Some general comments to start with.
While I am gratified to see ‘Black Swan’ receiving 5 nominations
(including Best Picture, Director and Actress), I was somewhat
surprised that it did not receive a nomination for its screenplay,
and no nominations for any supporting actresses at all. What I am
really intrigued in Black Swan is its storyline, to be frank. Another
surprise is that ‘True Grit’ has received 10 nominations. I
believe I have underestimated once again the power of large film
studios. As always, in spite of my distaste in John Wayne’s work, I
have total respect for him as a great actor. I am a big fan of the
Coen Brother’s work – like ‘Blood Simple’, ‘Barton Fink’
and ‘Fargo’ and so on. At first I do not think ‘True Grit’, a
remake of the John Wayne classic, will receive that many nominations
based on the fact that: (a) The Brothers had a film (‘A Serious
Man’) which was nominated for Best Picture last year, and (b) they
have won the Best Director and Best Picture for ‘No Country For Old
Men’ not so long ago. I am indeed a bit disturbed by the fact they
have got this recognition this time because the film is a tribute to
John Wayne’s film. Given the cult status of their films, one may
wonder why the Coen Brothers have been recognized by Oscar so often
in recent years – given that the Oscar has been perceived as ‘Game
of Big Film Studios’. This phenomenon is also observed in Quentin
Tarantino’s case. The likely reason is because the Big film studios
have seen their potential to make quality (Oscar-worthy) films and
these directors have a wider appeal for the mainstream audience -
unlike some independent filmmakers who are more focused on niche
audience. That explains why the big studios are willing to invest in
their ‘cult’ projects.
It is also great to see Inception
received a number of nominations, though rather ironically only 2 of
the nominations are in the major categories. Christopher Nolan, the
director, received a writing nomination – this testified the nice
plot of this story. Chris Nolan has been doing well since ‘Momento’.
His films are both financially and critically successful (Batman
Begins, The Dark Knight, Inception). Some people can see the
recognition of ‘Inception’ encouraging as it is a summer
blockbuster-type film. Popular belief dictates that film studios tend
to release their Oscar-worthy films in later months of the year to
make people (especially the committee members who have the right to
vote in the award ballots) remember those films. Blockbusters tend to
be placed in the summer slot. The nice thing we can see from
Inception is that it is such a cool film that it has a lasting
impression for us and the voters alike.
The other nominees of Best Picture are
obvious choices: The Social Network, 127 Hours, The Fighter, The Kids
Are All Right, The King’s Speech are predictable contenders. I am
quite glad to hear that ‘Winter’s Bone’ has been nominated as a
Best Picture – this is an edgier and darker film which requires a
more dramatic treatment.
Notice the fact that the ‘Best
Picture’ Category was increased from 5 nominees to 10 nominees
since last year. I suspect the reason behind this change is that the
Oscar is attempting to dismiss the myth that the Academy Awards is
only a game for large film studios – a campaigning war. Increasing
the number of nominees means that independent films and those form
smaller film studios will have a chance to stand in the glamorous
spotlight. Also this will provide spaces for the more commercial
films to be considered as Best Picture nominees– I do believe
someone has casted doubt on choices like ‘Inception’ and ‘Toy
Story 3’ already, but we can’t blame them!
The other major categories are
expectable. Congratulations to the acting trio of ‘The King’s
Speech’, Natalie Portman of ‘Black Swan’, and Jennifer Lawrence
of ‘Winter’s Bone’ for the recognition they have been awarded.
The latter two leading ladies’ roles are challenging ones, and I
believe they have portrayed it well.
by Ed Law
25/01/2011
