Saturday, February 25, 2017

Oscar Week 2017: Oscar Predictions

Image result for oscars 2017Best Picture
Arrival
Fences
Hacksaw Ridge
Hell or High Water
Hidden Figures
La La Land
Lion
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight

La La Land is the clear front runner, lots of strong precursor traction, large nomination total, big box office, should walk away with this easy.

I will say that there is enough divisiveness that if Moonlight won, I would not be surprised, but I am not sure there is the same level of divisiveness that prevented The Revenant from winning, but again I am tempted to go out on a limb here but I will stay safe this year>

Will Win: La La Land 

Personal Pick: Moonlight

Best Director
Damien Chazelle-La La Land
Mel Gibson-Hacksaw Ridge
Barry Jenkins-Moonlight
Kenneth Lonergan-Manchester by the Sea
Denis Villenueve-Arrival

Chazelle has this in the bag; he is well liked and respected.  I am a bit surprised Barry Jenkins did not win at least one major prize, but with a BAFTA snub Moonlight never had a chance to claim a director prize.  I think Chazelle has grown as a director, although I hated Whiplash, but he is talented.

Will Win: Damien Chazelle-La La Land 

Personal Pick: Barry Jenkins-Moonlight

Best Actress
Isabelle Huppert-Elle
Ruth Negga-Loving
Natalie Portman-Jackie
Emma Stone-La La Land
Meryl Streep-Florence Foster Jenkins

Based on the typical Best Actress aesthetic, Stone has this in the bag, she would be also be the first Lead Actress winner from a traditional movie musical since Liza Minnelli in Cabaret (I do not count Coal Miner's Daughter or Walk the Line as traditional movie musicals).

Stone is lovely in La La, and a talented actress.  Many are championing Portman as the threat, but I do not see it, I think Huppert or even Ruth Negga are the only challengers.  I am picking these two because they are lone nominations for their films, and people truly respect both performances.  I do not think either stands a chance, but they are the challengers.

Will Win: Emma Stone-La La Land

Personal Pick: Isabelle Huppert-Elle

Best Actor
Casey Affleck-Manchester by the Sea
Andrew Garfield-Hacksaw Ridge
Ryan Gosling-La La Land
Viggo Mortensen-Captain Fantastic
Denzel Washington-Fences

One of the toughest races to predict, which appears to be between Washington and Affleck, although never under estimate that strong support for both of these men could lead to surprise.

Washington has SAG on his side, they have picked the last 12 winners in this category.  His campaign in Oscar phase two was strong, he directed the film, and gave a tour de force performance.  Washington's snub at BAFTA is glaring, especially since BAFTA nominated Viola Davis and picked her to win, this is my big hesitation with his win.

Affleck won the Globe, BAFTA, and almost every critics award.

Based on the tone of the times and the baggage of Affleck's personal stuff I am leaning to Washington, it would be a crowning achievement for him, and it's his best performance I have ever seen him do.

Watch out for Gosling in a sweep, but I think (hope) the Academy will be more discerning.

Will Win: Denzel Washington-Fences

Personal Pick: Casey Affleck-Manchester (but either of the two deserve it)

Best Supporting Actress
Viola Davis-Fences
Naomie Harris-Moonlight
Nicole Kidman-Lion
Octavia Spencer-Hidden Figures
Michelle Williams-Manchester by the Sea

Will Win: Viola Davis-Fences (should be in lead besting Stone, because she would have)

Personal Pick: Michelle Williams-Manchester by the Sea

Best Supporting Actor
Mahershala Ali-Moonlight
Jeff Bridges-Hell or High Water
Lucas Hedges-Manchester by the Sea
Dev Patel-Lion
Michael Shannon-Nocturnal Animals

Ali v. Patel, and while many pundits are right, Patel has a shot since he won BAFTA, I think there is one glaring difference.  Lion was clearly much more of a BAFTA film, it was nominated for more awards than Moonlight (without Best Film) and won two prizes that night, including Adapted Screenplay.

I do have more confidence than most that this prize will go to Ali, i would not be surprised if Patel won, based on the size of his role.

Will Win/Personal Pick: Mahershala Ali-Moonlight

Best Adapted Screenplay
Arrival
Fences
Hidden Figures
Lion
Moonlight

Moonlight won Original Screenplay at WGA, that shows the strength it needed to help make this prediction a little easier.  I could see Arrival or Lion sneaking in here too.

Will Win: Moonlight

Personal Pick: Arrival

Best Original Screenplay
20th Century Women
Hell or High Water
La La Land
The Lobster
Manchester by the Sea

It would be a travesty if La La Land won this in a sweep, the script is the weakest part of this well directed, visually lovely movie.  I could see it winning, but Oscar voters tend to go a little high brow, or artsy in Screenplay, this is where Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind won.

With that said, and people will laugh or disagree I think Original Screenplay is between Hell or High Water and Manchester by the Sea.  High Water is a film the Academy really seems to like, and this is one of the few places they could reward this film.  I think it's strong.

Manchester won BAFTA, which shows some cross over support, but it's loss to Moonlight at WGA shows vulnerability.  I am sticking with what makes the most sense, and going with Manchester by the Sea.

Will Win/Personal Pick: Manchester by the Sea 

Best Documentary Feature: OJ: Made in America
Best Animated Feature: Zootopia
Best Foreign Language Feature: The Salesman
Best Cinematography: La La Land
Best Costume Design: Jackie
Best Film Editing: La La Land
Best Make-Up/Hair Styling: Star Trek Beyond
Best Production Design: Arrival
Best Original Score: La La Land
Best Original Song: Moana-How Far I'll Go
Best Sound Mixing: La La Land
Best Sound Editing: Hacksaw Ridge
Best Visual Effects: The Jungle Book
Best Animated Short: Piper
Best Documentary Short: The White Helmets
Best Live Action Short: Sing

I am going out on a ledge in a few of the technical categories, and had La La Land winning 7, which is makes sense to me, and is a fine total.  I think the most it will win is 9.

My true "no guts no glory" down deep predictions are Hell or High Water in Original Screenplay, and Moonlight in Best Picture.


Thursday, February 23, 2017

Oscar Week 2017: If I picked the Nominees (and Winners)

Best Picture
20th Century Women
Arrival
Certain Women
Everybody Wants Some!!
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight*
OJ: Made in America
Silence
Toni Erdmann
The Witch

Best Director
Maren Ade-Toni Erdmann
Barry Jenkins-Moonlight*
Kenneth Lonnergan-Manchester by the Sea
Kelly Reichardt-Certain Women
Martin Scorsese-Silence
Dennis Villenueve-Arrival

Best Actor
Casey Affleck-Manchester by the Sea*
Adam Driver-Paterson
Collin Farrell-The Lobster
Andrew Garfield-Silence
Peter Simonischek-Toni Erdmann
Denzel Washington-Fences

Best Actress
Amy Adams-Arrival
Sonia Braga-Aquarius
Annette Bening-20th Century Women*
Sandra Hueller-Toni Erdmann
Isabelle Huppert-Elle
Natalie Portman-Jackie

Best Supporting Actor
Mahershala Ali-Moonlight*
Jeff Bridges-Hell or High Water
Alden Ehrenreich-Hail, Cesar!
Lucas Hedges-Manchester by the Sea
Andre Holland-Moonlight
Glen Powell-Everybody Wants Some!!

Best Supporting Actress
Viola Davis-Fences
Greta Gerwig-20th Century Women
Lily Gladstone-Certain Women*
Naomi Harris-Moonlight
Janelle Monae-Hidden Figures
Michelle Williams-Manchester by the Sea

Best Adapted Screenplay
Arrival-Eric Heisserer*
Certain Women-Kelly Reichardt
Elle-David Birke 
Moonlight-Barry Jenkins
Love and Friendship-Whit Stillman
Silence-Martin Scorsese, Jay Cocks

Best Original Screenplay
20th Century Women-Mike Mills
Manchester by the Sea-Kenneth Lonergan*
Hell or High Water-Taylor Sheridan
The Lobster- Efthymis Filippou and Yorgos Lanthimos
Toni Erdmann-Maren Ade
The Witch-Robert Eggers

Best Ensemble
20th Century Women
Fences 
Hidden Figures
Every Wants Some!!
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight*

Best Foreign Language Film
Aquarius
The Handmaiden
Elle
The Salesman
Toni Erdmann*

Best Documentary
The 13th
Cameraperson
I am not your Negro
OJ: Made in America*
Weiner

Best Animated Feature
Kubo and the Two Strings*
Moana
Zootopia

Best Cinematography
Arrival
The Fits
Hell or High Water
Moonlight*
Silence
The Witch

Best Costume Design
The Handmaiden
Hail, Cesar! *
Hidden Figures
Jackie
Nocturnal Animals
Silence

Best Film Editing
Arrival
20th Century Women
Cameraperson*
OJ: Made in America
Manchester by the Sea
Moonlight

Best Original Score
Arrival*
The Fits
Jackie
La La Land
Moonlight
Swiss Army Man

Best Original Song
Hidden Figures-Runnin’
La La Land-City of Stars
Moana-How Far I’ll Go
Popstar-Incredible Thoughts
Sing Street-Drive it like you Stole it*

Best Make-Up/Hair Styling
Deadpool
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them*
Jackie
Hail, Cesar!
Star Trek Beyond

Best Production Design
Arrival
Hail, Cesar!
The Handmaiden*
Fences
Silence
The Witch

Best Sound Editing
Arrival*
Captain America: Civil War
Deepwater Horizon
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Silence

Best Sound Mixing
Arrival
Deepwater Horizon
La La Land
Pop Star*
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Best Visual Effects
Arrival*
Captain America: Civil War
Dr. Strange
Kubo and the Two Strings

Midnight Special

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Oscar Week 2017: My Top Twenty Films of 2016

1-Moonlight (directed by Barry Jenkins)

Image result for moonlight film

Moonlight is one of the most stunning film experiences I have ever had with a film.  Watching the journey of Chiron who as Mahershal Ali stated in his SAG acceptance speech "folds into himself" you are taken on the journey of what it means to be black, a man, and have your sexuality be perceived to be outside the norm.  These three concepts  intersect, and we follow Chiron during three different time period's in his life.  Barry Jenkin's second feature displays the deft skills of a master craftsman, not only is this a personal story in some ways for him, but for Tarell McCraney who wrote the original source material.  This story is seminal, and tells a specific story, which is heightened by the fantastic ensemble, amazing score (Nicholas Britel) and stunning cinematography (Bill Laxton). Moonlight is a journey I will explore many times.

2-Silence (directed by Martin Scorsese) 
Image result for silence film

Silence leaves you breathless, from the first shot from cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto. As the film moves along you feel this spiritual journey is going to be another moment to worship at the feet of the brilliant Martin Scorsese.  Scorsese takes the subject of religion, it's meaning to various individuals, and cultures and transforms the experience in every way. I sat in silence as the credits rolled, thinking about every moment, the precision, the beauty, and I felt so enriched from this film experience.

3-Certain Women (directed by Kelly Reichardt) 

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"Reichardt sets a tone that envelopes you in the everyday lives of these people; she breaks down the wall, while never letting an artificial moment exist.  Whether you are watching converse Beth and Lily past a man slurping soup, or Native Americans dancing while Laura wanders the mall after eating some lunch you feel at home in their lives. Certain Women is one of the most beautiful and captivating films I have seen."

4-Manchester by the Sea (directed by Kenneth Lonergan) 

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Genuine grief is hard to encapsulate, especially since people handle grief in a variety of ways.  Kenneth Lonnergan's script is the best of the year, because you see the humanity in the way each person navigates their grief, his blend of humor elevates the work.  As Lee (Casey Affleck) attempts to push through his emotional experiences you see each attempt, each pain staking moment where he struggles to find his place in the world.

5-Toni Erdmann (directed by Maren Ade)Image result for toni erdmann film]

Maren Ade crafted an incredible character study of a father and daughter, their connection, their personal loneliness, but with the perfect blend of laugh out loud comedy, and tragedy.  Watching films like this unfold, there is often a quickness, but Ade let's things build to the perfect the perfect point in each scenario. Sandra Hueller who plays Ines and Peter Simonischek who plays her father Winifred give two of the best performances this year, they play off each other with perfection, and have fantastic on screen chemistry, which makes you laugh more than anything but also engrosses you in the pain of these two human beings.

6-OJ: Made in America (directed by Ezra Edelman)

Image result for oj made in america film

The argument of whether this is television or film is pointless, this is a masterpiece.  This film pieces together the different moment's in Simpson's life along with historical context and provides ones of the most captivating stories centered on celebrity and race of all time.  The film highlights the way the criminals justice impacts folks, especially with regard to race.  Edelman juxtaposes Simpson as a person who thought he transcended race, a fascinating portrait of society.

7-The Witch (directed by Robert Eggers)

Image result for the witch film

Haunting, stunning, and one those memorable directorial debuts that leads directors to getting the "keys the kingdom" on future projects.  Eggers puts together a story an unnerving tale about a early colonial family, which builds to one of the best film endings in 2016.  Jarin Blaschke's cinematography helps capture those perfect moments along with Mark Korven's score which builds tension making this one of the scariest films I've ever seen.

8-20th Century Women (directed by Mike Mills) 

Image result for 20th century women film

One of the most beautiful films from this past year.  From Mike Mill's lovely script about his mother to one of the best ensembles this film shows depth in and around the way Mills was raise by a variety of women.  Mills script is incredibly sharp, with pointed love, humor, and sadness. The film uses narration in editing to sharply address the nature of the different people who raise who raise Jaime.  The narration helps you explore context of of the story in a beautiful way to elevate every member of this collective family.  The true standout is Annette Bening. Bening gives one of the best performances of her career, commanding, and rich in ways that rarely gets shown on film.

9-Arrival (directed by Denis Villeneuve) 

Image result for arrival film

"Villenueve's visual world is beautifully captured by the fantastic Bradford Young (A Most Violent Year, Selma).  Young is a reason this film moves beyond the traditional sci-fi alien picture; he works the camera from different angles and pushes you to see things from different perspectives.  Young's work also adds depth and humanity, and brings about so many emotions, which adds to the power.  Johann Johannsson scored the film and has worked with Villenueve twice before (Prisoners and Sicario) provides lovely and haunting music which enables the journey of Louise to take flight."

10-Everybody Wants Some!! (directed by Richard Linklater)

Image result for everybody wants some film

Who are we? what defines the trajectory of our experiences as young adults? Richard Linklater frames his story around a men's baseball team, their penchant for women (although this is one of the most homoerotic films I have ever seen), beer, and constantly talking about baseball. Every time these young men go to a different bar, they wear a different outfit, whether that be cowboy boots, or just their natural feathered hair and fancy shirt in order to fit the milieu. Jake (Blake Jenner) takes center stage as a new freshman on the team, who provides guidance on understanding the way male identity takes hold.

11-Cameraperson (directed by Kirsten Johnson) 

Image result for cameraperson film

Johnson has worked doing the cinematography for numerous documentaries, and this in a way in the autobiography of her experience with these different people she has interacted with, and the personal experiences.  Woven through stories about a young pregnant teenager, men investigating a murder, a family she connects with, a young boy partially blinded by war, and many more stories we see intersections of Johnson's own life with her daughters and her mom who suffered from Alzheimer's.  Johnson tells her story, and the story of others with beautiful poetry. 

12-The Fits (directed by Anna Rose Holmes)
Image result for the fits film

What does it mean to fit in and how does a person understand their own interests and what that means?  The Fits from Anna Rose Holmer (another feature debut) is one of the most mesmerizing films from 2016.  Watching Royalty Hightower as Toni navigate her new found interest in dance, which flows into her journey of understanding her development is stunningly shot, and the score sets this a part from numerous films.  The Fits is a must see film, an absorbing beautiful story that should not be missed.

13-Hell or High Water (directed David Mackenzie)

Image result for hell or high water  film

As our United States deals with economic hardships, there are few films that have explored this concept.  High Water delves deep into a tale of two brothers willing to rob banks in order to set themselves and their family up for success.  The script from Taylor Sheridan is another strong original work, that blends humor, despair in a beautiful way.  Sheridan along with Director David Mackenzie transport you into a world where the law, morality, and survival blend to tell the story of people trying to get by, and live.  

14-Elle (directed by Paul Verhoeven) 

Image result for elle  film

Elle is a fascinating pyschological exploration Michele Leblanc (Isabelle Huppert) who is sexually assaulted at the beginning of the film.  Michele is a fascinating woman she is sleeping with her ex-husband while also taking part in an affair, and is a high level executive at video game company which creates games that perpetuate gender stereotypes, violence, and many other themes.  Elle also intersects past indelicacies and in religion in interesting ways to codify the cultural understanding of everyone involved. The fascinating nature of the film stems mostly from Huppert's performance, and in many ways she is commanding the screen, and direction. 

15-I Am Not Your Negro (directed by Raoul Peck) 
Image result for i am not your negro  film

Raoul Peck uses the words from the unfinished novel by James Baldwin in order to explore the African American experience in the past and present.  Peck using the words from one of the most preeminent men (Baldwin) on this matter inter cut with modern experiences makes this one of the most necessary and best films of the the year.  The power of this film comes in the form of Black History education through the lives of three of the most important Civil Rights leaders, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers.  Brown words narrated by someone I did not expect (do not spoil it for yourself) have incredible impact, and create a transformative film experience.

16-Kubo and the Two Strings (directed Travis Knight)

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There is a reason Kubo made the Outstanding Visual Effects category, because Kubo is one of the most visually stunning films from 2016. Along with stunning visuals Kubo has the one of the most charming adventure stories.  As young Kubo goes on an epic journey; he is joined by a great team, battles some intense monsters, and at the heart you feel so much love pour out of this direction/script. This is Knight's directorial debut; he has worked with Laika on many other projects, but I am excited to see where his journey takes him, especially if this is his first film.

17-Aquarius (directed by Kleber Mendonca Filho)

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Sonia Braga gave one of the most commanding performances from 2016. Braga's Clara represents a woman trying to preserve culture and history through staying in her apartment while a big business venture wants her out. Through this central story the film focuses on the war between the wealthy and the poor of Brazil.  Aside from Braga's stunning performance this film captures something paticular about Brazilian culture while resonating with the movement of capitalistic West to expand its grips leaving the poor to stay poor and the rich to get richer.  Kleber Mendonca Filho who wrote the film as well, gives an incredibly rich layered depth to not only Clara but to Brazil.

18-Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (directed by Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone)
Image result for popstar  film

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is the best original musical of the year, along with being the film that made me laugh the most.  Andy Samburg and The Lonely Island boys Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone created a parody of the modern music industry while paying homage, and showing the challenges which exist.  As our society morphs into something gross, celebrity becomes a lonely island of sorts, and this film through depth of message, amazing songs and incredible humor hits every right note.

19-Hail, Caesar! (directed by Joel and Ethan Coen) 
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I will start by saying I do not understand why this film got such a bum rap from critics.  I have seen this film four times now, and it gets better after every viewing.  The script is sharp, and is one of the Coens' funniest.  I love grand scale, which explores the old studio system of pairing up celebrities for dates, covering up those indelicate situations. Gee whiz, I wonder if these things still happen?  This film is also stunning, fantastic production design, and beautiful cinematography from the master, Roger Deakins.  Throw in of the best/funniest performances of the year Alden Ehrenreich (who we all we will be talking about non-stop in a year) and this film hits all the right marks.

20-The Handmaiden (directed by Chan-wook Park) Image result for the handmaiden film

As Sook-He enters the home of her soon to boss, I was immediately blown away by the stunning production design which continues throughout the entire film.  Each aspect of every location/set, along with the costumes, music, cinematography transports you into one of the fascinating worlds I have ever experienced.   Outside of the visuals The Handmaiden is able to thrill, and explore a tale of class, gender, and race as you understand the central two women in the film.  Speaking more about the plot would be a disservice, but this one of the most exciting journeys in cinema from 2016.