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The year 2007 marked a special one at the movies, and what better time to chronicle it with the Oscars Sunday, Feb. 24. It’s too bad that many people neglected to see some of this year’s best films, as only one of the best picture nominees grossed over $100 million dollars, the pinnacle for a box-office hit. Here are some of the categories and their nominations:
BEST PICTURE
“Atonement” – Sweeping, romantic period pieces are just what the Academy craves: “The English Patient,” “Titanic,” and “Shakespeare in Love,” all performed considerably well in the U.S. and overseas over the last ten years. It’s too bad the public seems to be shouting “enough already!” “Atonement” only brought in $47 million at the box office, and prompted mixed interpretations from its translation of the best-selling novel.
“Juno” – Moviegoers need some more lighthearted comedy! “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” ignited the public’s interest in indie comedic films, and we see the trend unfolding with last year’s Best Picture nominee, “Little Miss Sunshine.” Now the Fox Searchlight picture of a 16-year-old pregnant girl may be the sleeper winner for Best Picture. “Juno” is the top grossing nominated picture with $125 million in the U.S., and best picture winners are often the most popular. The endearing story of Juno coping with love and womanhood makes it one of the most touching, perfectly crafted comedies since “Annie Hall.”
“Michael Clayton” – The film is a smartly paced thriller. George Clooney’s performance of the morally torn Clayton was one of the most memorable characters of the year. The critic’s favorite wasn’t as well received by the public: The film grossed below $50 million dollars, and people are not really talking about it.
“No Country for Old Men” – The Coen Brothers film is as shocking and powerful as films get. The story of an assassin after a man with stolen money is a simple story. The chase is thrilling, expertly conceived and directed but that’s not what is special about the film. The terrifying presence of Javier Bardem’s assassin Anton Chigurh reminds movie fans of Hannibal Lecter. His creepy, stoic voice is more daunting and scary than his violence. The film performed well with a $61 million dollar take in the box office and counting; it was made for half that. “No Country,” has already racked up many critics’ awards, but the violence and morbidity of the story may keep Academy voters away, especially in accepting last years violent “The Departed,” as the Best Picture award winner. The Coen Brothers are long overdue and this may lean in their favor.
“There Will be Blood” – The $31 million dollar take of Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterpiece makes me angry for blood! The film is the highest grossing picture for a P.T. Anderson picture, but deserves more attention from the mainstream audience. The provocative and edgy story of oil prospector Daniel Plainview make “Blood,” one of the most layered character studies in film this decade. Anderson taps into the human psyche as we are confronted by our greed and how it makes false prophets of us all. The film is the most deserving of the prize with its originality from its ominous horror like score by Johnny Greenwood to the film’s performances to Anderson’s spin on Upton Sinclair’s novel; this is the kind of film people remember.
May Win – “Juno”
Should Win – “There Will Be Blood”
Will Win – “No Country For Old Men”
BEST DIRECTOR
Paul Thomas Anderson for “There Will Be Blood”
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen for “No Country for Old Men”
Tony Gilroy for “Michael Clayton”
Jason Reitman for “Juno”
Julian Schnabel for “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
This year, Sidney Lumet, a long snubbed filmmaker who brought to the screen such classics as “Dog Day Afternoon,” and “12 Angry Men,” was overlooked for “Before the Devil Knows Your Dead.” Ben Affleck’s direction of “Gone Baby Gone,” Sean Penn’s in “Into the Wild” and David Fincher’s in “Zodiac,” also marked great artistic visions that deserved nominations.
From the nominations, it’s hard not to give the award to Paul Thomas Anderson’s brilliant creative energy. His work is a dictation of Robert Altman’s keen understanding of acting in the ensemble piece, Martin Scorsese’s fierce and intense camera work, and Stanley Kubrick’s visually astounding shots over an ominous score. Anderson has crafted this inspiration into his own, and he should not be ignored. The Coen Brothers are favored to win, however. Their own translation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel perfectly fleshes out the book, but Anderson takes Upton Sinclair’s novel “Oil,” into a completely new introspective direction.
Should Win – Paul Thomas Anderson for “There Will Be Blood”
Will Win – Joel and Ethan Coen for “No Country for Old Men”
BEST ACTOR
George Clooney for “Michael Clayton”
Daniel Day-Lewis for “There Will Be Blood”
Johnny Depp for “Sweeney Todd’
Tommy Lee Jones for “In the Valley of Elah”
Viggo Mortensen for “Eastern Promises”
Daniel Day-Lewis no question! His performance as the soul-dead oilman Daniel Plainview in “There Will Be Blood,” puts him in the circle of the acting greats. All of the actors nominated gave the performance of their careers, especially Viggo Mortensen as a Russian mobster in “Eastern Promises.” His accent and posture are too cool to forget. Nevertheless, this year is for Daniel Day-Lewis.
Should Win – Daniel Day-Lewis for “There Will Be Blood”
Will Win – Daniel Day-Lewis for “There Will Be Blood”
BEST ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”
Julie Christie for “Away From Her”
Marion Cotillard for “La Vie En Rose”
Laura Linney for “The Savages”
Ellen Page for “Juno”
“Elizabeth: the Golden Age,” was not as well received as the original, and may negate Blanchett from an Oscar, and others, except Christie, may feel happy to just be nominated. The buzz and critics all point to Julie Christie winning but Ellen Page’s sweet and lovable performance may lean in her favor.
Should Win – Ellen Page for “Juno”
Will Win – Julia Christie for “Away from Her”
Bangor Daily News