Oscar Movie Review: Midnight in Paris

Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen's latest (and possibly greatest) foray into fantasy, is a delightful mix of humor and surrealism. It has elements of a classic Woody Allen picture, namely a neurotic protagonist, but it does not try to be more than what it is; a light, simple story that only require's its audience to suspend their version of reality for 90 minutes or so. What makes this film special, or rather, worthy of four Oscar nominations? That, too, is simple because only Woody Allen can expertly craft a tale of unexplainable time travel that is charming, romantic and ultimately a joy to watch.

Adriana (Marion Cotillard) and Gil (Owen Wilson)

The key to Midnight in Paris is really not to expect a deep, life changing experience - it really is what it is. Owen Wilson's character Gil is an easily distracted yet somehow very successful Hollywood screenwriter that has a bad case of writer's block as he tries to write an actual novel. On a trip to Paris with his uptight fiance Inez (Rachel McAdams) and her obnoxious parents, he finds solace with the likes of Cole Porter, Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, T.S. Eliot, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Guided by a jaded muse (played perfectly by Marion Cotillard), he revels in the nostalgia of it all and tries to immerse himself into their world where art equals life. In contrast, the characters in the "real" world are dismissive of his work, coming off as very two-dimensional. I understood this to be a choice made by Allen to question our own definition of reality. It is in this seemingly simplistic journey, with a fascinating ensemble of quick-witted, well known characters, that Allen's intricate direction and writing are showcased. While I don't think Midnight in Paris will win Best Picture, the Academy would have to be mental to not award Allen Best Original Screenplay. He made something so difficult and complex seem simple and that is the work of a true artist.

Oscar Movie Review: Hugo

With eleven nominations, the most of any film this year, Hugo is a charming, heartfelt tale of a clever, steadfast boy who lives in the walls of a Paris train station after his father's sudden death leaves him orphaned. Both tragic and touching, the story centers on Hugo's quest to repair an automata that he and his father were working on and in doing so, uncovers the secret lives of those he slowly learns to call family. It is an uplifting anecdote based on the Caldecott winning book The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick that is actually based on the real story of French filmmaker Geroges Melies. As it is in the book, Hugo's world is visually stunning and terrifying at the same time, an effect that is expertly executed by Martin Scorsese. Much like The Artist, this film was a love letter of sorts to cinema but in a more literal way. 

Asa Butterfield plays Hugo Cabret

While I enjoyed the film very much, what stood out most for me were the technical aspects, including the seamless use of 3D technology with brilliant cinematography. This was Scorsese's first foray into the world of 3D and he has created a visual masterpiece that plays like a moving pop-up book. Mostly all of the awards that Hugo is nominated for are technical and I do believe it could take home some of the big ones like Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction. I also won't be surprised if it takes Adapted Screenplay, though I do believe that category is one of the toughest being that it is so widespread. It could be a big winner since the odds are in its favor with so many technical nods but whether it will walk away with top prize remains to be seen. 

Oscar Movie Review: The Artist

One of the most original films nominated for 10 Academy Awards this year is The Artist. Described by it's director Michel Hazanavicius as "a love letter to cinema," this film does a superb job taking it's viewer on a romantic pilgrimage during a time of major upheaval in the world of film.  Many have shied away from this movie because it is "silent" and "old fashioned" but what they don't realize (and really couldn't unless they had actually seen the film) is that those choices were made not just for pure aesthetic effect but to immerse you into the world. It is terrific experiment in which music and actors work with the film itself to tell a story that is both simple and complex. It was a privilege to see this film, like I was granted access into a secret piece of history and then left to reflect on everything that I had seen.

Jean Dujardin as "George Valentin"

As I stated before, the idea for the film is simple: George Valentin, a beloved silent film star, soon finds himself replaced when talkies come into fashion. The story is complicated when our main character, played by French actor Jean Dujardin, falls in love with a rising talkie star,  played beautifully by Berenice Bejo. George Valentin, the fallen star, in such a proud yet humbling way that really connects the audience to his dilemma. He is an artist - where is the art in just talking? This reminds me of so many of my acting teachers who said time and time again "Don't tell me the story, show me." I get it now!

While the storyline itself was not intricate or complex, it was in the execution that its brilliance shone through. For example, most of the film was indeed silent with music being one of the only audible noises. This allowed for the music to become another character and it chose the role of narrator. When sound was introduced, it was just as rewarding as it was terrifying. Since it was so foreign and jarring, we felt the way Valentin felt. I was amazed by the way in which the film did this over and over again to its audience. It was as if I was both friend and foe, toy and tool. Another example of this was when in all of the main characters' encounters. Peppy, the young starlet, does most of the talking and even though we can only read her words, we feel burdened and overwhelmed by it all. Again, we feel what Valentin feels, exhausted by her chatter and we begin to hone in on his struggle to understand and love her.  Although we could not hear them, we felt the difference in their means of communication. We were taught a language and were just as scared to learn the new one as our main character was. This fear showed that this massive change was not only cinematic, it was cultural.

I really appreciated many aspects in the film as there was a seamless use of modern and classic cinematic references. For example, the credits in the beginning of the film were just as they were for many films of that era with a slew of ellipsis connecting the character name to the actor's. The film was also black and white which keeps distractions to a minimum whilst also adding an air of authenticity. The subtitle cards were also more for feel as some the first few were necessary. After that, you were used to reading the character's lips or not relying on speech at all. As humans, we don't really need to talk in order to communicate. This film really proved that often times, words just complicate what it is we are trying to say and in the end, actions do speak louder.

George (Dujardin) and Peppy (Bejo)

Should this film take home the big prize? That I cannot say yet because I still have two more films to see but out of all the films I have seen thus far, I will say that it does deserve it. Amongst its nominations, I will not be surprised if it picks up Best Actor (Dujardin was phenomenal), Best Original Score (Ludovic Bource), Best Director (Michel Hazanavicius) and Best Picture on Sunday. It has already won in many of those categories at Cannes, the SAG Awards, Critics Choice, the Golden Globes, and BAFTA, etc. - totaling 69 awards this season so far. However, crazier things have happened so I will make my predictions once I have seen all there is to see.

In short, The Artist certainly was more than a new take on an old favorite. It provided a unique perspective that can be applied to many things and while many may think its silent nature limits its appeal, I believe it remains universal. We are not often afforded the point of view of the target of a revolution that is both charismatic and sympathetic. It is much more "American" to be on the side of the revolter, paving the way for change and those who do effect said change. However being a French film, The Artist gives us a chance to see things differently and appreciate a simple act in our technologically over-stimulated lives.

The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards

Tonight's the night - the official begin of what many equate to the Triple Crown in terms of Awards Season. There are many categories - too many to consider here so I will only focus on the ones that I feel strongly about. I've done the work and seen over two thirds of the movies and shows nominated - there's still so much to see!! Here's my take on some of the biggest and controversial categories that will all be decided tonight:

Best Motion Picture - Drama

                                                                          

What might win

What should win

    

It doesn't matter if The Help was one of the best reviewed movie of the year or that it had a phenomenal cast that drove the story into the hearts of its audience. I've read the book, seen the movie twice and it still has an overwhelming effect on me. It's timeless. A treasure. A modern masterpiece. If you haven't seen it, it's the one movie of 2011 that you simply must. It's the kind of movie that makes you laugh and cry, furious and elated, hurt and proud. What more could you possibly ask for?

The case for The Decedents is strong. The cast, led by George Clooney, is strong but its the story that lends itself to such amazing performances. What The Decedents really has going for it is momentum and sometimes it all about timing. Here's to hoping that the buzz for The Help remains loud enough in the ears of the Hollywood Foreign Press because it truly is an exceptional film.

Best Performance By an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama 

Who should win: Viola Davis

Who might win: Meryl Streep

I can't promise this will be last time I will urge you to see The Help because it probably won't so just humor me. Every single performance in the entire film was above and beyond and for that, they deserve every ensemble award of the year. That being said, if there was an actor that stood out, it would be Viola Davis. She spoke the truth through Aiblene with power, dignity, and incredible humility and gave what I believe is the performance of her career. It's the kind of thing you felt when you saw it, like you were seeing a character be brought to life for the first time. It's almost haunting and will stay with me probably forever - for that alone, I believe she deserves every award she is nominated for this season. Meryl Streep is the best actress of our generation, no argument there, and I have yet to see The Iron Lady. However, I find it hard to believe that anyone can top what Ms. Davis did.

Best Performance By an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama

Who should win: Leonardo DiCaprio

Who might win: George Clooney

This is probably the toughest competition of the awards season as the men really came out swinging this year and gave it their all. Brad Pitt and Ryan Gosling both gave exceptional performances and any other year, the globe would be theirs (although I will say that I think Gosling got nominated for the wrong performance but I guess that's what happens when you had that good of a year!) The reason I think it will most likely come down to DiCaprio and Clooney is the nature of their performances. In The Decedents, we saw a side of  Clooney that we usually don't get to see. His portrayal of Matt King as he struggled through unimaginable circumstances with humor and what remained of his dignity was honest and oddly refreshing. On the other hand, DiCaprio was J. Edgar and the way in which he showed us that fearful inner life through his his hard, aging exterior was flawless. What gives him the slight edge over Clooney is the transformation he mad into his character - it was virtually seamless. I didn't know where Leo ended and J. Edgar began but I know what I was lost in his world right along with him. 

Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical

What should win

What might win

In the interest of full disclosure, I have not been able to see The Artist yet but if the current trend is right, this should be theirs for the taking. I have seen all of the other films and feel as though they did deserve a nod; 50/50 was funny and charmingly heart-wrenching while My Week With Marilyn was a vehicle for some outstanding performances by Michelle Williams and Kenneth Branagh. Speaking as a whole, however, I'd have to give my vote to Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris. A simple concept delightfully complicated in a way only Woody Allen can and while it is my favorite work of his, I still want to see The Artist. 

Best Performance By an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical

Michelle Williams

The transformation made by Michelle Williams and the innocence that she infused into her performance of Marilyn Monroe was all that we could ask for. I think she had the toughest job out of any of the performers this year, perhaps this decade. Was she Marilyn? The answer is yes and no. She didn't attempt to copy Marilyn or be Marilyn. Instead, she told the story and her truth became our reality. If anyone else wins this category, the HFP clearly were not taking into consideration the what exactly it was that Michelle Williams achieved. It would be a huge upset. 

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical

Who might win: Ryan Gosling

Who should win: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Again, I have not seen The Artist so I cannot say for sure who this will go to. However, of the performances I have seen, I was beyond taken with JGL in 50/50. His performance was understated and real in an impossible set of circumstances. He was able to make a joke and tug on the heartstrings of the audience at the same time. Who does that? I was equally impressed by Gosling in Crazy, Stupid, Love. Underneath his womanizing, perfectly polished exterior was an incredible heart that added depth and drive to the story. As I said before, he had some incredible performances this year and in this one, he got the added bonus of flexing his funny muscle. 

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Octavia Spencer

Again, I really feel that there is no competition here. Octavia's portrayal of Minny Jackson in The Help was the perfect ying to Viola Davis' yang. She was everything a supporting actress should be while still shining in her own right. Without a doubt, she was that sassy, back-talking but fiercely loyal Minny who stole our hearts and said everything we were thinking. An honorable mention should go to Jessica Chastain who played Celia in The Help, giving an sweet, beautifully innocent performance.

That's all I'm going to cove tonight! Be sure to watch the Globes tonight at 8PM EST!!

SAG Nominations: And They're Off!

The Nominations for the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced today and for me, this is the real beginning of the 2012 awards season (sorry, People's Choice Awards but there are far too many Twihards with access to a computer to make you legit.) In a way the nominations and subsequent awards given by SAG is one of the highest honors an actor or ensemble can achieve since it is voted on by one's peers. There's no Academy, no Hollywood Foreign Press, no party politics - just you and a few hundred thousand friends. It's a great occasion and as one would imagine, a very humbling night. Plus, the SAG Awards have a pretty good track record for predicting the Academy Award Winners in the Acting categories. Complete upsets are rare, not to mention shocking since it usually means that someone (::coughTheAcademycough::) is out of touch with reality.

There were some surprises in today's announcement but first let start with the not so shocking yet well deserved nods. For Best Male Actor in a Leading Role, the field is filled with quite a few Hollywood Heavyweights including  George Clooney as Matt King in "The Descendants”, Leonardo DiCaprio as J. Edgar Hoover in "J. Edgar", and Brad Pitt as Billy Beane in "Moneyball". This category might seem pretty stiff but that's nothing compared to the female giants nominated for Best Female Actor in a Leading Role: Glenn Close  as Albert Nobbs in "Albert Nobbs”, Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark in “The Help”, Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady”, Tilda Swinton as Eva in “We Need to Talk About Kevin" and of course, Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe in “My Week With Marilyn”. Usually, Streep is a SAG fav but did you see The Help? (If you haven't, I give you permission to stop reading this and RUN, don't walk to your nearest Blockbuster, Redbox, whatever! Go! Now!) Viola Davis was incredible as were Jessica Chastain as Celia Foote and Octavia Spencer as Minny Jackson who are up against each other for Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role. That's a shame because most of their scenes were together and just fantastic. I expected Octavia to get a nod but Jessica was a pleasant surprise. Also a surprise to me was Armie Hammer as Clyde Tolson in "J. Edgar", Jonah Hill as Peter Brand in "Moneyball" and Melissa McCarthy as Megan in "Bridesmaids". Melissa McCarthy and Jonah Hill I can definitely see as contenders but Armi Hammer? I have nothing against him as an actor - he was badass² in "The Social Network" but I wasn't all that impressed with his portrayal of Clyde. 

Now for this season's snubs! The most glaring has to be Ryan Gosling in either "The Ides of March" or "Drive" I personally was more impressed with the latter but come on!! The rest I cannot comment on because I haven't seen their performances but I know the internet is atwitter with outrage over Sandra Bullock, Rooney Mara, and Charlize Theron. As for the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture category, I'm surprised by the lack of love for "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" - again, haven't seen it but I was under the impression it would be a shoe in. The category is pretty well stacked though with "The Artist", "Bridesmaids", "The Descendents", "The Help", and "Midnight in Paris". I've seen 4 out of 5 of those films and while I'm not going to post my predictions yet, I do believe that those ensembles are all really well deserving.

On to the small screen, they're weren't many surprises here except for Patrick J Adams as Mike Ross in “Suits”. I 'm not surprised he was nominated  - I was just under the impression I was the only one watching it. Also missing was my annual favorite, "Mad Men" but because someone who shall not be mentioned couldn't get it together, it was not eligible this year (I'm not bitter...promise...) This however open the field to what I believe will be an HBO vs. HBO showdown with "Boardwalk Empire" and "Game of Thrones." Both shows have the longest casts I've ever seen with 25 and 32 actors nominated respectively. It will be interesting to see if the numbers game works against them or if the SAG voters will be able to discern the quality from the sheer quantity. It's there, but we'll have to tune in at 8PM EST on Sunday, January 29th to find out. In the meantime, I'll be living at the movie theater.

Cinematically yours,
the mixx chic