Catching Up

Over the past week and a half, I've had about eight blog ideas dancing around in my head. However, my lazy ass also hasn't been able to do much other than drink wine and watch tv. So, this blog may be a bit unfocused.

I've seen Slumdog Millionaire. I've seen Milk. I've seen The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. All are worthy contenders in the Best Picture race. None have me shouting in the streets.

For Your Consideration: Slumdog Millionaire, Best Achievement in Film Editing

Slumdog follows the rags to riches story of Jamal Malik, a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? who grew up in the slums of Mumbai. The film, which had virtually no buzz up until its release, is a triumph for director Danny Boyle. The story is layered with themes of greed, lust, and survival, and Boyle's choppy, raw editing complements the subject matter. I felt tense throughout the entire film, just like the characters on screen.

However, Slumdog is not a great film. It is measured, predictable, and delivers its messages with an iron fist. I generally prefer something a bit more subtle...like...Milk.

For Your Consideration: Milk, Best Actor: Sean Penn

Unlike Slumdog and to an extent Benjamin Button, Milk is a film that is driven by its actors. Slumdog is the Danny Boyle show, with fast and innovative direction. On the contrary, Milk is a character study in which Sean Penn delivers one of his greatest performances ever (and that is saying a lot). Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected to a public office in 1977. After only one year in office, he was assassinated. However, his legacy is not modest, and Gus Van Sant's film pays tribute to him beautifully.

Sean Penn is sensational in the title role. Once again, he transforms himself into his character, and I hardly recognize him. At this point, the only other performance I've heard such praise for is Rourke's in The Wrestler, which I have yet to see.

The supporting performances in Milk will probably be ignored by AMPAS, but they are worthy of mention. Josh Brolin seems to be getting a moderate amount of buzz, but I was most impressed by Emile Hirsch (who was snubbed last year for Into the Wild). James Franco was also fantastic in the role of Harvey's lover.

For Your Consideration: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Best Achievement in Makeup

In Benjamin Button, I have personally found my favorite film of the year. The screenplay was adapted from an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story by Eric Roth, who penned the 1994 film Forrest Gump. And not unlike Forrest Gump, Benjamin Button follows its title character from birth to death. However, in Benjamin's case, he is born an old man and "grows backwards." Brad Pitt plays Benjamin (and managed to surprise me on many levels), and Cate Blanchett plays his friend and lover, Daisy.

I went into this film with low expectations (this is NOT typical David Fincher), and I walked out thinking I'd just seen the most beautiful film ever put on screen. The aesthetics of the film were spot on. Makeup, Cinematography, and Art Direction are all locked in. Pitt and Blanchett both deliver fantastic performances, but the film is really all about soft, subtle direction and a beautiful story. Fincher and Roth should both be rewarded, but they do face some tough competition in their categories.

At this point, I'd say all three of these films are in for Best Picture. And if I have to call it this early, it's going to be The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

And the hosting gig goes to...Hugh Jackman?

AMPAS has asked Australia star, People's Sexiest Man Alive, Mr. Woverine, Hugh Jackman to host the 2009 Oscar ceremony.

I think this is actually an inspired choice. Jackman is not going to get nominated for Australia, but he's still an entertaining guy and a prominent figure of the film industry. Unlike his talk show predecessors, Jackman actually knows a thing or two about film (and he's made some good ones!). It is my hope that he will appropriately bring the movies back to the Oscars, leaving behind the dull political jabs and snarky humor of failed emcees Chris Rock, David Letterman, and (although it pains me to say it...) Jon Stewart.

However, I don't think any host will ever outdo this man:

For Your Consideration: Australia, Best Cinematography

Prior to its release, Baz Luhrmann's Australia was on my buzz-list for nominations for Best Picture, Director, and Actress.

Now that I've read reviews, mulled over the competition, and seen the film myself, I have to say that it will most likely fail to reach those categories.

I've been following this project for years. Yes, years. This is Luhrmann's follow-up for his 2001 picture, Moulin Rouge!, which garnered eight nominations including Best Picture and Best Actress. The project took a very long time to get off the ground and suffered many setbacks, like dealing with Russell Crowe's PMS (he was originally cast in Hugh Jackman's role) and finding a studio to back the project.

Not unlike Moulin Rouge!, Australia has managed to polarize audiences with its fast cuts, cutesy humor, and extensive runtime. The film is mostly criticized for its camp; however, being an admirer of Luhrmann's work, I recognize that the director's kangaroo mishaps and awkward moments are entirely intentional. Unlike a Michael Bay film, where humor is found where the director did not intend, Australia's finest moments are complemented by a wink from Luhrmann. The film is edgy, fresh, and gorgeous.

If the film is recognized by AMPAS, I'm predicting a nomination for Cinematography. Never having been to the land down under, I was absolutely enamored with the panoramic shots of the Australian outback. The film delivers the perfect balance between fast cutting comedic shots and slow-moving pans over broad, elegant landscapes.

In the race for Best Picture, I'd say Australia is a dud. However, as 2008 is shaping up to be a relatively weak year for film, I'm not counting it out entirely.