Oscar & the Grouch
As of yesterday, I've been posting pseudo movie reviews on this blog for exactly one year. And though I ran out of time yesterday and so couldn't post the "Weird search words people use to find my blog" entry I had planned on, I figured I'd at least steal a moment or two today not only to commemorate my anniversary (I can't believe no one got me anything!), but also to rant about this weekend's biggest news.
And, no, I'm not talking about Iraq or Iran or China or even that tiny little baby born four months early.
I'm talking about the Oscars — that annual event I watched religiously as a child, though I generally hadn't seen even a tenth of the movies up for honors.
I do a little better these days. I've seen a sizeable handful, though not all, of the "big" movies this year. And though I'm nearly as fanatical about good theatre as I am good literature, I'd say there's only a small chance I'll intentionally watch the show.
A gradual decline in respect "for the Academy" — that began with Jerry Macguire and continued with Gosford Park — reached a pinnacle of sorts when Million Dollar Baby was all the rage a couple years ago. I broke down and saw* the film after digesting gross quantities of critical acclaim. What I saw then horrified me: terrible writing, a plot full of holes and hokey devices, theatrical politicking, etc. I deduced at that moment that the rumors were true: the much-coveted "Oscar" and all it implies really does boil down to politics and money.
That's not to say I absolutely will not watch this weekend. If I'm home taking care of errands, and it's on, I may keep it in the background. But I certainly won't dedicate too much time to the affair.
And I will say this: if Forest Whitaker doesn't win Best Actor for The Last King of Scotland, there truly is no justice in this world.
*Want a copy of Baby? I have two! I bought a used DVD for $2.99 while visiting my parents though, unbeknownst to me, a friend had mailed a copy to my home address. Let me know if you'd like one — I can get it to you in 3-7 days!
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movie reviews
7 comments:
I'm with you. It's the only awards show I watch (unless Letterman or Jon Stewart are hosting another one), and I get frickin' frustrated nearly every year. But the champagne is being iced, so I'll feel giddy while frustrated.
I think the only movie I have seen that is up for anything is The Queen. It was alright, but I felt it would of been a better prime time movie then a feature film. I've heard nothing but good things about The Last King.
Sadly, I have to work Oscar night.
What am I saying though, I'm getting ready to watch Carnival of Souls. A friend of mine let me borrow it. Oh, something else, I'm going to use a small portion of my tax return to buy the three disk Criterion set of Brazil and, I think, Seven Samauri
You should have a "recommendations" list 'cause I'm always looking for Netflix suggestions.
No offense, but award shows are for girls. Couldn't care less about the Oscars. I'll hear about the highlights on the radio or whatever....
I agree with Matt. Though I also think you are right about the politics and money, Thirdworst, I like to know who won. But I have never wanted to sit through actors crying and thanking their family for hours and hours. I just don't see the fascination. What's so interesting about that? I've never intentionally watched any awards show, and I don't anticipate I ever will. I'll just find out who and what won which awards through numerous media sources the next day.
I think you are overlooking what The Oscars are really about: People dressing badly. :) I am sure I will see all the best and worst dress on CNN or MSN tomorrow.
~BPP
I have to admit I watched some of it. I love Ellen.
Could someone tell me if Al Gore is trying to become an actor? 'Cause if he is, I'm done with Hollywood altogether.
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