27: VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA (OSCAR SERIES)

Eye on which Oscar?

Performance by an actress in a supporting role - Penélope Cruz

Where?

Wandsworth, 620pm (hmmm, what can I have to eat? Oh sod it, Nandos it is!)

Comments?

So we come to the end, the final nomination out of the six main categories. It's a little bit sad but also a relief as well. I've managed to watch all nominations except one before the Oscar winners are announced, starting in just under six hours time - a bit of an effort if I do say so myself.

What a nice, breezy, humorous movie to end the Oscar marathon with. Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a very enjoyable romp about relationships, both long lasting and fleeting, and the need to live life to its fullest, a consistent theme amongst many of the nominated movies. This one does it best though, with Woody Allen's dry humour, great performances from the four leads - Javier Bardem, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall and Penélope Cruz - and the beautiful summer images of Barcelona.

The four main characters, Vicky, Cristina, Juan, and Maria Elena, get caught up in a tangled web of love, sex, longing, romance, passion and artistry. The movie is funny in a light hearted way, with Vicky (Rebecca Hall) assuming the Woody Allen type character, a newly engaged neurotic who is reluctant to throw caution to the wind and do anything spontaneous. Cristina (Johansson), her friend, is the complete opposite, always wanting to try different things, always looking for something; she doesn't know what she wants but she knows what she doesn't want, which doesn't really help her. They end up spending a weekend with Juan (Bardem), a Casanova type Spanish painter who seduces both women, an expression of his desire to grasp the moment. Things are going quite well, albeit in a complicated fashion, when Juan's ex wife (Cruz) returns to Barcelona after a cry for help via an attempt to kill herself. She once stabbed Juan with a knife in the heat of an argument, is obviously completely round the bed and she is none too pleased with the current romantic arrangements. Comedy ensues.


Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a very enjoyable movie with tasteful sexual encounters, intricate relationship threads and a funny script by Mr Allen. His he back to his best? Hard to tell, but taken in isolation, this movie is great fun and should be re-released in the summer, just to set the mood.

Oscar Glory?

Penélope Cruz plays the psychotic ex-wife, Maria Elena, a woman who is very passionate in everything she does, whether it's painting, arguing, lovemaking or stabbing her ex-husband. Cruz is excellent, very entertaining, and she gives the movie a bit of extra sexy Spanish spark. The arguments between her and Juan, both in Spanish and English, are hilarious.

I actually like her for the Oscar, ahead of Amy Adams, mainly because Cruz takes the role and makes it her own, without having to rely on the drama of the situation to dictate it. And she is a joy to watch. After Revolutionary Road, this movie was a god send, a feel good movie. Sure, it's light and breezy and can be forgotten soon after, but it's enjoyable while you watch it and Cruz is a big part of that.

Rating?

7.5 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"That's me done."

A Quick Word On Best Supporting Actor

When the nominations for this year's Oscars were announced, there were two movies in the major categories that I had already seen: The Dark Knight and Tropic Thunder.

The Dark Knight formed part of my Cineworld challenge and is reviewed here. I praised Heath Ledger in that review and I will praise him again here. His performance as The Joker is memorable for all the right reasons - a brilliantly concocted and delivered version of Batman's old nemesis. Heath's tragic death occurred just before the film's release. It didn't hurt the movie's sales, but it wasn't his death that had people coming back for repeat viewings or had critics and the public alike praising Chris Nolan's magnificent film. Amongst other things, it was Heath Ledger, at his acting best, delivering an amazing achievement in acting history. Oscar assured.

Robert Downey Jnr's nomination came as a complete surprise. The movie, Tropic Thunder, which I saw twice in Dubrovnik for less than a quid each time, is a complete pisstake of war movies, hardly a film that would cross the desk of those in The Academy as a consideration for an award. That said, Downey Jnr is the best thing about the movie and his turn as an Australian method actor who goes to great lengths to play an African American soldier is hilarious and absolutely brilliant. A performance that can be watched over and over again. If it wasn't for Heath Ledger, I would have loved to have seen Downey Jnr win.

Both these nominations indicate that the Academy are opening up to left of field ideas when it comes to nominations and awards, as opposed to sticking to the mainstream line. However, for every Downey Jnr nomination, there is a Best Picture snub, and this time it was for The Dark Knight. How that didn't make it to the final five, I have no idea. Anyway, that's a gripe for another post.

21: THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (OSCAR SERIES)

Eye on which Oscar?

Performance by an actor in a leading role - Brad Pitt

Performance by an actress in a supporting role - Taraji P. Henson

Achievement in directing - David Fincher

Best motion picture of the year

Where?

Wandsworth, 8.15pm (after half a chicken with medium Peri Peri sauce).

Comments?

What a magical film this is! A magical film indeed. An astounding film with a unique premise and a warm message to convey. Fine performances, brilliant directing, a perfect script. Oscar whitewash? We'll come to that later.

The movie begins with the birth of a baby boy, born with the facial features and health of an eighty year old man. "He looks just like my ex-husband," says one of the residents of a New Orleans retirement home. The little baby was abandoned there by its father out of pure disgust for what he believes is a monstrous deformity of a child. The comment by the elderly resident is an example of the many warm comedic moments throughout the film.

The concept of the movie: as the boy grows older, his body grows younger. At five years old, he looks like an ageing midget (a cute one at that), in his early twenties, he takes on the appearance of a elderly gentleman with white hair and liver spots (but unmistakeably a bit of a ladies man underneath). And so on.

The premise is captivating and creates many interesting and humorous moments, all delivered with the utmost skill by the director, David Fincher. I did find myself wondering where it would end, how Benjamin Button would appear when he reached old age. Although the result, in my opinion, conflicted with the "rules" of Button's reverse ageing process, it was still touching. Just like the rest of the movie.

Those actors not nominated for Oscars turn in amazing performances, from the ever reliable Cate Blanchett as Button's everlasting love, Jared Harris as Captain Mike, a raucous character whose tattoos tell a sad story, Tilda Swinton as a upper class British woman whom Button falls for while staying in Russia and Jason Flemyng as Button's guilt ridden father. These characters, and many more, leave the movie as quickly as they arrive (only to reappear later), short term appearances with long lasting impact, each character personifying the movie's beautiful message.

Under the brilliant makeup (and it is brilliant, Cate Blanchett's appearance as a young twenty year old was amazing and moved me in more ways than I care to mention) and the perfect performances of the skilled actors, there is a simple story and a simple message, one that still resonates deeply. I won't mention what it is, as that would be spoiling your discovery of it. Needless to say, the movie made me think about my own life long after the credits had finished rolling.

Oscar worthy?

Oscar whitewash? Oscar clean sweep? Is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button that movie that heads off home after the ceremony with a big bag of golden statues over its shoulder, leaving everyone else to lick its wounds?

It's very very possible. However, it won't be a clean sweep, as it does not appear in every category - not in Best Actress or Best Supporting Actor. That small point aside, it could well pick up the rest.

Brad Pitt puts in a solid performance, understated in parts, amazing in others. His range is stretched here in a subtle way and he steps up to the plate, conveying a warm hearted man with the name of Benjamin Button. And the ladies love him. Is his performance better than Sean Penn? I'm borderline on this. Maybe Mickey Rourke will top them both.

Taraji P. Henson has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress as the African American woman who "adopts" the baby Button at the retirement home. She has presence and savvy on screen, a joy to watch, but I don't think she will take the Oscar. I thought that maybe even Tilda Swinton was better, but that's just my opinion.

As for Best Director and Best Movie, yes, I think Benjamin Button will win. It is such a beautifully shot, well constructed, warm hearted movie that it deserves recognition as a work of art. I took this movie with me out of the theatre and it still stays with me, a sign of something special. Out of what I have seen thus far, I would say that David Fincher and the production team will receive the Oscars. But Slumdog Millionaire may have something to say about that.

Oh yeah, was the movie too long as some have suggested? I didn't even notice.

Rating?

9 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"Nothing could be more entertaining or joyful than watching the young Benjamin Button in his old guise discovering life."

20: MILK (OSCAR SERIES)

Eye on which Oscar?

Performance by an actor in a leading role - Sean Penn

Performance by an actor in a supporting role - Josh Brolin

Achievement in directing - Gus Van Sant

Best motion picture of the year

Where?

West India Quay, 5.30pm (first time at this cinema, very nice and modern, tiered seating, big screens, big sound, on the DLR).

Comments?

Milk is a tender, faithful and ultimately heartbreaking true story about Harvey Milk, an American politician and gay rights activist who was the first openly gay man to be elected into politics as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. It was a major win for the gay movement and many celebrated the nomination in the Castro District of San Francisco, where Milk established his base.

Milk's life as we join it in the movie, is unfulfilled and dissatisfying, a dead end job and a suppressed personal life. He begins a relationship with Scott Smith and together they head for San Francisco for a better, more open life. They witness oppression and bigotry towards homosexuals, forming the catalyst for Milk's move into politics. His mandate: equal rights for gays. He is unsuccessful during two campaigns, but with Smith and a team of dedicated workers who believe in his cause, he achieves his historical election to the Board of Supervisors.

The movie is upheld by the spirit of Harvey Milk, a heart-warming man who stood up for what he and many others believed in. He became an icon for the gay movement, a spokesperson, and unfortunately, a target. However, his ultimate downfall is not brought on solely by homophobic sources, but from a disturbed fellow Supervisor, Dan White, who lets the pressure of the situation and his own confused state lead him to an unspeakable act.

The acting performances are amazing in this movie, with Sean Penn leading the charge as Harvey Milk. Other notable turns are from James Franco as Scott Smith, Josh Brolin as Dan White and Emile Hirsch as Cleve Jones. Deigo Luna contributes a fine supporting role as Jack Lira, a lost soul who falls for the charismatic Milk but struggles to share him with the man's political passion.

Milk is an entertaining movie that will pull at the heart strings. It depicts an important episode in the gay movement with honesty and heart, a true reflection of the man, Harvey Milk.

Oscar worthy?

Milk has four nominations in the major categories of this year's Oscars, with no other film faring better. It definitely deserves the nominations, an excellent, moving film with fine performances.

Josh Brolin's portrayal of Supervisor Dan White is expertly done. However, he has reasonably little screen time for a supporting role. What he does with it is tremendously good and he is a fine actor, but he is up against Heath Ledger and the two performances are miles apart.

As for the Directing and Best Movie nominations, I'd say it is right up there with the other four in each category. A thoroughly entertaining movie depicting an important movement in political history. Gus Van Sant's direction is flawless, an exceptional effort indeed. It's hard to tell thus far who will win, who is a dark horse and who will miss out on the golden statue in these categories. We may see a split in the categories, where normally, Best Directing follows Best Movie. If I had to make a call, I would say Milk stands a better chance in Best Movie.

As for Sean Penn, his performance mesmerised me; it was outstanding. The character is so believable, it actually feels like you are watching the man's life unfold before you. Big smiles, subtle campness and fine acting add to the transformation. But it is more than just a transformation, it is an expression of Milk's tenacity and big heart, his ruthlessness and caring persona, a statement of what it meant to be gay in San Francisco in the seventies. I haven't seen The Wrestler yet, but my hot tip is that Sean Penn will win the Oscar.

Rating?

8.5 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

It's bloody cold," in reference to standing outside waiting for the DLR to arrive.

18: THE READER (OSCAR SERIES)

Eye on which Oscar?

Performance by an actress in a leading role - Kate Winslet

Achievement in directing - Stephen Daldry

Best motion picture of the year

Where?

Shaftesbury Avenue, 6pm (one of two planned movies for the night).

Comments?

I was readying myself for an uncomfortable movie experience when I settled into my Cineworld seat at Shaftesbury Avenue cinema. I had seen the previews of The Reader and knew this was a movie touching on the annihilation of Jews during World War II. But that was not the half of it.

The Reader is a love story. It is still an uncomfortable viewing, but for a different reason - this is a story of first feelings: love, loss and betrayal. One can relate to the primal feelings expressed by the main characters, if not the context. What makes this movie stand out from your everyday love story is not this context, but the decisions made by the characters, each and every one in defiance of the formula. But each decision rings true, as frustrating as it is to watch.

Decisions have to be made by the audience too - a decision of sympathy and sadness for lost possibilities versus condemnation of an atrocious crime driven by nothing more than a sense of duty. It's a tough one, but the romantic in me fell for the former.

Kate Winslet is amazing as Hannah Schmitz, the object of passion for a seventeen year old Michael Berg (played with perfect innocence by David Kross) who happens across her one day when he falls sick on a tram in his home city of Berlin. All the actors, including Ralph Fiennes, are perfect, but it is Winslet's performance that resonates and rings true, that captivates and elicits conflicting feelings. Right from the start, her mannerisms, characteristics and facial expressions betray a troubled spirit, a woman dealing with her own personal shame, a shame that is misplaced when viewed objectively in the context of her other actions, and ultimately leads to her downfall. Kate Winslet's professionalism means that her performance complements the movie, without upstaging it.

The Reader is a movie that will cling to you long after it finishes, leaving you with mixed emotions and a sense of loss, but one thing is for sure, this is another great performance by a true talent.

Oscar worthy?

Not until I sat down to write this post did I realise that The Reader is up for both Best Director and Best Movie. In fact, after watching the movie, not knowing any different, I thought that it should be. This early on, it's hard to say whether it will fare well in those categories, but without evidence to the contrary, Kate Winslet will win Best Actress - her performance is pitch perfect, subtle where it has to be and just amazing to watch. The Streepster might pip her at the post, but Kate deserves it based on this performance.

Rating?

8.5 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"The Oscar Series has begun and Kate looks the goods."