My husband (photographer Ron Becijos) and I have a movie addiction. We see a film in the theater at least once a week (popcorn is involved.) We would likely have withdrawal symptoms if kept from our pastime.
Before the list for the upcoming Academy Awards was announced, we had already seen the eight Oscar nominations for Best Picture. Here is my insight and guide to viewing Oscar nominations before the Academy Awards event on Feb. 28:
The choices for best picture are solid films and none of them make me depressed or feel like crawling into a hole, which has happened with pictures nominated in the past. I need a “wow factor” to be impressed.
My choice for best film is based on impact: most important is emotional impact; visual and intellectual impact also enter in. My No. 1 choice for this year’s best movie is “Spotlight” for its incredible true story and respect shown to victims of the abuse by priests in the Catholic church.
Another possible winner of the award is “The Revenant,” with 12 nominations. When I left the theater following this movie, I was physically exhausted after viewing the bear attack and the hero’s life-threatening journey through the freezing wilderness.
Here is a brief commentary on the films for best picture:
“Spotlight”: The journey of Boston journalists uncovering the hidden tragedy of the abuse by priests in the Catholic church.
“The Big Short”: A clever and biting analysis of the moments leading to the mortgage crisis. The story is told from the viewpoint of men who predicted the collapse.
“The Revenant” (12 nominations, the most of any film): Based on the true story of a trapper in the 1800s who was left for dead after a bear attack.
“Mad Max: Fury Road”: With 10 nominations, this recreation of a franchise is a view into a horrific future, with powerful and gritty cinematography.
“The Martian”: This film of an astronaut abandoned on Mars shows the optimism and ingenuity of the American spirit.
“Bridge of Spies”: Great insight into the 1950s and background stories behind a prisoner exchange and the Berlin Wall.
“Brooklyn”: A heart-twisting and heart-warming story of an Irish immigrant coming to the United States in the 1950s.
“Room”: This film feeds into every parent’s dread of having a child kidnapped. However, the basis of the film is the incredible strength of a young woman raising a child in the confines of one room.
A major issue this year is the lack of diversity of actors in the nominations. (Also, there’s a lack of diversity, including women, as represented in the other categories.) To view and judge for yourself, here are films with strong performances by diverse actors:
“Sicario”: shows a haunting view of the war between U.S. officials and drug lords in Mexico. Benicio del Toro is incredible in his mysterious role.
Will Smith in “Concussion” is authentic in his portrayal of an immigrant doctor searching for the cause behind mental problems in former NFL players.
“Straight Outta Compton” is a biopic of musicians creating rebellious music; this has a strong overall cast.
“Beasts of No Nation” tells of a West African boy who becomes a child soldier. Idris Elba and young Abraham Attah are amazing; the film is painful but moving to watch.
A shout-out for foreign films (two of which are now playing in theaters): “Mustang” (France),
“Theeb” (Jordan), and “Son of Saul” (Hungary) are all powerful dramas with complex characters. The latter is predicted by many to win.
Last but not least: I’ll give some love to “Star Wars: Force Awakens” (five nominations). Although not nominated for best picture, this hugely successful film provides the desired nostalgic twinges through its cast and story.
My choices for actors and actresses:
Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio (“The Revenant”)
Best Actress: Brie Larson (“Room”)
Best Supporting Actor: Sylvester Stallone (“Creed”)
Best Supporting Actress: Alicia Vikander (“The Danish Girl”)
