Looking at previous Best Picture nominees continues with the 2012 nominees.
Georges (Jean-Louis Trintignant) and Anne (Emmanuelle Riva) are an octogenarian couple. They are cultivated,
retired music teachers. Their daughter, also a musician, lives in
Britain with her family. One day, Anne has a stroke, and the couple's
bond of love is severely tested.
I rented this a month ago so that I'd be able to do this post. I know it came to the smaller movie theater in Muncie at some point in time but I didn't really have any interest in seeing it and it was way before awards season.
Well...I had issues with this movie. It's a bit pretentious. At times the pacing is slower than molasses. The title is the French word for 'love' but it really didn't feel like this couple was in love or loved each other at any point. Their daughter Eva (Isabelle Huppert) wants to help, but Georges refuses. And then there's the ending, which the very beginning of the movie practically gives away. Let's just say right-to-die activists would praise this ending. Everyone else, myself included, would call it murder.
Now Emmanuelle Riva does put in a very good performance as an elderly woman who's physical and mental abilities are draining day by day. Having seen that happen to a few of my great grandparents, I could relate to this performance having seen it in real life. But this performance is the only thing I can praise about 'Amour'. In my opinion the movie itself did not deserve any of it's awards or nominations, apart from what was given to Riva.
OSCAR WON: Best Foreign Language Film (Austria)
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Director - Michael Haneke, Best Actress - Emmanuelle Riva, Best Original Screenplay - Michael Haneke
I rented this a month ago so that I'd be able to do this post. I know it came to the smaller movie theater in Muncie at some point in time but I didn't really have any interest in seeing it and it was way before awards season.
Well...I had issues with this movie. It's a bit pretentious. At times the pacing is slower than molasses. The title is the French word for 'love' but it really didn't feel like this couple was in love or loved each other at any point. Their daughter Eva (Isabelle Huppert) wants to help, but Georges refuses. And then there's the ending, which the very beginning of the movie practically gives away. Let's just say right-to-die activists would praise this ending. Everyone else, myself included, would call it murder.
Now Emmanuelle Riva does put in a very good performance as an elderly woman who's physical and mental abilities are draining day by day. Having seen that happen to a few of my great grandparents, I could relate to this performance having seen it in real life. But this performance is the only thing I can praise about 'Amour'. In my opinion the movie itself did not deserve any of it's awards or nominations, apart from what was given to Riva.
OSCAR WON: Best Foreign Language Film (Austria)
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Director - Michael Haneke, Best Actress - Emmanuelle Riva, Best Original Screenplay - Michael Haneke
'Argo' (R)
Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, CIA agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck, who also directs) launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1980.
Even though you can probably guess the ending to this movie, I still thought it was a very good movie. When Affleck is in Iran trying to get the six Americans out under the guise of being a Canadian film crew, it's very suspenseful. One false move and they'll all be killed. When it cuts back to Hollywood and follows Alan Arkin as a producer and John Goodman as a make up artist, it's pretty funny as they constantly have to talk about 'Argo' as if it was an actual movie in production and not a cover-up for a CIA operation. The acting is also really good, and it's fun watching anything that's set in the 1980's.
OSCARS WON: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay - Chris Terrio, Best Film Editing
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Supporting Actor - Alan Arkin, Best Original Score, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing
Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, CIA agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck, who also directs) launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1980.
Even though you can probably guess the ending to this movie, I still thought it was a very good movie. When Affleck is in Iran trying to get the six Americans out under the guise of being a Canadian film crew, it's very suspenseful. One false move and they'll all be killed. When it cuts back to Hollywood and follows Alan Arkin as a producer and John Goodman as a make up artist, it's pretty funny as they constantly have to talk about 'Argo' as if it was an actual movie in production and not a cover-up for a CIA operation. The acting is also really good, and it's fun watching anything that's set in the 1980's.
OSCARS WON: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay - Chris Terrio, Best Film Editing
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Supporting Actor - Alan Arkin, Best Original Score, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing
'Beasts of the Southern Wild' (PG-13)
Faced with both her hot-tempered father's (Dwight Henry) fading health and melting ice-caps that flood her ramshackle bayou community and unleash ancient aurochs, six-year-old Hushpuppy (Quvenzhane Wallis) must learn the ways of courage and love.
I've seen this movie twice. The first time I got it from Redbox shortly after nominations had come out. The second time was on a double date, with my ex-girlfriend's best friend/roommate renting it from Redbox and bringing it back to their house so that she, her date, myself, and my ex could all watch it.
Both times honestly I kinda question why this was as acclaimed as it was. It's not a bad movie by any means. Quvenzhane Wallis was really good, but outside of her performance there isn't a whole lot I can recommend. My main problem with the movie was the way that Hushpuppy was treated by her father. Apart from being close to the other members of their community, they are the only family that each other has. He yells at her, swears at her, they live in separate run down trailers, she's largely on her own, and often her dad tells her to go back home. I just couldn't get into a movie like this. And I also couldn't tell if the ancient aurochs were real or were just in Hushpuppy's imagination. I think she's only imagining them, but at the same time I don't know.
OSCARS WON: None
NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Director - Benh Zeitlin, Best Actress - Quvenzhane Wallis, Best Adapted Screenplay - Lucy Alibar and Benh Zeitlin
Faced with both her hot-tempered father's (Dwight Henry) fading health and melting ice-caps that flood her ramshackle bayou community and unleash ancient aurochs, six-year-old Hushpuppy (Quvenzhane Wallis) must learn the ways of courage and love.
I've seen this movie twice. The first time I got it from Redbox shortly after nominations had come out. The second time was on a double date, with my ex-girlfriend's best friend/roommate renting it from Redbox and bringing it back to their house so that she, her date, myself, and my ex could all watch it.
Both times honestly I kinda question why this was as acclaimed as it was. It's not a bad movie by any means. Quvenzhane Wallis was really good, but outside of her performance there isn't a whole lot I can recommend. My main problem with the movie was the way that Hushpuppy was treated by her father. Apart from being close to the other members of their community, they are the only family that each other has. He yells at her, swears at her, they live in separate run down trailers, she's largely on her own, and often her dad tells her to go back home. I just couldn't get into a movie like this. And I also couldn't tell if the ancient aurochs were real or were just in Hushpuppy's imagination. I think she's only imagining them, but at the same time I don't know.
OSCARS WON: None
NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Director - Benh Zeitlin, Best Actress - Quvenzhane Wallis, Best Adapted Screenplay - Lucy Alibar and Benh Zeitlin
'Django Unchained' (R)
With the help of a German bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz), a freed slave (Jamie Foxx) sets out to rescue his wife (Kerry Washington) from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio).
Saw this a few days after it was released in theaters. It was released on Christmas Day. December 26 I went with my family to see the first 'The Hobbit' movie. December 27 I went to go see 'Les Miserables' by myself. December 28 I went to go see this movie, also by myself.
Anyway, much like how 'Inglourious Basterds' was "World War II According To Quentin Tarantino", this movie is "Slavery In America According To Quentin Tarantino". Slavery was brutal and horrifying, but Quentin Tarantino takes it up a notch. By far the bloodiest western I've seen. But having said all of that, this is a pretty good movie. The acting is great, from Jamie Foxx as the silent Western hero type character to Leonardo DiCaprio's villainous plantation owner. The cinematography is also great. Often this movie is also very funny. I could've done without some of the more anachronistic music but that's a minor complaint.
After the movie was already released and I returned to school from winter break I read a review of this movie in the school newspaper, The Ball State Daily News. The person wrote a negative review of the movie, mainly citing how the movie was so overbearing that it distracts from any message the movie was trying to say. The person cited the "Mandingo Fighting" that was depicted in the movie. Since Mandingo Fighting didn't actually exist, the person wondered why it was even included in the movie. The person concluded that it was only in the movie so that Tarantino could catch the audiences eye with it.
In my opinion, I do partially agree with that conclusion in that it certainly does seem like it's only in their to get our attention, which indeed the rather vicious fight does. But I also think that Tarantino's inclusion of Mandingo Fighting was his way of showing how brutal the treatment of slaves was back then, in an over the top way. This is by no means an accurate or realistic depiction of Slavery in America. For a far more realistic depiction, watch '12 Years A Slave'. 'Django Unchained' is supposed to be historical fiction, after all. Following this logic this person might have an issue with Hitler being shot in a burning movie theater in 'Inglourious Basterds'. After all, World War II didn't end that way and Hitler didn't die that way, so why put it in the movie?
OSCARS WON: Best Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz, Best Original Screenplay - Quentin Tarantino
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Sound Editing, Best Cinematography
With the help of a German bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz), a freed slave (Jamie Foxx) sets out to rescue his wife (Kerry Washington) from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner (Leonardo DiCaprio).
Saw this a few days after it was released in theaters. It was released on Christmas Day. December 26 I went with my family to see the first 'The Hobbit' movie. December 27 I went to go see 'Les Miserables' by myself. December 28 I went to go see this movie, also by myself.
Anyway, much like how 'Inglourious Basterds' was "World War II According To Quentin Tarantino", this movie is "Slavery In America According To Quentin Tarantino". Slavery was brutal and horrifying, but Quentin Tarantino takes it up a notch. By far the bloodiest western I've seen. But having said all of that, this is a pretty good movie. The acting is great, from Jamie Foxx as the silent Western hero type character to Leonardo DiCaprio's villainous plantation owner. The cinematography is also great. Often this movie is also very funny. I could've done without some of the more anachronistic music but that's a minor complaint.
After the movie was already released and I returned to school from winter break I read a review of this movie in the school newspaper, The Ball State Daily News. The person wrote a negative review of the movie, mainly citing how the movie was so overbearing that it distracts from any message the movie was trying to say. The person cited the "Mandingo Fighting" that was depicted in the movie. Since Mandingo Fighting didn't actually exist, the person wondered why it was even included in the movie. The person concluded that it was only in the movie so that Tarantino could catch the audiences eye with it.
In my opinion, I do partially agree with that conclusion in that it certainly does seem like it's only in their to get our attention, which indeed the rather vicious fight does. But I also think that Tarantino's inclusion of Mandingo Fighting was his way of showing how brutal the treatment of slaves was back then, in an over the top way. This is by no means an accurate or realistic depiction of Slavery in America. For a far more realistic depiction, watch '12 Years A Slave'. 'Django Unchained' is supposed to be historical fiction, after all. Following this logic this person might have an issue with Hitler being shot in a burning movie theater in 'Inglourious Basterds'. After all, World War II didn't end that way and Hitler didn't die that way, so why put it in the movie?
OSCARS WON: Best Supporting Actor - Christoph Waltz, Best Original Screenplay - Quentin Tarantino
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Sound Editing, Best Cinematography
'Les Miserables' (PG-13)
In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe) after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. The decision changes their lives for ever.
I first heard of 'Les Miserables' when my high school drama department put it on as their spring musical. I saw it so that I could get extra credit in English class. I didn't know much about the story going into it, but I absolutely loved it. I was thoroughly invested in the many story lines, the songs were pretty good...it was and still is the best production of any play or musical that I saw throughout my high school experience. I knew there was already a few movies of it, but when I heard they were adapting this musical into a movie, I was excited.
And it did not disappoint. I loved this movie. It was my favorite movie from 2012. I've watched this movie many many times since. What can be said that hasn't already been said about this version of 'Les Miserables'? I was so invested in the movie and was greatly enjoying virtually every aspect of this movie that the things that could have bothered me didn't really bother me. From the performances to the songs, to the cinematography to the costumes and makeup, everything is great. Sure, Russell Crowe isn't exactly the best singer in the world, but it works for the character. And who knew that Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway could sing so well?
OSCARS WON: Best Supporting Actress - Anne Hathaway, Best Sound Mixing, Best Makeup and Hairstyling
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Actor - Hugh Jackman, Best Original Song - "Suddenly", Best Production Design
In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert (Russell Crowe) after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. The decision changes their lives for ever.
I first heard of 'Les Miserables' when my high school drama department put it on as their spring musical. I saw it so that I could get extra credit in English class. I didn't know much about the story going into it, but I absolutely loved it. I was thoroughly invested in the many story lines, the songs were pretty good...it was and still is the best production of any play or musical that I saw throughout my high school experience. I knew there was already a few movies of it, but when I heard they were adapting this musical into a movie, I was excited.
And it did not disappoint. I loved this movie. It was my favorite movie from 2012. I've watched this movie many many times since. What can be said that hasn't already been said about this version of 'Les Miserables'? I was so invested in the movie and was greatly enjoying virtually every aspect of this movie that the things that could have bothered me didn't really bother me. From the performances to the songs, to the cinematography to the costumes and makeup, everything is great. Sure, Russell Crowe isn't exactly the best singer in the world, but it works for the character. And who knew that Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway could sing so well?
OSCARS WON: Best Supporting Actress - Anne Hathaway, Best Sound Mixing, Best Makeup and Hairstyling
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Actor - Hugh Jackman, Best Original Song - "Suddenly", Best Production Design
'Life of Pi' (PG)
A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger. Based on the novel by Yann Martel.
I haven't read the book. I went to see it because I heard it was really good and that it was worth seeing in 3D. And indeed the 3D for this movie was great and was one of the few movies I've seen in the past few years where the 3D was worth it. The special effects were also top notch. My only complaint is that there's a scene towards the end of the movie that makes you question whether or not the previous events you just saw actually happened or were just a different variation of events that really happened.
OSCARS WON: Best Director - Ang Lee, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay - David Magee, Best Original Song - "Pi's Lullaby", Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Production Design, Best Film Editing
A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger. Based on the novel by Yann Martel.
I haven't read the book. I went to see it because I heard it was really good and that it was worth seeing in 3D. And indeed the 3D for this movie was great and was one of the few movies I've seen in the past few years where the 3D was worth it. The special effects were also top notch. My only complaint is that there's a scene towards the end of the movie that makes you question whether or not the previous events you just saw actually happened or were just a different variation of events that really happened.
OSCARS WON: Best Director - Ang Lee, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay - David Magee, Best Original Song - "Pi's Lullaby", Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Production Design, Best Film Editing
'Lincoln' (PG-13)
As the Civil War continues to rage, America's president (Daniel Day-Lewis) struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield and as he fights with many inside his own cabinet and his own party in Congress on the decision to emancipate the slaves with the Thirteenth Amendment.
If you know me you know that I love history, specifically U.S. history. But more specifically, the U.S. Presidency. So a movie about Abraham Lincoln is right up my alley. I was really looking forward to this movie. So on opening weekend I woke up early on Saturday, walked to the nearest Chase ATM, then walked all the way across campus and then some to my car at the football stadium to drive over to the theater.
Well...the movie is very well made. It's great visually. The acting is great, particularly Daniel Day-Lewis as he pretty much embodies Abraham Lincoln. Heck, they might as well have just handed him the Best Actor Oscar as soon as the above poster was first released. But other than that...this movie can get really dry. It's two and a half hours long and it definitely feels like it.
OSCARS WON: Best Actor - Daniel Day-Lewis, Best Production Design
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Director - Steven Spielberg, Best Supporting Actor - Tommy Lee Jones, Best Supporting Actress - Sally Field, Best Adapted Screenplay - Tony Kushner, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing
As the Civil War continues to rage, America's president (Daniel Day-Lewis) struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield and as he fights with many inside his own cabinet and his own party in Congress on the decision to emancipate the slaves with the Thirteenth Amendment.
If you know me you know that I love history, specifically U.S. history. But more specifically, the U.S. Presidency. So a movie about Abraham Lincoln is right up my alley. I was really looking forward to this movie. So on opening weekend I woke up early on Saturday, walked to the nearest Chase ATM, then walked all the way across campus and then some to my car at the football stadium to drive over to the theater.
Well...the movie is very well made. It's great visually. The acting is great, particularly Daniel Day-Lewis as he pretty much embodies Abraham Lincoln. Heck, they might as well have just handed him the Best Actor Oscar as soon as the above poster was first released. But other than that...this movie can get really dry. It's two and a half hours long and it definitely feels like it.
OSCARS WON: Best Actor - Daniel Day-Lewis, Best Production Design
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Director - Steven Spielberg, Best Supporting Actor - Tommy Lee Jones, Best Supporting Actress - Sally Field, Best Adapted Screenplay - Tony Kushner, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing
'Silver Linings Playbook' (R)
After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) moves back in with his parents (Robert DeNiro and Jacki Weaver) and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own. Based on the novel by Matthew Quick.
I've written plenty about this movie. Great acting all around and the movie perfectly balances between being very funny and being very serious when necessary. By far the best of the three movies I've seen from David O. Russell.
OSCAR WON: Best Actress - Jennifer Lawrence
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Director - David O. Russell, Best Actor - Bradley Cooper, Best Supporting Actor - Robert De Niro, Best Supporting Actress - Jacki Weaver, Best Adapted Screenplay - David O. Russell, Best Film Editing
After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) moves back in with his parents (Robert DeNiro and Jacki Weaver) and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own. Based on the novel by Matthew Quick.
I've written plenty about this movie. Great acting all around and the movie perfectly balances between being very funny and being very serious when necessary. By far the best of the three movies I've seen from David O. Russell.
OSCAR WON: Best Actress - Jennifer Lawrence
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Director - David O. Russell, Best Actor - Bradley Cooper, Best Supporting Actor - Robert De Niro, Best Supporting Actress - Jacki Weaver, Best Adapted Screenplay - David O. Russell, Best Film Editing
Kathryn Bigelow's follow up to 'The Hurt Locker' is a chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 in May 2011.
The movie originally was centered on the unsuccessful efforts to find Bin Laden. The script was already completed and filming was about to begin when the news of Bin Laden's death came about. So screenwriter Mark Boal and director Kathryn Bigelow decided to scrap their script and start from scratch.
I've written about this already, but even though I knew how it was gonna end I still thought it was very suspenseful with a very strong lead performance from Jessica Chastain. It is a little bit of a long sit and sometimes a little difficult to watch, but if you have the time I do highly recommend watching this one.
OSCARS WON: Best Sound Editing (tie with 'Skyfall')
ALSO NOMINATED FOR: Best Picture, Best Actress - Jessica Chastain, Best Original Screenplay - Mark Boal, Best Film Editing
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