tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post117013090420115253..comments2024-03-17T10:11:46.952-04:00Comments on Film Experience Blog: Will Little Miss Sunshine Shoot The Departed in the Head?NATHANIEL Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170353190922995832007-02-01T13:06:00.000-05:002007-02-01T13:06:00.000-05:00THE DEPARTED should win. If LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE t...<I>THE DEPARTED</I> should win. If <I/>LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE</I> takes it, it would be a lovely surprise. However, I think <I>IWO JIMA</I> has a very good chance. Firstly, in this time of war, what better way to play on people’s emotions than with a film about the very human side of conflict. Second, it's Eastwood and Speilberg (which is ironic, because <I>SAVING PRIVATE RYAN</I> had the same moral, though it did it much better and should have won that year). The only thing I took away from <I>BABEL</I> were the two great performances by Adriana Barraza and Rinko Kikuchi. I stand alone, but apart from Helen Mirren, I abhorred <I>THE QUEEN</I>.WickedScorphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01124962477489100493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170217308747402242007-01-30T23:21:00.000-05:002007-01-30T23:21:00.000-05:00go to awardshowfantasyleague.com and choose who yo...go to awardshowfantasyleague.com and choose who you think will win the OscarAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170207251357549722007-01-30T20:34:00.000-05:002007-01-30T20:34:00.000-05:00I'm so happy that Nicole Kidman is going to have B...I'm so happy that Nicole Kidman is going to have BOTH a promising indie AND a promising huge big bud. film( The Golden Compass) next year. I'm excited.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170196958360058112007-01-30T17:42:00.000-05:002007-01-30T17:42:00.000-05:00I don't see why everyone seems to hate Little Miss...I don't see why everyone seems to hate Little Miss Sunshine. While I haven't seen Letters, it is far superior to the other two films (not The Departed which should win).<BR/><BR/>What is so bad about a film that makes someone feel good about themselves. Film is art - art is supposed to invoke a type of reaction: not the vomit-inducing reaction I had when I saw Crash.<BR/><BR/>LMS was an adorable film but it also had a lot of depth to it. It was fascinating to watch a film that never once took it's audience for granted - it just had a simple story to tell and it told it magnificently.<BR/><BR/>Why does everyone want some over-complicated, pretentious bullshit of a movie to win the Oscar? Why can't we have a sweet little comedy, or a raging gangster film. <BR/><BR/>If I was in the academy my vote would OBVIOUSLY go for The Departed - but it would be a close call between it and Little Miss Sunshine. <BR/><BR/>And why did they ignore Toni Collette and Greg Kinnear and STEVE CARRELL. At least Nat remembered...and I thank you for that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170182692120779192007-01-30T13:44:00.000-05:002007-01-30T13:44:00.000-05:00"I also don't get why people hate the ending. It w..."I also don't get why people hate the ending. It was the only possible ending that would've worked. And it did work. You basically just have to be along for the ride. If you're onboard and you're sharing in the film's momentum, it makes perfect sense. If you're sitting back distanced with ultra-critical lenses on, it'll seem stupid, but if you're in that mode, than you just aren't taking what the film has to give you."<BR/><BR/>o you really want a Best Picture winner that completely falls apart under close scrutiny?<BR/><BR/>I certainly don't -- but apparently the Academy does.<BR/><BR/>This is what I fear the most about <I>Little Miss Sunshine</I>'s very possible prospects to snag Best Picture. It just makes so much sense when considering what members vote for. <I>Little Miss Sunshine</I> is similar to <I>Crash</I>, despite thematic and narrative differences, because it seems to make people feel good (about themselves). The Academy members can self-righteously check it off on their ballot because, despite the fact that it is just as cartoonish and uninspired as every other shitty comedy, it is neatly packaged with a big, deceitful tag that reads INDIE. The Academy can continue to feel progressive this year by voting for the little, indie underdog (just like they did with a heavy-handed message picture), while completely being oblivious to the fact that the films they choose are not quality; their tags simply outshine the silly nonsense that lies beneath.<BR/><BR/>The film may have been tough to fund, and it may even deserve that title of being an independent film financially, but nothing frightens me more than mass audiences and the Academy believing that what they are seeing is truly audacious, incisive and truthful filmmaking.<BR/><BR/>"Anyway. If Little Miss Sunshine wins, some people say it'll be silly because it's just a slight comedy, but isn't that a good thing?"<BR/><BR/>It's not a good thing when the comedy is slight, trite and unfunny.Nick M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/12566330717380805279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170182344648693552007-01-30T13:39:00.000-05:002007-01-30T13:39:00.000-05:00I dunno... I've worked extensively with The ACAD...I dunno... I've worked extensively with The ACADEMY (insert "dum-dum-DUUUMMM!" here) in the past and knowing them and their constituency, I think Babel may bag the golden boy. <BR/><BR/>Academy members all ask each other what should win and when you stick a group of (still) desperate-for-acceptance actors, directors etc.. in a room, everyone names the film that they think will make them seem smarter / more PC / more globally conscious. <BR/><BR/>That would be Babel. <BR/><BR/>Also, Babel is more confusing, so it makes them feel smart.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170176800442746292007-01-30T12:06:00.000-05:002007-01-30T12:06:00.000-05:00You forgot Blanchett?You forgot Blanchett?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170168448561014992007-01-30T09:47:00.000-05:002007-01-30T09:47:00.000-05:00But Silence also had the big five! It had two lead...But <I>Silence</I> also had the big five! It had two lead performances (<I>Departed</I> only has one supporting perf nominated) and it was an adaptation of a famous book, not a hong kong action movie that wasn't that famous to begin with.<BR/><BR/>I reckon it's got a shot, but there's plenty of reasons to say it doesn't.<BR/><BR/>Also, Nat, saw you got quoted in the SanFran Chronicle. Although I found it funny that they quoted you right after questioning the Lead nominations for Streep and Whitaker which you yourself have as leads. Hmmm.Glenn Dunkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05424659636310160482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170167496131244932007-01-30T09:31:00.000-05:002007-01-30T09:31:00.000-05:00Departed, you make good points.It could pull it of...Departed, you make good points.<BR/><BR/>It could pull it off yet. I question the logic going around that actors don't support it.<BR/><BR/> I mean Crash only got one acting nomination but that didn't equal no acting support.<BR/><BR/>It's very very possible that<BR/>Leo was in the Lead Actor lineup ahead of some others but got booted due to the no two films in same category for actors rule. And it's also likely that Nicholson was in 6th place for supporting actor.<BR/><BR/>again. I'm not totally convinced it's LMS's as some people are. It's just my guess for the moment.<BR/><BR/>I'd be really happy with a Departed win which is why i'm doubting it. It's extremely rare that my favorite of the five wins. It generally happens only one every 12-15 years or so and it just happened in 2003. I'm not saying the Oscars are all about me --ha ha-- but that's a trend like anything else (only it's only noticeable to me ;)NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170166368546906112007-01-30T09:12:00.000-05:002007-01-30T09:12:00.000-05:00The Departed could well end up this year’s Silence...The Departed could well end up this year’s Silence of the Lambs. Think about it- what propelled Lambs, a genre piece concerning an FBI agent tracking down a killer who skins women with the help of a man who eats people- (whose ending delivers a message that evil can prevail)- to win over the conservative Academy?<BR/><BR/>ANSWER: <BR/><BR/>1. The public! The Departed, like Lambs, was a surprise box office hit. Remember Lambs even won the freakin People’s Chocie Award! <BR/><BR/>2. The DGA which Lambs suprisingly won. It’s still the best forcaster of Best Picture ( foret the oldtimers neglecting to see a certain classic last year) and The Departed has that prize all locked up. <BR/><BR/>3. Departed is all about the boys but most women I talk to loved it and Farmiga’s presence will not go unnoticed. Kinda how Clairce won over the ladies. <BR/><BR/>4. The critics. Between Picture and Directing honors, Departed has popped up at almost all the major critics orgs. (Except LA- which also snubbed Lambs)<BR/><BR/>5. Silence was all over videostores and TV before the big show. On Feb. 13 Departed will be too. Last minute vote grabbers.<BR/><BR/>6. It lost the Globe. Well, so did The eparted- but like Lambs- it still walked away with one major win. Hence, no one’s burned out on Departed victories.<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>Little Miss Sunshine is cute but it’s victory would shock me more than any of the other films. At least right now. If anything takes down Departed it will be Letters from Iwo Jima. (Remember how they went nuts for The Last Emperor?)<BR/><BR/>Current Prediction: The Departed<BR/>Alternates: Letters from Iwo Jima, BabelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170164927082073862007-01-30T08:48:00.000-05:002007-01-30T08:48:00.000-05:00Sincerely hopes The Departed gets in there!Sincerely hopes The Departed gets in there!Emmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09809699267788752653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170164069840359832007-01-30T08:34:00.000-05:002007-01-30T08:34:00.000-05:00And Scott, as much as I'd like The Queen to take O...And Scott, as much as I'd like The Queen to take Original Screenplay - I think LMS has that one pretty much sewn up. My predictions - not that there's any much contention is any of the categories:<BR/><BR/>Picture - LMS<BR/>Director - Scorsese<BR/>Actor - Whitaker<BR/>Actress - Mirren<BR/>Supp Actor - Murphy<BR/>Supp Actres - Hudson<BR/>Orig Screenplay - LMS<BR/>Adap Screenplay - The Departed<BR/>Cinematography - Children of Men<BR/><BR/>zzzzzzzzz. . .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170163912117059372007-01-30T08:31:00.000-05:002007-01-30T08:31:00.000-05:00All things said - I'm happy for Breslin and her no...All things said - I'm happy for Breslin and her nom.<BR/><BR/>If only for the fact that she was mesmerising in 2005's Keane - and to watch that film and think the little girl in it is an Oscar nominee, is nice.<BR/><BR/>Although I'd still have Blanchett, Barraza, Lane, Kikuchi and perhaps Hudson over Abigail this year.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170162908133072372007-01-30T08:15:00.000-05:002007-01-30T08:15:00.000-05:00Anyone's guess is as good as anyone else's right n...Anyone's guess is as good as anyone else's right now, but for the time being, I'm going with The Queen. No huge logic behind it, I just see the others as more buzzed (the others have all won major awards for Best Picture), so could they split and The Queen take it all? Plus, The Queen is already guaranteed one win (Mirren), likely to win another (Original Screenplay), and could possibly win Original Score. But then that begs the question, with all this support in different areas, why hasn't it won anything major yet?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170159780882452392007-01-30T07:23:00.000-05:002007-01-30T07:23:00.000-05:00Oh yea -- I didn't think of that. What else can LM...Oh yea -- I didn't think of that. What else can LMS win? Just Picture and Screenplay is unlikely -- maybe one of the supporting trophies? <BR/><BR/>The Departed Pic, Dir, Screenplay, Editing makes more sense if you look at it that way.Sidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16647511701225586270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170158843085219292007-01-30T07:07:00.000-05:002007-01-30T07:07:00.000-05:00Well, that Chariots of Fire is clearly a film in t...Well, that <I>Chariots of Fire</I> is clearly a film in the same box as <I>Little Miss Sunshine</I>. Against more Hollywood titles the Academy chose the small uplifting title.Glenn Dunkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05424659636310160482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170150173123084232007-01-30T04:42:00.000-05:002007-01-30T04:42:00.000-05:00I really don't want to entertain the thought of Li...I really don't want to entertain the thought of Little Miss Shitshine winning BP - but I've been thinking (as others have) that this is more and more likely as we get closer to Feb 25.<BR/><BR/>Logically thinking, if Traffic couldn't do it in 2000, Gosford Park couldn't do it in 2001, Talk to Her couldn't do it in 2002, Lost in Translation couldn't do it in 2003, Sideways couldn't do it in 2004 and Brokeback Mountain couldn't do it in 2005 (all screenplay Oscar shoo-ins) why does LMS, which is far inferior to all these films, have to be the 'indie' screenplay winner to finally take the big prize.<BR/><BR/>And yes Adam, if LMS wins BP, it will most certainly join the universally recognised hall of shame that includes Chariots of Fire, Driving Miss Daisy, Forrest Gump and Crash (although I quite like numbers 2 and 4 on that list!)<BR/><BR/><BR/>PS. Judge, I'm with you on this year at least - for me it's Babel for BP. And Almodóvar - oh he didn't get nommed! - Scorsese for BD.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170148435200356162007-01-30T04:13:00.000-05:002007-01-30T04:13:00.000-05:00"I think the Oscar predictors are pissed that this..."I think the Oscar predictors are pissed that this slipped in under the radar instead of Dreamgirls and made them all look like assholes"<BR/><BR/>How are even people like Tom O'Neill assholes for predicting a film that had won the Globe, been nominated by the PGA, DGA and SAG and was in the running for lots of other prizes and was one of the only two possible contenders that was a period film. <BR/><BR/>Anyway. If <I>Little Miss Sunshine</I> wins, some people say it'll be silly because it's just a slight comedy, but isn't that a <I>good</I> thing? They've already turned their nose up at <I>Dreamgirls</I> for a nomination, why not the rest for the win? Why not make a stand and say "hey, ya know what? comedy ain't that bad afterall." <BR/><BR/>Maybe give other worthwhile comedies a leg up in the future.Glenn Dunkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05424659636310160482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170146149109291332007-01-30T03:35:00.000-05:002007-01-30T03:35:00.000-05:00I just can't see LMS winning. I think this is just...I just can't see LMS winning. I think this is just all the Oscar predictors freaking out about this years Best Picture race and trying to manipulate everyone into thinking that something is the frontrunner. I mean are we really using the PGA and SAG victories as barometers for success? I know this is a tough year, but neither of those have very good records when it comes to signalling out Best Picture. PGA's are important nomination-wise, but with recent winners like BBM, The Aviator, and Moulin Rouge, they are hardly good predictors. The SAG is even worse. They love movies like LMS even when they have only an outside chance at winning Best Picture (Sideways in the year of M$B and The Aviator anyone), but their recent track record is even worse. I agree The Departed isn't looking too good, but right now if I had to rank the nominees it would go:<BR/><BR/>1. The Departed: It is the best of the likely winners and it is winning Best Director.<BR/><BR/>2. Little Miss Sunshine: I feel I am only putting this here because the thought of Babel winning Best Picture a year after Crash makes me physically ill, but I do think it is gaining ground. It just doesn't feel like a "Best Picture", which I think will hurt it. It was cute, but nothing special. <BR/><BR/>3. Babel: Probably has a better chance than Little Miss Sunshine, but I hate Inniaratu and his stupid unnecessary fractured-time stories. It will appeal to a similar crowd that Crash did last year. The main difference is where Crash felt like a discovery that all the rich white liberals could tell their friends to go see (there is nothing better ofr these people than assuaging white liberal guilt except being in the know about something like a movie). Babel, on the other hand, has been touted since its Cannes debut and most people that I have heard that have seen it weren't that thrilled. Also, its slightly more subtle than Crash which is also to its detriment in the Best Picture race.<BR/><BR/>4. Letters From Iwo Jima: I seriously think this is undervalued. I think the Oscar predictors are pissed that this slipped in under the radar instead of Dreamgirls and made them all look like assholes (sorry Nathaniel, when I make derogatory comments about Oscar predictors I am thinking Tom O'Neill, not relatively reasonable people like you) for predicting as the winner ever since it was a twinkle in Bill Condon's eye. It also helps that this is the best movie of the nominees (I know this is a Clint unfriendly board and I actually think Scorsese deserves the Oscar this time, but Letters was, to my mind, better than the Departed. The thing about Letters is it missed out on all the precursors, partially because of Flags of our Fathers, and partially because of its last-minute release. If any movie could come out of nowhere its this one.<BR/><BR/>5. The Queen: It's the Helen Mirren show. It's an interesting docudrama, but nothing more. I just can't see this winning. Also, I think any Helen Mirren backlash will effect the movie in non-Best Actress categories, like this one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170143300069521742007-01-30T02:48:00.000-05:002007-01-30T02:48:00.000-05:00Don't give it to Babel. Please.Either the Sunshine...Don't give it to Babel. Please.<BR/>Either the Sunshine cadet or The Departed cops/criminals.<BR/>Not that there's a difference, anyway.<BR/>...<BR/>oy. I must be tired.Beauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12330740987516007108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170142948277092812007-01-30T02:42:00.000-05:002007-01-30T02:42:00.000-05:00I want to predict LMS, too, simply because it's so...I want to predict LMS, too, simply because it's so well liked. But what else can it win?Andy Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03289238932347069993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170141457237653592007-01-30T02:17:00.000-05:002007-01-30T02:17:00.000-05:00Something changed last year and I think Little Mis...Something changed last year and I think Little Miss Sunshine can win even with "The Queen", Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson. Splitting the prizes between a few films would be a great way to say there's no frontrunner this year.<BR/>Little Miss Sunshine: Picture<BR/>The Queen: Actress, Screenplay<BR/>The Departed: Director, Screenplay<BR/>Babel: EditingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170141094613633952007-01-30T02:11:00.000-05:002007-01-30T02:11:00.000-05:00LMS really gets better once you just experience it...LMS really gets better once you just experience it on its own terms and let it wash over you. You can just tell everyone had a blast making it and its heart and its brain are both totally in the right place. And I just cannot give those actors enough props.<BR/><BR/>I also don't get why people hate the ending. It was the only possible ending that would've worked. And it did work. You basically just have to be along for the ride. If you're onboard and you're sharing in the film's momentum, it makes perfect sense. If you're sitting back distanced with ultra-critical lenses on, it'll seem stupid, but if you're in that mode, than you just aren't taking what the film has to give you.<BR/><BR/>Anyway. Can you tell that I LOVE this movie?adam k.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13485604493059621307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170140238154943302007-01-30T01:57:00.000-05:002007-01-30T01:57:00.000-05:00The Departed is by far the best in the line-up IMO...The Departed is by far the best in the line-up IMO (the only nominee in my top ten) -- but I'd be fine with an LMS win because the film is, in fact, very good -- something I've realized after a second viewing (it seemed to get better). <BR/><BR/>That said, it's great that this year's BP race is all over the place, especially now that the acting categories are seemingly locked up.Sidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16647511701225586270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-1170138278703462222007-01-30T01:24:00.000-05:002007-01-30T01:24:00.000-05:00Where's the analysis for "The Queen" and "Babel"?I...Where's the analysis for "The Queen" and "Babel"?<BR/><BR/>I think that "Babel" has far more of a chance than people are giving it to win best picture, and a lot of that has to do with them not liking the film in the first place (just like with "Crash"). If voters can go for "Crash", then they can go for "Babel" too, especially with the real-life import of it all, the multi-cultural factor, and the most nominations of the bp nominees. "The Departed" will be Marty's show in director and that'll mostly be it I think (though I'd be fine with a picture win). "Little Miss Sunshine" just seems too slight to me -- I don't think I'll believe it'll win bp until I hear it announced on 2/25. I don't think that even the almighty Clint (gag me now) can overcome the foreign language factor in "Iwo Jima" (at least parts of "Babel" are in English and there's the Pittser there for celeb relatability). That comes back to "Babel". It has a strong chance to win bp outright.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com