Hello cinema fans!
I’m sure your wondering why this article popped up instead your daily viewing of “Tebowie” (the only thing that cheers me up in this cold dark world). What I have to say concerns the Oscars snubs.
That’s right, the snubs. For far too long we as movie fans have had to sit and watch the snubbed go home without an award. No longer I say. I am devising the the 1st Annual “Why Didn’t They Nominate that?” Awards.
The Oscars are known for infamous snubs (“The Dark Knight” anyone?) but now it’s is their turn to get an award. Let’s start with our first category:
Best Supporting Actor: Albert Brooks in “Drive”
A performance that takes a 180 from playing Nemo’s dad to be sure. There’s one scene that truly sums up the character of Bernie Rose, it’s him cleaning off a knife and sitting in his den contemplating his inevitable choice to go back into mob mode. He’s not just a homicidal loon, he actually has a fucking dilemma here. It’s amazing that this was ignored, for this I award the first snubbed award to Albert Brooks.
Best Supporting Actress: Rachel McAdam’s in “Midnight in Paris”
It’s amazing to note that for all intents and purposes, McAdams is the bad guy in “Midnight.” Her utter disgust of her husband’s hobbies and complete faith in her belief that he’s insane is a perfect comic foil opposite Wilson in the film. Rounding her character out with adultery is simply icing on the cake.
Best Screenplay: Diablo Cody for “Young Adult”
For those who wrote Diablo Cody off as a one hit wonder, think again. “Young Adult” proved her range as a writer, not just being able to dip into new territory, but to do it with the devilish twist that makes “Young Adult” the funniest film of the year.
Best Actress: Charlize Theron for “Young Adult”
Theron really pulled out the stops to Mavis Gary the most uncomfortable character in a movie this year. Her performance as a woman who never truly grew up was one to behold, everything that she says your both amused and shaking your head in disbelief cause of her insane persistence. She ceased to be Theron, and she consumed the role of Mavis.
Best Actor: Ryan Gosling in “Drive”
Gosling came out in full force this year but nothing compares to his tour de force as “Driver.” Taking a cue from “The Man with No Name,” Gosling uses dialogue sparingly and lets his ability to express emotion subtly take over. It’s a hero archetype that I hope is continued as action films progress.
Best Picture and Best Director: “Drive” – Nicolas Winding Refn
“Drive” is the traditional western ethics and archetypes mixed with a unique 80s pop vibe. Under normal hands this might be a failure but if anyone could do it , it would be Refn, who tones down the quantity and focuses on the quality. There is very little violence in drive but when it hits, it hits hard. Add to that the magnificent cinematography, which sends the viewer into a Los Angeles that almost seems dream like, and the superb ensemble cast, you get a film that truly stands out from everything else this year. its safe to say there’s no film out there like “Drive,” and it will be a while before there will be one like it again.
It’s amazing how much was snubbed this year, but thankfully those who were snubbed got their due.
Of course, what if I ended up snubbing others in the process? I mean I forgot about Uggie the Dog in “The Artist,” I know he was a favorite. How about the horse in “War Horse,” I mean, who knows who I missed?
I guess there’s just no pleasing anyone.
