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The Oscars
For me, a groaner. Not even Jon Stewart could liven this show up. It was like a conveyor belt, interrupted by clips of films that the studios would never make today.
And the music. Was I the only one distracted when winners stepped up to make their remarks and soft music began? Like in a bad restaurant when the waiter comes to tell you the specials and the music is so intrusive you have to cup an ear to hear? Only menacing. I felt if anyone said anything the least bit rude, the violins would turn Wagnerian....
As for the allocation of awards: These Oscars were like the Assembly at the end of 6th grade. The principal made sure everyone got an award. The lingering question: How does the Best Director NOT make the Best Picture?
One good thing: George Clooney's remarks:
Finally: "Sophie Scholl: The Final Days" was the German nominee for Best Foreign Film. I can't say, 'Oh, you'll love it,' because to see it is like taking a body blow: A German girl and her brother get caught distributing anti-Hitler leaflets in 1943. They are arrested, tried, found guilty, all in a few days. It's an important film, about conscience, loyalty, truth and history--and about the power of faith. It's not playing in many theaters, but if you're within a hundred miles of one:...GO! To encourage you, here is a rave review from The New York Times.
And the music. Was I the only one distracted when winners stepped up to make their remarks and soft music began? Like in a bad restaurant when the waiter comes to tell you the specials and the music is so intrusive you have to cup an ear to hear? Only menacing. I felt if anyone said anything the least bit rude, the violins would turn Wagnerian....
As for the allocation of awards: These Oscars were like the Assembly at the end of 6th grade. The principal made sure everyone got an award. The lingering question: How does the Best Director NOT make the Best Picture?
One good thing: George Clooney's remarks:
I would say that, you know, we are a little bit out of touch in Hollywood every once in a while. I think it's probably a good thing. We're the ones who talk about AIDS when it was just being whispered, and we talked about civil rights when it wasn't really popular. And we, you know, we bring up subjects. This Academy, this group of people gave Hattie McDaniel an Oscar in 1939 when blacks were still sitting in the backs of theaters. I'm proud to be a part of this Academy. Proud to be part of this community, and proud to be out of touch.
Finally: "Sophie Scholl: The Final Days" was the German nominee for Best Foreign Film. I can't say, 'Oh, you'll love it,' because to see it is like taking a body blow: A German girl and her brother get caught distributing anti-Hitler leaflets in 1943. They are arrested, tried, found guilty, all in a few days. It's an important film, about conscience, loyalty, truth and history--and about the power of faith. It's not playing in many theaters, but if you're within a hundred miles of one:...GO! To encourage you, here is a rave review from The New York Times.
