If you’re anything like me – obsessed with movies – then you’ll be pretty excited about the Academy Awards coming up early next week. That’s March 2nd in the U.S. but Monday, March 3rd for those of us in Australia.
The time difference presents a minor dilemma – watch it live at lunchtime or enforce a social media blackout – then have friends over that evening to watch it at night with a glass of wine. Which is a lot more fun.
I’m predicting it will be a sensational evening, not only because of the brilliant line-up of movies and actors vying for awards, but because the night is to be hosted by the witty and fabulous Ellen DeGeneres. And that’s GOT to be better than last years host Seth MacFarlane (comedy guy and creator of Family Guy) who stirred up quite a bit of controversy with his politically incorrect comments. And from all reports, he’d rather stick needles in his eye than go through such pressure again. Phew.
The next dilemma is trying to cram in actually watching as many Oscar-nominated films as you can before the big night, because of course, it will be that much more interesting if you and your friends can debate who is the most worthy recipient of each category.
I’ve done pretty well this year and have already seen ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, ‘Her’, ‘American Hustle’, ‘Gravity, ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ and ‘Philomena’. And only last night I watched ’12 Years A Slave’. I missed out on ‘Captain Phillips’ at the cinema but may still squeeze in a viewing of ‘Nebraska’ before the weekend’s out.
I’m not going to give you a review of each – rather three words that for me, sums them up best.
1. The Wolf Of Wall Street – Entertaining, pacy and morally bankrupt.
2. 12 Years a Slave – Heart wrenching, powerful and beautifully tragic.
3. Gravity – Suspenseful, unique and a little slow.
4. Her – Surprisingly believable, touching and fascinating.
5. American Hustle – Fast, entertaining and a costume extravaganza. (too much of Amy Adam’s breasts!!)
6. Dallas Buyers Club – Gritty, a brilliant script and performances, outstanding cinematography.
7. Philomena – Poignant, another great script and highly emotional.
As you can guess, yes, I really enjoyed them all. In particular, 12 Years A Slave, Dallas Buyers Club and The Wolf of Wall Street. But if I were to hand over the Oscar on the night, I’d have to give it to 12 Years A Slave. Interesting, isn’t it, that all three of these movies are based on real life stories?
And just for the record, I’d give the Best Actor award to Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buys Club (his physical transformation was astounding, as well as his performance) and to Sandra Bullock for Gravity. (Or Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine.But then again, what about Meryl’s brilliance in August Osage County? Hmm, that’s a toughie…)
I’d also hand Best Director to Martin Scorese for The Wolf of Wall Street. Even though the subject matter isn’t as visually appealing as the panoramic landscapes in 12 Years A Slave, it’s how he succeeds in making a mere office scene impactful and creative that shows off his genius.
So hurry up – you’ve only got four and a half days left to cram in some great quality movie viewing. Let me know which of the Oscar nominated films would win your vote?
