Comments on: Oscar Predictions: Best Cinematography and Art Direction

By: McGillian

McGillian — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:38:00 +0000

I was very impressed with Changeling's Art Direction before the nominations even got out. For me, it is a very strong competitor in this category, along with Benjamin Button. I give my vote to Changeling though.

As for cinematography, Slumdog's was very good, I agree, but I'm hoping Benjamin Button will get it. I just loved the colors, kind of reminded me of A Very Long Engagement (which was also nominated in this category in 2005).

By: James

James — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:46:01 +0000

Achievement in art direction and in cinematography for BENJAMIN BUTTON.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:24:01 +0000

I really want The Dark Knight to win cinematography, it was incredible on IMAX. Slumdog Millionaire will probably win though. Typical. Boring.

By: Dan Tralder

Dan Tralder — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:52:42 +0000

Well, I do think one of the few awards Curious Case deserves is art direction.

But I certainly think that the cinematography of the Reader was just so much better than the others, and I can't believe I am wishing Harvey Weinstein another Oscar, but I suppose I feel that strongly about it

By: Lovethe Movies77

Lovethe Movies77 — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:49:00 +0000

i hope Ben Button takes both of them…but i agree with ur predictions for both.

Slumdog for Cin.
Ben Buttom for Art direction—THAT BETTER WIN AND I AM A LITTLE NERVOUS IT WONT

By: Satish Naidu

Satish Naidu — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:35:26 +0000

Oh yes Brad, oh yes.
For one, the last shot which lingers on is pretty special. One of the purest moments (if one can call that) to come out last year.
In a time where the hand-held camera is being trivialized, Rachel getting Married, I believe, almost re-invents its usage. Out of the top of my head I cite Saving Private Ryan. And just like that opening scene couldnt have it any other way, I believe this film just couldn't happen any other way.
For one, it makes us feel the life and all its vibrancy around us. Things do not feel staged with the frame being "filled", but instead we feel the camera is capturing the essence of something.
And again, as a viewer who is often bothered by overt usage of alterations in focus, this film uses it in a splendid fashion, and actually fulfilling its purpose of directing our vision rather than forcing it (as it happens in most other cases).
More importantly I think this is one of the greatest films of last year, and one of its greatest assets is its photography.

Hence Brad my claim.

By: Brad Brevet

Brad Brevet — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:52:04 +0000

@Satish Naidu: For any particular reason?

By: Pauley

Pauley — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:49:06 +0000

On of the most beautiful shots I've seen this year was in The Reader when young Michael visits the concentration camp and you see a close up of his hand grasp the barbed wire fence – stunning.

I thought the look suited the tone perfectly – the darkness, the symbolism. It was electric.

By: Satish Naidu

Satish Naidu — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:48:02 +0000

I wonder why wasn't Rachel Getting Married nominated for cinematography.

By: Brad Brevet

Brad Brevet — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:59:22 +0000

@ButchTheBoxer16: Care to elaborate with reasoning and replacements?

By: ButchTheBoxer16

ButchTheBoxer16 — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:40:37 +0000

The Reader was a good movie but there was nothing special about the cinematography. It should not have been nominated in that category.

Benjamin Button deserves the win for Art Direction though.