koose, That's my take. While Ah got nuthin' agin' nominatin' them thar artsy films... it would be better if they were best of the artistic (not necessarily "message") films and at there was least one "commercial" film on the list that lots of people went to see (or might want to). Of course, we had a very slim year for quality on the commercial film scene as well. I can't think of one blockbuster that deserved a "Best Picture" Oscar.
You're right that this year's list seems awfully limited in audience appeal. I'm guessing most of those who will see BROKEBACK have already done so (at the theater, anyway). And not that many theater-goers remember or care about who CAPOTE was (sad, but true). While CRASH had its moments, it was awfully contrived and constructed to plainly to loudly Deliver Our Message. GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK could have been very important and relevant to the socio-political trends of today, but simply didn't seem to make the necessary connection to grab people. Not sure what the motivation for creating MUNICH was, except to attempt (and fail) to cash-in on the war on terrorism (which people are already tired of). All of this year's nominations seem to be based primarily on politics, not film artistry. I can't see any large additional audience rushing to see whichever one of them wins Best Picture. But hey, I'm going to be watching more of the show this Sunday than I have in years past for two reasons: John Stewart is hosting. As Rudi mentioned, they're going to be showing lots of *movie posters* on the stage. -- JR ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Kusumoto" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, March 04, 2006 3:21 Subject: Re: [MOPO] OSCAR TRIVIA and the Losers > >While they are fun to watch (and bet on), I long ago stopped paying any > >attention to the Oscars as an indicator of whether I should see a film or > >not. > > ** What the nominations do, however, is three things: > > 1) they can enhance your interest in films you were on the "fence" about... > 2) ...or never heard of... > 3) ...and serve as a major factor in your decision to watch the awards at > all. > > ** I predict Sunday's awards will be one of the lowest watched in America -- > simply few people have seen the films nominated for best picture. > > ** Outside NY or LA -- it took a real effort to see the five films: > Brokeback Mountain (esp. early on), "Crash," "Good Night, And Good Luck," > "Capote" and "Munich." Not one of 'em is a "crowd pleaser" akin to the > following Best Picture winners during the past 10 years: "Chicago," "Lord > of the Rings," "Titanic," "Braveheart" and "Gladiator." > > ** Some films, like last year's "Million Dollar Baby" and 1999's "American > Beauty" got a huge three-week post-award boost at the box office from people > who actually WAITED until after the Oscars to decide what they'll see. > > ** I'm just disappointed that this is will be first year in recent memory > whereby all five films nominated for Best Picture were "non-commercial," > with 4 of the 5 "message" pictures that many people looking for a nice night > out would rather not see except in a class room.. No "King Kong," no > "Cinderella Man?" This ruins it for viewers, most of whom are left with > just watching who shows up and what they're wearing. > > ** I'm not suggesting the Oscars should be equivalent to the People's Choice > Awards (which I never watch) -- but you can't tell me "King Kong" -- despite > its flaws -- didn't deserve a nomination for Best Picture. What, just > because it was about a big ape? Now that we know what the Academy thinks > is its "top five" -- I say, 'hey, even "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" > wasn't bad.' > > ** It's not up to me of course -- but "Crash," "Munich" and esp. "Good > Night, And Good Luck" (a film that made my former profession, broadcast > journalism, actually a dull and boring civics lesson) -- could've been > easily replaced in the "final five" with better films, such as a > well-written thriller like Woody Allen's "Match Point." > > -koose. > Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___________________________________________________________________ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.
