83rd Academy Awards (2/27/11)

[fusnik]

GP sings better than most people on the planet.

[SeattleUte]

When I was young I decided that I was going to write the Great American Novel. I had no idea what it was going to be about, but I knew that it would end badly for the protagonists, as that just didn't seem to ever happen.

Since then I've realized that it does happen sometimes. Herman Hesse did a terrible job of it in "Beneath the Wheel" long before I was born, for instance. The Perfect Storm also comes to mind, as does the recent "Skyline," a horrifically bad movie that is nevertheless memorable. I love a book or film that is willing to respect the audience enough to provide a realistic (within the framework of the story, at least) ending rather than always pandering to the audience's need to have their hero be completely victorious.

The opinion of the Academy seems to differ greatly. I imagine even 127 Hours isn't happy enough for them. Sure, he lives to tell the tale, but he lost his arm! OMG! The King's Speech is an extremely good movie, so when it wins I won't complain, but it's hard to ignore that it's yet another in a very long string of happy endings receiving the top honor.

Edit: I'll add that although I listed it as my 2nd favorite movie of the year recently, I've become a bit biased against it after reading of how inaccurate it is regarding the history of the time and the neurology of stuttering. It's still very good, and it isn't any less accurate than tons of other movies that I nevertheless enjoy, so bully for it.

I think they pick whatever movie is going to maximize the image of the industry. Feel good movies whether or not technically ending happily are always strong candidates. There are a lot of considerations, I'm sure, but it always has everything to do with commercialism. This is radically different from literary prizes, for all the problems with literary prizes.

I am not opposed to commercialism per se. I think it's the lubricant of freedom. But the misdirection is irritating to me, when applied to art. That's an inadequate expression of what I feel about the problem but the best I can do right now. Commercialism also of course damages or ruins a lot of things, like pro basketball.

[creekster]

GP sings better than most people on the planet.

Maybe, but most people on the planet arent allowed to sing on television in front of the rest of us.

[woot]

I think they pick whatever movie is going to maximize the image of the industry. Feel good movies whether or not technically ending happily are always strong candidates. There are a lot of considerations, I'm sure, but it always has everything to do with commercialism. This is radically different from literary prizes, for all the problems with literary prizes.

I am not opposed to commercialism per se. I think it's the lubricant of freedom. But the misdirection is irritating to me, when applied to art. That's an inadequate expression of what I feel about the problem but the best I can do right now. Commercialism also of course damages or ruins a lot of things, like pro basketball.

I'm with you, brother.

[PaloAltoCougar]

One of the duller Oscar programs in memory. Thank heavens for DVRs and FF; that would have been tough to endure in real time. Franco and Hathaway seem likeable enough, but I'd prefer to have Baldwin/Martin or Billy Crystal back.

Very disappointed at the absence of a swan dress.

[TripletDaddy]

I watched zero minutes of the Oscars but why are James Franco and Anne Hathaway hosting anything? Is it because of their well-respected gift for comedy, their universal appeal, or simply a nod to their impressive cinematic resumes?

[woot]

I watched zero minutes of the Oscars but why are James Franco and Anne Hathaway hosting anything? Is it because of their well-respected gift for comedy, their universal appeal, or simply a nod to their impressive cinematic resumes?

I love James Franco. He's a wicked good actor that's been in a ton of really good stuff and has a bunch of stuff going on outside of acting, which for some reason biases me toward them. Probably because I wonder about the actors-worshipping-actors culture of hollywood and it makes me feel better when I learn that somebody isn't just a straight douche that's famous for reading other people's words on camera.

[creekster]

I love James Franco. He's a wicked good actor that's been in a ton of really good stuff and has a bunch of stuff going on outside of acting, which for some reason biases me toward them. Probably because I wonder about the actors-worshipping-actors culture of hollywood and it makes me feel better when I learn that somebody isn't just a straight douche that's famous for reading other people's words on camera.

He has also been ins some stinkers. Tristan and Isolde, anyone?

[wuapinmon]

Please do enlighten us regarding the "point" of the Oscars.

It's fairly straightforward; fans support their 'team.' The uniforms just don't have numbers on them.

[woot]

It's fairly straightforward; fans support their 'team.' The uniforms just don't have numbers on them.

Well that's true. I was wearing 127 Hours colors tonight. However, I reckon you could apply the same logic to every endeavor ever.

[Babs]

I watched zero minutes of the Oscars but why are James Franco and Anne Hathaway hosting anything? Is it because of their well-respected gift for comedy, their universal appeal, or simply a nod to their impressive cinematic resumes?

I think they were assuming she'd take her clothes off.

[wuapinmon]

Well that's true. I was wearing 127 Hours colors tonight. However, I reckon you could apply the same logic to every endeavor ever.

Yet, unlike every endeavors, professional athletes and actors have that special something that the more mundane does not, hence the appeal, and the fan appreciation, and why we watch most anyone famous.

[woot]

I think they were assuming she'd take her clothes off.

That's what "Love and other drugs" was for.

[Chachi]

Amen. I first saw Kate in The Shooter I think (whatever that horrible sniper movie with Mark Wahlberg was) and was smitten.

The movie was ok, but Mark Walhberg was ohhhh so good.

[DrumNFeather]

GP sings better than most people on the planet.

That must be a pretty low bar then.