|
OF THE OSCARS
3.21.98 You may or may not know that the Oscar's are coming up here on the 23rd of March. The tension is so thick around L.A. that you can hardly breathe. That's the smog, you say? Oh. Well, whatever. I kinda want to go and be one of the maniacal fans that stands outside the event craning for a glimpse of Sharon Stone's hem. I admit that I do enjoy the accessibility to stars here. While I'm pretty much beyond the star-crush phase of my life, it's pretty cool to be able to go to a comedy club and see Drew Carey or go to a bar and groove to the tunes of Jeff Goldblum's band (which I haven't done yet but I'm determined to). So, I wish I could go to the Oscar's but I'm just going to be watching them from home like I always have. But, since I'm so close to the ackshun I bet you're wondering who I think is going to win. Well, I tell ya, I don't know who's going to win but I will tell you who I want to win. If I ran the world (which should happen any day now) this is who would walk away with a little, gold-colored, phallic symbol of schmoozing aptitude.
And the nominees are:
Best Picture "As Good As It Gets"I have only seen three of the five, which isn't bad, but my pick goes to "The Full Monty." I haven't seen it but I have it on good authority that it's is a rocking good time. See, I'm picking my best picture in the grand tradition of multiple choice tests and eliminating until I come to a solution. I saw "As Good As It Gets" and I liked it a lot. However, there are obvious problems with this movie. For one, it's highly unlikely that Helen Hunt's character would willingly choose to have a relationship with Jack Nicholson's character knowing full-well that she's going to have to assume a "mommy" role. If "Titanic" wins best pic I'm going to yack on my shoes. I like the movie but did not love it. Take away the special effects and you've got a pretty cliché love story: boy from wrong side of the tracks romances pretty and proper girl who then shuns her chi-chi life to go slumming, ultimately ends in tradgedy. Yawn. Okay, okay, but I did get teary during the movie - it works even if it is unoriginal. "Good Will Hunting" was very enjoyable but it took me awhile to decide if I really like it. I really, really do. Unfortunately, it wasn't one of those movies that left me begging for more like "The Usual Suspects" or completely spent like "Sling Blade." Actor in a Leading Role Matt DamonMy pick here goes to Jack Nicholson without any discussion of the other contenders. I think this role was a stretch for Nicholson as it wasn't just Jack playing Jack. There was so much humor to his character that I found completely enjoyable to watch. Nicholson has been a favorite of mine for some time so I'd love to see him win and hear his acceptance speech.
Actress in a Leading Role Helena Bonham CarterThis one I'll just do a wait-and-see because I only saw two of them. I was happy that Kate Winslet wasn't a twig and Helen Hunt was entertaining although I don't know what she, or her director, was doing to her breasts. If you haven't seen "As Good As It Gets" then go see it and pay attention to her breasts (not hard to do since they were featured pretty heavily - could have been in the credits actually). They look really weird and awful. Anyway...
Actor In A Supporting Role Robert ForsterI gotta say that I'm torn here. I believe the award should go to either Burt Reynolds or Robin Williams. My problem is that I wasn't all the impressed with Reynold's performance in "Boogie Nights." His role was interesting but I don't see it as a stretch for him. I love Robin Williams. I haven't seen all of his movies but you wouldn't have to twist my arm to make me see a new one. The words 'Robin Williams' and 'Supporting Actor,' however, just seem at odds with one another. There were some big stars that made "Good Will Hunting" as successful as it was and Williams is one of those. He seems to be getting typecast into two very opposite characters: energetic, childlike misfit and wise, solemn sage. I'll only get upset over this award if Greg Kinnear gets it - that's just wrong.
Actress In A Supporting Role Kim BasingerJulianne Moore. Julianne Moore. Julianne Moore. She is such an enigmatic actress. She has one of those faces that you can't help staring at and trying to figure out how it's put together. She has the advantage of looking stunning and plain at the same time. Her character in "Boogie Nights" was heart-wrenchingly complex and bitterly painful to watch. The movie, if you haven't seen it, is incredibly intense. I was almost offended when I left the theater as I had been expecting something light and large. It was large but it really vied for the attention of all your emotions. When I saw Kim Basinger's name on the list I spewed coffee onto my monitor. Who are we kidding here?
Directing "The Full Monty"This is another toss-up for me. I don't know who I want to win but I know that I don't want James Cameron to win. I liked "Titanic" but the largess and the draw of the movie were the special effects. I guess I'm getting tired of special effects taking the place of good acting and decent directing. By the way, did you know "The Full Monty" is out on video? I think that's so cool.
Screenplay Written Directly For The Screen "As Good As It Gets"Here's what appears to be a fine list of writing. My vote goes out, without remorse, to "Good Will Hunting." It took awhile for me to decide whether or not I liked the movie. It turns out that I do. The movie premise seemed new to me. The intensity of the characters was intriguing and I like the idea that these two buddies made it happen. Ben Affleck is way cuter than Matt Damon, by the way. Danny Elfman is up for something - score for "Good Will Hunting"? I'm not sure and I don't care because whatever he's up for he needs to win. His musical genius is overwhelming and he's only been ignored because of his dedication to "quirky" movies like "Edward Scissorhands" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas" which both rocked. Don't forget "The Simpsons" theme, either. Please remember to enjoy the Oscars in spite of its silliness and pointless sparkle-worship. You gotta love the movies. æ |
|
[ less ][ more ] [ 1998 index ] [ directory ] |