Good Company.
Inside Out. Nice to see Pixar return to form.
The Last Five Years. I am a sucker for any musical starring Anna Kendrick.
The Martian. Definitive proof Matt Damon is a star. He carries this film by merely talking to the camera.
Room. Bree Larson gets my vote for the best acting work of any film this year.
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Pretty much ticks all the boxes of that a blockbuster popcorn movie should be.
Steve Jobs. Great writing by Aaron Sorkin and great directing by Danny Boyle kept me riveted in a biography of a guy I really don't care much about.
Z For Zachariah. A fascinating look at survival during an apocalypse anchored by great performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Margot Robbie.
Right now my best friend is trying to figure out how I could rate ten films ahead of Inside Out and Room. Which films are they? To be continued soon.
Without further ado, here are my ten runners-up, in alphabetical order:
Creed. All those surprised at how good this Rocky sequel is must not have seen Fruitvale Station, with the same director (Ryan Coogler) and the same star (Michael B. Jordan).
Ex Machina. Alicia Vikander's performance has you wondering what is going on with the robot she is portraying all film long.
Grandma. Nice to see writer-director Paul Weitz back to the form of About A Boy and In Good Company.
Inside Out. Nice to see Pixar return to form.
The Last Five Years. I am a sucker for any musical starring Anna Kendrick.
The Martian. Definitive proof Matt Damon is a star. He carries this film by merely talking to the camera.
Room. Bree Larson gets my vote for the best acting work of any film this year.
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Pretty much ticks all the boxes of that a blockbuster popcorn movie should be.
Steve Jobs. Great writing by Aaron Sorkin and great directing by Danny Boyle kept me riveted in a biography of a guy I really don't care much about.
Z For Zachariah. A fascinating look at survival during an apocalypse anchored by great performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Margot Robbie.
Right now my best friend is trying to figure out how I could rate ten films ahead of Inside Out and Room. Which films are they? To be continued soon.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Congrats Leo!
Leonardo DiCaprio won his Oscar for suffering in the cold. It wasn't really acting, per se. Don't get me wrong. I think he's an excellent actor, and he was overdue an Oscar. But he now joins his Titanic costar Kate Winslet for winning an Oscar for one of the weakest performance of his career.
Here's a list of performances in DiCaprio's career I would rate as more impressive, in chronological order: This Boy's Life, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Romeo + Juliet, Titanic, Gangs of New York, Catch Me If You Can, The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island, Inception, Django Unchained, The Great Gatsby, The Wolf of Wall Street. So congratulations, Leo! You win for what might be about your 14th best career performance!
Hmm, Kate Winslet's better than The Reader performances include: Heavenly Creatures, Sense and Sensibility, Hamlet, Titanic, Hideous Kinky, Holy Smoke, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Romance & Cigarettes, Little Children, Carnage, Contagion, Labor Day, Steve Jobs.
I really need to see Revolutionary Road some day.
Here's a list of performances in DiCaprio's career I would rate as more impressive, in chronological order: This Boy's Life, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Romeo + Juliet, Titanic, Gangs of New York, Catch Me If You Can, The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island, Inception, Django Unchained, The Great Gatsby, The Wolf of Wall Street. So congratulations, Leo! You win for what might be about your 14th best career performance!
Hmm, Kate Winslet's better than The Reader performances include: Heavenly Creatures, Sense and Sensibility, Hamlet, Titanic, Hideous Kinky, Holy Smoke, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Romance & Cigarettes, Little Children, Carnage, Contagion, Labor Day, Steve Jobs.
I really need to see Revolutionary Road some day.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Oscar winner predictions (the other categories)
One quick note on the rest of the nominations: I think it is going to be a very good night for Mad Max: Fury Road.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Emmanuel Lubezki (The Revenant) has won the last two years in this category. Robert Richardson (The Hateful Eight) already has won three. John Seale (Mad Max: Fury Road) already has an Oscar. Roger Deakins is a legend who has never won -- but Sicario isn't in other categories. I could also build a case for the gorgeous work of non-winner Edward Lachman in Carol. I just can't build a strong enough case against the three-peat.
Winner: The Revenant (Emmanuel Lubezki)
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
In a category usually dominated by period pieces, truly unique work not in the past can break through. That is one film this year.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Jenny Beavan)
BEST FILM EDITING
If Spotlight or The Big Picture wins here, that film will win best picture. But I suspect the winner in this category is the one with non-stop action that was still easy to follow.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Margaret Sixel)
BEST MAKE-UP
Frequently the most outlandish wins here.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Lesley Vanderwalt, Damian Martin, Elka Wardega)
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Not only is a legend long overdue, but he turned in great work this year.
Winner: The Hateful Eight (Ennio Morricone)
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
The subject matter has something to do with it. So does the fact Diane Warren has never won. So does the fact Lady Gaga is a major star, and this category like stars. It also happens to be the best song this year.
Winner: Til It Happens to You (The Hunting Ground): Dianne Warren, Lady Gaga
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Because of those amazing vehicles.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Colin Gibson; Katie Sharrock, Lisa Thompson)
BEST SOUND (both categories)
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
What was the most impressive effect this year? It really looked like Leonardo DiCaprio was actually mauled by a bear.
Winner: The Revenant (Rich McBride, Matthew Shumway, Jason Smith and Cameron Waldbauer)
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
When in doubt, vote for Pixar
Winner: Inside Out
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
One film has dominated the precursors this year.
Winner: Son of Saul
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
One film has dominated the precursors this year.
Winner: Amy
BEST DOCUMETARY SHORT
The favorite is Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah, And certainly, a film about a film about the holocaust certainly ticks the boxes to be a favorite. But if you have seen the shorts, you know one has a unique approach using animation and also is political. I'm predicting the upset.
Winner: Last Day of Freedom
BEST ANIMATED SHORT
I'm going with the most unique look which also has a unique storyline. Yes, I am betting against Pixar this year.
Winner: World of Tomorrow
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT
A high quality category this year, and for me one of the most difficult calls. Sometimes the winner is the one that is different than the others. One film brings you into the life of its main character, demonstrates a sense of humor, and ends on a perfect note. So while I would not be surprised by wins by Day One, or Everything Will Be Okay (or disappointed as they are great as well), there is one film that stands out as unique this year.
Winner: Stutterer
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Emmanuel Lubezki (The Revenant) has won the last two years in this category. Robert Richardson (The Hateful Eight) already has won three. John Seale (Mad Max: Fury Road) already has an Oscar. Roger Deakins is a legend who has never won -- but Sicario isn't in other categories. I could also build a case for the gorgeous work of non-winner Edward Lachman in Carol. I just can't build a strong enough case against the three-peat.
Winner: The Revenant (Emmanuel Lubezki)
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
In a category usually dominated by period pieces, truly unique work not in the past can break through. That is one film this year.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Jenny Beavan)
BEST FILM EDITING
If Spotlight or The Big Picture wins here, that film will win best picture. But I suspect the winner in this category is the one with non-stop action that was still easy to follow.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Margaret Sixel)
BEST MAKE-UP
Frequently the most outlandish wins here.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Lesley Vanderwalt, Damian Martin, Elka Wardega)
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Not only is a legend long overdue, but he turned in great work this year.
Winner: The Hateful Eight (Ennio Morricone)
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
The subject matter has something to do with it. So does the fact Diane Warren has never won. So does the fact Lady Gaga is a major star, and this category like stars. It also happens to be the best song this year.
Winner: Til It Happens to You (The Hunting Ground): Dianne Warren, Lady Gaga
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Because of those amazing vehicles.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Colin Gibson; Katie Sharrock, Lisa Thompson)
BEST SOUND (both categories)
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
What was the most impressive effect this year? It really looked like Leonardo DiCaprio was actually mauled by a bear.
Winner: The Revenant (Rich McBride, Matthew Shumway, Jason Smith and Cameron Waldbauer)
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
When in doubt, vote for Pixar
Winner: Inside Out
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
One film has dominated the precursors this year.
Winner: Son of Saul
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
One film has dominated the precursors this year.
Winner: Amy
BEST DOCUMETARY SHORT
The favorite is Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah, And certainly, a film about a film about the holocaust certainly ticks the boxes to be a favorite. But if you have seen the shorts, you know one has a unique approach using animation and also is political. I'm predicting the upset.
Winner: Last Day of Freedom
BEST ANIMATED SHORT
I'm going with the most unique look which also has a unique storyline. Yes, I am betting against Pixar this year.
Winner: World of Tomorrow
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT
A high quality category this year, and for me one of the most difficult calls. Sometimes the winner is the one that is different than the others. One film brings you into the life of its main character, demonstrates a sense of humor, and ends on a perfect note. So while I would not be surprised by wins by Day One, or Everything Will Be Okay (or disappointed as they are great as well), there is one film that stands out as unique this year.
Winner: Stutterer
Oscar winner predictions (the top categories)
BEST PICTURE
In a year more competitive than most, part of trying to predict is to look at the methodology of picking winners. The Oscars used a ranking system, where a majority of voters have to agree on the winner, not just a plurality, I believe the different methodology is the difference between a win in the Oscars and most other awards is the difference between winning and losing for The Revenant.
I believe The Revenant will get the most first place votes. But not 50%, which is not what is needed. I also believe The Revenant will get the most last place votes, and will ultimately be eliminated.
So what does get 50%? It is certainly instructive that the only award that uses the same voting system as the Oscars is the Producers Guild. The PGA gave its best picture to The Big Short. But that's only the producers.
The biggest branch is the actors. What film has the most impressive display of acting? It might be The Big Short. It would not be surprising to me if it is. But one other film, well respected across the board, which has an impressive ensemble cast, including two acting nominees. I think the vote is one of the closest ever, but I see Spotlight pulling off what will be seen as some as an upset win.
Winner: Spotlight
BEST DIRECTOR
So does the methodology hurt The Revenant here? Maybe. Maybe not. I would not be surprised if Alejandro Innaritu does win. But if not him, then who? Both The Big Short and Spotlight's directors are nominated for their screenplays, and I think both are seen more as writing achievements than directing. Room isn't quite big enough for the award, I suspect, Which leaves one film, a career crowning achievement for its director, and a spectacle of a film as well. I am picking the upset.
Winner: George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST ACTOR
No upsets here. Leo is overdue, he suffered for his art, blah, blah, blah.
Winner: Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
BEST ACTRESS
Brie Larson became the frontrunner as soon as her film screened at Toronto. She's never moved from that status.
Winner: Brie Larson, Room
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Usually sentiment rules in one acting category. This is the category this year. The fact that it is Creed's only nomination, when the film deserved more nominations in many people's eyes, will only make the case stronger.
Winner: Sylvester Stallone, Creed
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
The toughest category to pick. I could build a case for any of the five nominees to win. The case I believe is that Alicia Vikander was brilliant in Ex Machina, which isn't even the performance for which she was nominated. And many times before the winner in supporting has more than one great performance in a year.
Winner: Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl
BEST SCREENPLAY
My argument is the same for both categories is the same. Both categories have a script co-written by its director which take a complex real life scandal and create an easy to follow and entertaining movie.
Winner (Original): Spotlight
Winner (Adapted): The Big Short
other categories to follow
In a year more competitive than most, part of trying to predict is to look at the methodology of picking winners. The Oscars used a ranking system, where a majority of voters have to agree on the winner, not just a plurality, I believe the different methodology is the difference between a win in the Oscars and most other awards is the difference between winning and losing for The Revenant.
I believe The Revenant will get the most first place votes. But not 50%, which is not what is needed. I also believe The Revenant will get the most last place votes, and will ultimately be eliminated.
So what does get 50%? It is certainly instructive that the only award that uses the same voting system as the Oscars is the Producers Guild. The PGA gave its best picture to The Big Short. But that's only the producers.
The biggest branch is the actors. What film has the most impressive display of acting? It might be The Big Short. It would not be surprising to me if it is. But one other film, well respected across the board, which has an impressive ensemble cast, including two acting nominees. I think the vote is one of the closest ever, but I see Spotlight pulling off what will be seen as some as an upset win.
Winner: Spotlight
BEST DIRECTOR
So does the methodology hurt The Revenant here? Maybe. Maybe not. I would not be surprised if Alejandro Innaritu does win. But if not him, then who? Both The Big Short and Spotlight's directors are nominated for their screenplays, and I think both are seen more as writing achievements than directing. Room isn't quite big enough for the award, I suspect, Which leaves one film, a career crowning achievement for its director, and a spectacle of a film as well. I am picking the upset.
Winner: George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST ACTOR
No upsets here. Leo is overdue, he suffered for his art, blah, blah, blah.
Winner: Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
BEST ACTRESS
Brie Larson became the frontrunner as soon as her film screened at Toronto. She's never moved from that status.
Winner: Brie Larson, Room
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Usually sentiment rules in one acting category. This is the category this year. The fact that it is Creed's only nomination, when the film deserved more nominations in many people's eyes, will only make the case stronger.
Winner: Sylvester Stallone, Creed
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
The toughest category to pick. I could build a case for any of the five nominees to win. The case I believe is that Alicia Vikander was brilliant in Ex Machina, which isn't even the performance for which she was nominated. And many times before the winner in supporting has more than one great performance in a year.
Winner: Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl
BEST SCREENPLAY
My argument is the same for both categories is the same. Both categories have a script co-written by its director which take a complex real life scandal and create an easy to follow and entertaining movie.
Winner (Original): Spotlight
Winner (Adapted): The Big Short
other categories to follow
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Oscar nomination predictions -- the other categories
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Carol
Hateful Eight
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
Sicario
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Brooklyn
Carol
Cinderella
Crimson Peak
Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST EDITING
The Big Short
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Spotlight
BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
Black Mass
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Bridge of Spies
Carol
The Hateful Eight
Spotlight
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"Earned It" (Fifty Shades of Grey)
"See You Again" (Furious 7)
"Til It Happens To You (The Hunting Ground)
"Simple Song #3" (Youth)
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Bridge of Spies
Crimson Peak
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST SOUND EDITING
Inside Out
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST SOUND MIXING
Bridge of Spies
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The Walk
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Anomalisa
The Good Dinosaur
Inside Out
The Peanuts Movie
Shaun the Sheep
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
The Brand New Testament (Belgium)
Mustang (France)
Labyrinth of Lies (Germany)
Son of Saul (Hungary)
Viva (Ireland)
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Amy
Best of Enemies
Cartel Land
Listen to Me Marlon
The Look of Silence
Carol
Hateful Eight
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
Sicario
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Brooklyn
Carol
Cinderella
Crimson Peak
Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST EDITING
The Big Short
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Spotlight
BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
Black Mass
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Bridge of Spies
Carol
The Hateful Eight
Spotlight
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"Earned It" (Fifty Shades of Grey)
"See You Again" (Furious 7)
"Til It Happens To You (The Hunting Ground)
"Simple Song #3" (Youth)
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Bridge of Spies
Crimson Peak
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST SOUND EDITING
Inside Out
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST SOUND MIXING
Bridge of Spies
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The Walk
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Anomalisa
The Good Dinosaur
Inside Out
The Peanuts Movie
Shaun the Sheep
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
The Brand New Testament (Belgium)
Mustang (France)
Labyrinth of Lies (Germany)
Son of Saul (Hungary)
Viva (Ireland)
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Amy
Best of Enemies
Cartel Land
Listen to Me Marlon
The Look of Silence
Oscar nomnation predictions -- the rest of the big 8 categories
BEST DIRECTOR
Todd Haynes (Carol)
Alejandro G. Innaritu (The Revenant)
Tom McCarthy (Spotlight)
Geroge Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road)
Ridley Scott (The Martian)
BEST ACTOR
Bryan Cranston (Trumbo)
Matt Damon (The Martian)
Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)
Michael Fassbinder (Steve Jobs)
Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl)
BEST ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett (Carol)
Brie Larson (Room)
Jennifer Lawrence (Joy)
Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn)
Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christian Bale (The Big Short)
Idris Elba (Beasts of No Nation)
Mark Ruffalo (Spotlight)
Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies)
Sylvester Stallone (Creed)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight)
Rooney Mara (Carol)
Helen Mirren (Trumbo)
Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina)
Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs)
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Bridge of Spies
The Hateful Eight
Inside Out
Spotlight
Trainwreck
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Big Short
Brooklyn
Carol
The Martian
Steve Jobs
Todd Haynes (Carol)
Alejandro G. Innaritu (The Revenant)
Tom McCarthy (Spotlight)
Geroge Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road)
Ridley Scott (The Martian)
BEST ACTOR
Bryan Cranston (Trumbo)
Matt Damon (The Martian)
Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)
Michael Fassbinder (Steve Jobs)
Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl)
BEST ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett (Carol)
Brie Larson (Room)
Jennifer Lawrence (Joy)
Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn)
Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christian Bale (The Big Short)
Idris Elba (Beasts of No Nation)
Mark Ruffalo (Spotlight)
Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies)
Sylvester Stallone (Creed)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight)
Rooney Mara (Carol)
Helen Mirren (Trumbo)
Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina)
Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs)
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Bridge of Spies
The Hateful Eight
Inside Out
Spotlight
Trainwreck
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Big Short
Brooklyn
Carol
The Martian
Steve Jobs
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