Over the years, a lot of people have constantly asked me what my prediction are for the Oscars, and I am more than happy to offer my insight as to how I would vote if I was a member of the Academy (because we know it is coming). My proclivity towards picking the winners is a skill unmatched by no one. In fact, one year we had a contest on the website to see who could out pick me and nobody could. We might have to bring that one back next year. So with that said, here are my thoughts on each film, and then on Saturday I will pick the winner. The one thing I have noticed is there is a defininte theme in this years Oscar flicks - dumb girls and stupid boys.
Atonement - What is amazing about this film is that it is a period piece that centers around the use of the word "cunt" and a dumb girl that sees things she doesn't quite understand. In a way, the movie reminds me of the English Patient because of the back drop of war, nurses taking care of the wounded, and the terrible tragic ending that awaits those in love. I really appreiciated this film because I could relate to the way that time can affect your perception and your understanding of the world. Is it best picture worthy? You'll have to wait until Saturday to find out.
There will be Blood - This is a movie about a stupid man who has so much hatred in his heart he just needs to be "slapped" around. Daniel Day Lewis gives one hell of a performance in this film and his character will be ranked up there with the greatest villians of all time. He even manages to make Al Pacino's Scarface character look like a puppy dog. The movie is about an oil tycoon in the early 1900's and is one fine picture. It also has a lot of relgious overtones with oil representing the devil himself.
Juno - This is a movie about a dumb girl AND a dumb boy who never heard of birth control, yet some how this girl is well versed in home pregnantcy tests. Well to quote my good friend Dwight Schrute, "This ain't no etch-a-sketch. This is one doodle that can't be un-did homeskillet." So now Juno has to go through the film deciding on what to do with the baby. Juno has the wittiest dialogue and the coolest soundtrack in ages. If you see just one film of the nominees, you should probably see this one.
Michael Clayton - Although it is extremely tempting to write about George Clooney being a stupid guy with money problems, we here at Mental Ward Films believe in equality amongst the sexes. So since we are writing about stupid men tomorrow, lets focus on the dumb girl that tried to kill Clooney. I mean, how stupid can you be. Does she not realize who she is going up against? I mean, this is nipple ring Batman for pete's sake. She ought to know she's not going to win. Seriously though, this is a wonderful character driven piece with a Law and Order feel.
No Country for Old Men - This is a movie about a lot of stupid people. First off, if you find a bunch of dead bodies and a suitcase of money, don't return to give a dying guy some water. It's just not going to end well. Overall, I really dug this film and it reminded me a lot of an early Cohen brothers film.... Blood Simple. The only thing that is disappointing is the filmmakers didn't have enough money to finish the film. They just had to end it at a random spot.
Who will win: I now have an impressive track record of picking the best picture. I am eleven of twelve, but this is the first year that really has me stumped. Comedies don't play well with the Academy so we can rule out Juno. Michael Clayton doesn't really have the feel either. The Academy loves Epics and they love period pieces. The remaining three films all fall into this category. With that said, I don't feel No Country for Old Men is epic and period enough. My gut is telling me Atonement is going to win and I will probably regret not picking this one. So my official pick is going to be There will be Blood.
Who should win: There will be Blood. This is the only film other than Atonement that will hold up 30 to 40 years.
What was my favorite film: Hands down it was Juno
What did the poll say: 43.75% of you said There will be Blood. 25% of you said No Country.
Read Dennis's reaction to the Oscars on the message boards!!!
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