Comments on: Oscar Best Picture: Who's the Odd Man Out? http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out The best and latest movie news, reviews, features and editorials - updated daily Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:23:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: tater http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6596 tater Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:12:04 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6596 You know what be funny??? For 2009 Oscars, they would have a Comic Book Movie award....think about it, for the 1991 Oscars....Beauty and The Beast was nominated for Best Picture!!!!! Back then, there was no Animated Feature nomination...and what happen the next year.....they had one... You know what be funny???
For 2009 Oscars, they would have a Comic Book Movie award….think about it, for the 1991 Oscars….Beauty and The Beast was nominated for Best Picture!!!!! Back then, there was no Animated Feature nomination…and what happen the next year…..they had one…

]]> By: Jerzey Jon http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6565 Jerzey Jon Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:44:40 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6565 @<a href="#comment-6564" rel="nofollow">Dt Shindler</a>: Agreed. It come down exactly like that. @Dt Shindler: Agreed. It come down exactly like that.

]]> By: Dt Shindler http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6564 Dt Shindler Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:16:44 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6564 THE OSCAR RACE IN A NUTSHELL With humble apologies to Brad Brevet, I'm announcing that, using a complicated (and secretive) system of my own, I've figured out the top two contenders for each category in the Oscars. In each case, _both_ contenders will be nominated, and the voting will be close (I know people who know people): BEST PICTURE: SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE and THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON will be the top two flilcks in contention for Oscar -- Slumdog will win by a nose. BEST ACTOR: SEAN PENN and MICKEY ROURKE will duke it out for the prize. The blue ribbon will go to -- Sean Penn, cause the old guard voters still plotz whenever they see Mickey's new head. BEST ACTRESS: MERYL STREEP vs. ANN HATHAWAY (no one else even comes close). The winner? Ann Hathaway (even though Streep is a favorite, and shoulda won three or four -- or five -- times in the past, I'm calling it for Hathaway because Streep apparently goes all Al Pacino in "Doubt" and chews too much scenery) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: HEATH LEDGER and JOSH BROLIN. If Heath Ledger _doesn't_ win (that's a big if), it will only be because too many in the academy thought giving the award was too commercial a gesture -- which is doubtful. BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: PENELOPE CRUZ, VIOLA DAVIS and KATE WINSLET. Tough call. Penelope will be the front runner, with a shitload of pre-oscar awards in her arms; and voters may want to give the nod to Viola 'cause Streep will be shut out in the actress category. But crapload of kudos for Penelope could backfire and giving a sympathy nod to Streep's co-star smacks of strange, bell-curved favoritism (we all know Oscar voters don't play favorites). So...since Winslet will probably be nominated for two awards (actress, for "Revolutionary Road," and supporting actress, for "The Reader"), and since Winslet is a solid actress, _and_...since she takes her clothes off in "The Reader" (see the explanation by Heather Graham's character in the classic, and very under-rated "Bowfinger"), I'm gonna go with my libido and pick Winslet to win this one. BEST DIRECTOR: DANNY BOYLE vs. DAVID FINCHER. It all comes down to this: will voters forgive Boyle for the plot laspes in "Sunshine" or Fincher for directing music videos of George Michael and Paula Abdhul? Winner? Boyle, of course. (I mean, c'mon already: George Michael and Ms. American Idol! We know everyone needs bucks for bread and butter, Fincher, but even _you_ didn't have to go that far to earn them). Voila! There you have it. The Oscar race in a nutshell (empahsis on nut...or shell, I forget which). P.S. Eddie Murphy wuz _ROBBED_ of a Best Supporting Actor golden boy the year after "Bowfinger" came out. His portrayle of Jiff and Kit Ramsey was fucking awesome, man! THE OSCAR RACE IN A NUTSHELL
With humble apologies to Brad Brevet, I'm announcing that, using a complicated (and secretive) system of my own, I've figured out the top two contenders for each category in the Oscars. In each case, _both_ contenders will be nominated, and the voting will be close (I know people who know people):

BEST PICTURE: SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE and THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON will be the top two flilcks in contention for Oscar — Slumdog will win by a nose.
BEST ACTOR: SEAN PENN and MICKEY ROURKE will duke it out for the prize. The blue ribbon will go to — Sean Penn, cause the old guard voters still plotz whenever they see Mickey's new head.
BEST ACTRESS: MERYL STREEP vs. ANN HATHAWAY (no one else even comes close). The winner? Ann Hathaway (even though Streep is a favorite, and shoulda won three or four — or five — times in the past, I'm calling it for Hathaway because Streep apparently goes all Al Pacino in "Doubt" and chews too much scenery)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: HEATH LEDGER and JOSH BROLIN. If Heath Ledger _doesn't_ win (that's a big if), it will only be because too many in the academy thought giving the award was too commercial a gesture — which is doubtful.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: PENELOPE CRUZ, VIOLA DAVIS and KATE WINSLET. Tough call. Penelope will be the front runner, with a shitload of pre-oscar awards in her arms; and voters may want to give the nod to Viola 'cause Streep will be shut out in the actress category. But crapload of kudos for Penelope could backfire and giving a sympathy nod to Streep's co-star smacks of strange, bell-curved favoritism (we all know Oscar voters don't play favorites). So…since Winslet will probably be nominated for two awards (actress, for "Revolutionary Road," and supporting actress, for "The Reader"), and since Winslet is a solid actress, _and_…since she takes her clothes off in "The Reader" (see the explanation by Heather Graham's character in the classic, and very under-rated "Bowfinger"), I'm gonna go with my libido and pick Winslet to win this one.
BEST DIRECTOR: DANNY BOYLE vs. DAVID FINCHER. It all comes down to this: will voters forgive Boyle for the plot laspes in "Sunshine" or Fincher for directing music videos of George Michael and Paula Abdhul? Winner? Boyle, of course. (I mean, c'mon already: George Michael and Ms. American Idol! We know everyone needs bucks for bread and butter, Fincher, but even _you_ didn't have to go that far to earn them).

Voila!
There you have it. The Oscar race in a nutshell (empahsis on nut…or shell, I forget which).
P.S. Eddie Murphy wuz _ROBBED_ of a Best Supporting Actor golden boy the year after "Bowfinger" came out. His portrayle of Jiff and Kit Ramsey was fucking awesome, man!

]]> By: Quake82 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6409 Quake82 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 01:30:00 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6409 I don't think Wall-E or The Dark Knight will be nominated for Best Picture (though it's my personal belief that Chris Nolan will be nominated for Best Director. Is it a shame? Yes. Will the Oscars be the less for it? Yes. However, Wall-E will win Best Animated Film and possibly, Best Original Song and Knight will walk away with a host of technical awards, a Best Supp. Actor trophy for Heath and an outside chance of Best Director for Chris Nolan; however, the good money is on David Fincher for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Good films will be nominated and good films will be left out; its the same story every year at the Oscars. While I love it when my favorite films rake in the awards (there's something about that little-golden-validation), if a great film doesn't get nominated its not like I'm gonna stop watching it or start believing that it wasn't really any good. Its just an awards show (albeit the most prestigious one in the world of film). I don't think Wall-E or The Dark Knight will be nominated for Best Picture (though it's my personal belief that Chris Nolan will be nominated for Best Director. Is it a shame? Yes. Will the Oscars be the less for it? Yes.

However, Wall-E will win Best Animated Film and possibly, Best Original Song and Knight will walk away with a host of technical awards, a Best Supp. Actor trophy for Heath and an outside chance of Best Director for Chris Nolan; however, the good money is on David Fincher for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Good films will be nominated and good films will be left out; its the same story every year at the Oscars. While I love it when my favorite films rake in the awards (there's something about that little-golden-validation), if a great film doesn't get nominated its not like I'm gonna stop watching it or start believing that it wasn't really any good.

Its just an awards show (albeit the most prestigious one in the world of film).

]]> By: Dt Shindler http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6393 Dt Shindler Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:07:12 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6393 I still think The Dark Knight wont be nominated -- but it does get a nod, I'll be happy to have been wrong. I still think The Dark Knight wont be nominated — but it does get a nod, I'll be happy to have been wrong.

]]> By: Nick http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6348 Nick Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:34:45 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6348 Ok...i don;t remember all...fight club?serpico?american gangster?alien?and many more.oscars are political..accept it.THere are milions dollars bets...there is no chance they are not set up. Ok…i don;t remember all…fight club?serpico?american gangster?alien?and many more.oscars are political..accept it.THere are milions dollars bets…there is no chance they are not set up.

]]> By: Tim http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6345 Tim Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:13:27 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6345 I just want to say that the one movie that for sure get left out is The Dark Knight. I have an strange hate/love feeling for that movie that I can easily explain. The first 2 hours of the movie are perfect, but after Harvey makes it to the hospital the Nolan brothers go for this convoluted recuperative ending that totally sucks. Instead of saving Two face for the next movie they instantly kill him off which is incredibly foolish. The whole sonar scene was total bullshit, making the last showdown between Joker and Batman confusing, short and stupid. The whole boat scenario had some terrible acting which took away the films sense of realism. And the dialogue exchanged between batman, harvey and Gordon in the end is very lame and stupid. The very last minute of the film where batman is left as an on the run vigilante is a great way to close the movie, and Gordon's last monologue is priceless. That coupled with a fantastic final shot of Batman's cape whipping into the sunlight as the screen cuts to black looks great. Another thing that brings the movie down is how much Heath Ledger overshadows every performance in that whole movie, ESPECIALLY Christian Bales. It throws off the balance of the whole movie because One there is more bruce wayne than Batman in this movie which is a serious mistake. Two it doesn't even seem like Christian Bale puts any effort into his performance, how can a movie survive if your main character can't carry the film? There wasn't enough good action, YEAH I SAID IT! There are two great action scenes, The beginning of the movie and the part where they finally arrest the joker. Other than that the action is short lived and not very exciting. Tell me what you think users, I think nominating this film for best picture WILL NOT HAPPEN. Certainly not for best editing, christopher nolan has serious editing issues. Cinematography was great though. I just want to say that the one movie that for sure get left out is The Dark Knight. I have an strange hate/love feeling for that movie that I can easily explain. The first 2 hours of the movie are perfect, but after Harvey makes it to the hospital the Nolan brothers go for this convoluted recuperative ending that totally sucks. Instead of saving Two face for the next movie they instantly kill him off which is incredibly foolish. The whole sonar scene was total bullshit, making the last showdown between Joker and Batman confusing, short and stupid. The whole boat scenario had some terrible acting which took away the films sense of realism. And the dialogue exchanged between batman, harvey and Gordon in the end is very lame and stupid. The very last minute of the film where batman is left as an on the run vigilante is a great way to close the movie, and Gordon's last monologue is priceless. That coupled with a fantastic final shot of Batman's cape whipping into the sunlight as the screen cuts to black looks great.
Another thing that brings the movie down is how much Heath Ledger overshadows every performance in that whole movie, ESPECIALLY Christian Bales. It throws off the balance of the whole movie because One there is more bruce wayne than Batman in this movie which is a serious mistake. Two it doesn't even seem like Christian Bale puts any effort into his performance, how can a movie survive if your main character can't carry the film? There wasn't enough good action, YEAH I SAID IT! There are two great action scenes, The beginning of the movie and the part where they finally arrest the joker. Other than that the action is short lived and not very exciting. Tell me what you think users, I think nominating this film for best picture WILL NOT HAPPEN. Certainly not for best editing, christopher nolan has serious editing issues. Cinematography was great though.

]]> By: Chris http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6342 Chris Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:43:50 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6342 I think The Dark Knight will make it in. Frost/Nixon has a chance, but I have a feeling Revolutionary Road might not make it. I also don't think Gran Torino will make it in. I think Clint will get a Best Actor nod though. Judging from early reviews, I can't see The Reader or Doubt getting nominated at the Oscars for Best Picture. I think The Dark Knight will make it in. Frost/Nixon has a chance, but I have a feeling Revolutionary Road might not make it. I also don't think Gran Torino will make it in. I think Clint will get a Best Actor nod though. Judging from early reviews, I can't see The Reader or Doubt getting nominated at the Oscars for Best Picture.

]]> By: Brad Brevet http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6336 Brad Brevet Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:33:07 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6336 @<a href="#comment-6335" rel="nofollow">green</a>: Don't get too upset yet, I am basing this all on opinion and trends. If you want a more upbeat approach check out Sasha's article at Awards Daily <a href="http://www.awardsdaily.com/?p=4854" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><b>right here</b></a> where she gives WALL-E a better chance. @green: Don't get too upset yet, I am basing this all on opinion and trends. If you want a more upbeat approach check out Sasha's article at Awards Daily right here where she gives WALL-E a better chance.

]]> By: green http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6335 green Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:16:31 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6335 So Wall-E really won't make it? Shoot!!! So Wall-E really won't make it? Shoot!!!

]]> By: Dan http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6330 Dan Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:46:03 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6330 Nick, A Clockwork Orange and Taxi Driver were both nominated for Best Picture. Nick, A Clockwork Orange and Taxi Driver were both nominated for Best Picture.

]]> By: adu http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6327 adu Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:28:25 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6327 I'm gona come out and say that I don't thin Milk deserves a best picture nomination. It had great performances, but was not a great movie for me. My five best picture nominees would be: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Slumdog Millionaire The Wrestler The Dark Knight Revolutionary Road I'm gona come out and say that I don't thin Milk deserves a best picture nomination. It had great performances, but was not a great movie for me. My five best picture nominees would be:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire
The Wrestler
The Dark Knight
Revolutionary Road

]]> By: Nick http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6321 Nick Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:47:33 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6321 I didn't say the dark knight was a bad movie.I loved it.And ledger as well.But i don't need you to explain to me the meaning of the movie...But let's get serious...alright?It was a childish moral tale.Cliche.And don't tell it was not cliche.It is the fact that people are tired of serious movies.They are tired with economy,problems and all that staff.You want to talk about serious movies who never got a best picture?Clockware orange?Taxi driver?They were not even nominated.and many more i'm just bored writing. I didn't say the dark knight was a bad movie.I loved it.And ledger as well.But i don't need you to explain to me the meaning of the movie…But let's get serious…alright?It was a childish moral tale.Cliche.And don't tell it was not cliche.It is the fact that people are tired of serious movies.They are tired with economy,problems and all that staff.You want to talk about serious movies who never got a best picture?Clockware orange?Taxi driver?They were not even nominated.and many more i'm just bored writing.

]]> By: randall http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6314 randall Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:18:54 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6314 I can't believe how silly people come across when reviewing The Dark Knight. It just seems as if everything the movie does to help the viewer understand what themes drive/shape its narrative is simply discarded in favor of dumbed down straight forward interpretations! The most interesting part about everything the Joker accomplishes, is that it all hinges on chance, he's an agent of chaos, he's always planning without concern for the outcome. Of course, the only outcome of importance is the one that destroys a desired plan of the system, and just think of how much room that would leave a person, or a Joker to achieve a goal. I just think it's awesome we're even mentioning a Batman film as a serious "contender", Chris Nolan has raised the bar for more than just comicbook films, he's raised the bar for big budget american films altogether. I mean, I honestly believe with how good/sucessful this "Batman" film is, alot of other people are going to reevaluate their shite projects due to noticing a more informed audience via The Dark Knight. Anywhooo I would hope that people would stop trying to play it "cool" by joining the elitists in bashing a film that is far better than alot of people even know, and whont know only until the appropriate amount of time has passed. I can't believe how silly people come across when reviewing The Dark Knight. It just seems as if everything the movie does to help the viewer understand what themes drive/shape its narrative is simply discarded in favor of dumbed down straight forward interpretations! The most interesting part about everything the Joker accomplishes, is that it all hinges on chance, he's an agent of chaos, he's always planning without concern for the outcome. Of course, the only outcome of importance is the one that destroys a desired plan of the system, and just think of how much room that would leave a person, or a Joker to achieve a goal. I just think it's awesome we're even mentioning a Batman film as a serious "contender", Chris Nolan has raised the bar for more than just comicbook films, he's raised the bar for big budget american films altogether. I mean, I honestly believe with how good/sucessful this "Batman" film is, alot of other people are going to reevaluate their shite projects due to noticing a more informed audience via The Dark Knight. Anywhooo I would hope that people would stop trying to play it "cool" by joining the elitists in bashing a film that is far better than alot of people even know, and whont know only until the appropriate amount of time has passed.

]]> By: Aleš http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6312 Aleš Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:41:31 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6312 The Dark Knight must win Oscar for the best picture!!! The Dark Knight must win Oscar for the best picture!!!

]]> By: Brad Brevet http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6300 Brad Brevet Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:07:00 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6300 @<a href="#comment-6298" rel="nofollow">Nick</a>: Yes I have, and none of them say it is the best film of the year although some of them say it is "one of" the best films. On top of that a lot of the praise has been for the acting. In terms of reviews Todd McCarthy at Variety is the only legit review online so far as embargoes have held them all back. By the way, how did you manage to take so much offense to an article that is saying it is one of the top six films to be considered for Best Picture? And I even said it would make it in. How's that? @Nick: Yes I have, and none of them say it is the best film of the year although some of them say it is "one of" the best films. On top of that a lot of the praise has been for the acting. In terms of reviews Todd McCarthy at Variety is the only legit review online so far as embargoes have held them all back.

By the way, how did you manage to take so much offense to an article that is saying it is one of the top six films to be considered for Best Picture? And I even said it would make it in. How's that?

]]> By: Nick http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6298 Nick Mon, 15 Dec 2008 07:51:23 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6298 Excuse have you gone to paramount vantage for your consideration to see how many magazines and newspaper named revolutionary road the best movie?and dark knight was not in there.NAtion board and afi didn't get revolutionary road so they critics didn't see it.This is so set up so dark knight could get a nomination.Also rr has great reviews from almost anyone,and still i hear people saying it's not getting great reviews.How's that? Excuse have you gone to paramount vantage for your consideration to see how many magazines and newspaper named revolutionary road the best movie?and dark knight was not in there.NAtion board and afi didn't get revolutionary road so they critics didn't see it.This is so set up so dark knight could get a nomination.Also rr has great reviews from almost anyone,and still i hear people saying it's not getting great reviews.How's that?

]]> By: Mark http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/oscar-best-picture-whos-the-odd-man-out#comment-6297 Mark Mon, 15 Dec 2008 07:39:23 +0000 http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/?p=11600#comment-6297 The Oscar race looks interesting and I'm pretty sure that the nominees will be Milk, Dark Knight, Revolutionary Road, Slumdog Millonaire, and Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The Oscars might be like the Golden Globes and get rid of Dark Knight and instead put in Frost/Nixon and probably offend a lot of people. The Wrestler wouldn't be a bad choice either, I heard reviews for the movie are pretty good. However from a ratings standpoint, you've got Wolverine hosting the whole event, why not nominate Dark Knight for best picture? I'm sure it won't win, but hey it doesn't hurt. By the looks of it though it'll be hard to predict Best picture, people say Slumdog Millonaire because it's the feel good movie of the year but at the same time, there were two prior feel good best picture nominees "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Juno" and both of those failed to nab a Best Picture despite their heavy hype. At the rate things are going, I'm going have to say they'll give Milk the award, Benjamin Button looks to heavy good reviews so far but I don't know if they are strong enough to carry the movie, and Revolutionary Road kind of looks more like hype then actual substance. Milk is most likely to win, the reason is because many people were upset at Academy for picking Crash over Brokeback Mountain and this kind of seems like the perfect redemption, plus the Academy always likes Inspiring movies. Hence why Forest Gump beat Pulp Fiction. The Oscar race looks interesting and I'm pretty sure that the nominees will be Milk, Dark Knight, Revolutionary Road, Slumdog Millonaire, and Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The Oscars might be like the Golden Globes and get rid of Dark Knight and instead put in Frost/Nixon and probably offend a lot of people. The Wrestler wouldn't be a bad choice either, I heard reviews for the movie are pretty good. However from a ratings standpoint, you've got Wolverine hosting the whole event, why not nominate Dark Knight for best picture? I'm sure it won't win, but hey it doesn't hurt. By the looks of it though it'll be hard to predict Best picture, people say Slumdog Millonaire because it's the feel good movie of the year but at the same time, there were two prior feel good best picture nominees "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Juno" and both of those failed to nab a Best Picture despite their heavy hype. At the rate things are going, I'm going have to say they'll give Milk the award, Benjamin Button looks to heavy good reviews so far but I don't know if they are strong enough to carry the movie, and Revolutionary Road kind of looks more like hype then actual substance. Milk is most likely to win, the reason is because many people were upset at Academy for picking Crash over Brokeback Mountain and this kind of seems like the perfect redemption, plus the Academy always likes Inspiring movies. Hence why Forest Gump beat Pulp Fiction.

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