httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OSvJvSwmd4
The full list is here, but as usual, I think there is one glaring omission. “Gran Torino” was a monumental film, with Eastwood’s performance stunning. Hey, but when someting like “Slumdog Millionaire” gets full acknowledgment, it’s hard to get too picky.
Mickey Rourke’s tour de force performance got a nod, as did Frank Langella, who I’d give the inside track to win, though you never know. Rourke’s resurrection is certainly the story of the year. However, playing a known figure like Nixon is no small feat. I first saw Langella on Broadway playing Dracula, sneaking in multiple times to see the second act, enthralled with his raw sensual power. He’s been around a very long time, with the roll of Nixon a gift from the creative gods. He takes Nixon to a place not even Anthony Hopkins did in the Oliver Stone film, but that could also be because of Ron Howard’s flawless direction of the film. It’s here I must state that the people ignorant of art evidently believe that Howard’s vision was a documentary. False; as false as the pontificating on the train wreck of history, so if you believed “Frost/Nixon” was fact, not filmed for dramatic purpose, read Drew. Supporting Langella, Michael Sheen as Frost has not gotten near enough credit for his brilliant supporting role.
Of course, Sean Penn in “Milk” got the nod as did the movie, with the history important to chronicle. I was in San Francisco immediately after the event, so I remember well the shock of the entire city after the assassinations.
I was thrilled that “Tropic Thunder” was at least somewhere in the nominations, though I believe best director for Ben Stiller was in order. Sure, it would have been a rarity, but the movie is fantastic from start to finish due to Stiller’s flawless stewardship in this hilariously delivered gem. Robert Downey, Jr. for best supporting actor represents the film, who is my personal favorite in this category. Heath Ledger is a good bet though, his performance in “Dark Knight” jaw dropping.
For best actress, Meryl Streep has never been better than she is in “Doubt.” The movie itself is unnerving in the extreme, with Close shattering previous performances in this raw portrait of a tortured nun. Viola Davis is also nominated for “Doubt,” after a performance that is well earned, with the scene between Close and Davis worth study by actors everywhere.
The weird inclusion of Marisa Tomei in best supporting actress jumps out at me as jarring. I respect anyone trying to depict the life of a local stripper, including full on nudity, but Tomei delivered a wholly unremarkable performance.
On the other side, Richard Jenkins being included in the best actor category is justice for a fine actor who has paid his dues for decades, finally landing in a film that got him acknowledged.
Maybe everyone can agree on one thing: Bruce Springsteen for best song. No other is in the same league.
As for the movie season currently in swing, including some of the Oscar nominees that are still around, I don’t remember a finer season of superb films. Get out and see a movie, rent it, whatever. There are so many good ones in distribution today, just pick one.
Hey, Taylor, more comments later, but….
…..I think you mean Meryl Streep, not Glenn Close
Monday we went and saw Frost/Nixon. A very good movie.
Next week we are going to see “Curious Case of Benjamin Button”.
Anyone watch KO tonight and see Russell Tice. Also Rachel right now is talking about it. She has a man on who wrote a book about the NSA. Didn’t get his name because I was on the phone. This is really scary.
Ok, it’s James Bamford.
He’s the author of “The Shadow Factory”, which Rachel said was very good. So good she wanted to read it again.
Betsy | 01.22.2009 – 9:14 pm | #
yes. basically they eavesdropped on all of us and then decided what to investigate. Journalists were enemy @1… much of this has nothing to do with national security, it’s more Nixonesque bs.
Yeah, Taylor, you mean “Meryl Streep” not “Glenn Close”.
I hope Slumdog takes it. Incredible film. But it really was a great year with so much greatness. Milk was incredibly moving.
My vote goes with Slumdog
I loved Slumdog, but I also loved Doubt.
That was a truly complete film
Curious Case was too long, and I was intrigued but not particularly entertained.
Odd.
Mark my words, Taylor –
The best one to come along in decades will be here in May – the newest addition to the greatest media creation ever (ONLY Ten feature films and TWENTY-NINE seasons of television).
We lost Majel recently – as well as Ricardo (Khan !) – but Roddenberry’s dream of a *positive* future lives on.
- oh and BTW – I’ve noted a bit of ignorance in this chatroom, as to the difference between a ‘Trekkie’ and a ‘trekker’.
If Nimoy isn’t available, I’ll be delighted to explain.
First thing to note? Barack Obama knows how to make the ‘Live long and prosper’ sign.
Did Ironman get ANY nominations at all? BEST most fun movie I’ve seen in a LONG time!!!
Tropic Thunder was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
I have never watched a movie that caused my jaw to drop in the first couple of minutes and just kept it on the floor through the entire thing. I just kept saying to myself “they can’t DO that” and they did, more and more. BEST send up of the entire movie industry I’ve ever seen!!!!
ah sec -
you are SO shallow
— (GriN)
Isn’t it a little strange, the way writers and visionaries like Roddenberry, Asimov, Heinlein, and Clarke have their works of a positive future for humanity dismissed ?
While Ironman and other Hollywood special-effects stories of WAR and WEAPONS killing everyone seem to connect with some feeble minds and make them happy ?
It’s a little weird.
I loved Frost/Nixon and Milk. Was kind of surprised that Dark Knight was snubbed, the biggest movie of the year, that more people saw then all the best movie picks combined.
angels81 | 01.23.2009 – 08:39 am | #
Dark Kinght best of the year.
and Heath Ledger supporting actor?
who was he supporting?
pmichael | 01.23.2009 – 05:59 am | #
I read an article in Entertainment Weekly or TV Guide, right after Nov 4th. It was discussing how the election of Obama would change the face and tone of TV and movies. In the article it mentioned the mood of hope in the country, and suggested that Star Trek would do much better than the more somber view of the future in Terminator 4.
Headline:
Grownups back in charge.
Obama to Host Bipartisan Meeting on Economy
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-01-23-voa10.cfm
Audie- I still think T4 will be a huge blockbuster given how many of us have been waiting for them to tell the rest of the story and the fact that it’s starring Christian Bale who did wonders for Batman. I personally am looking forward to Trek on the basis of it’s design ( mid century modernistic bent of the clothing and sets ) and Zachary Quinto. The only thing that might affect Trek adversely would be the director who is on record of stating he hates Star Trek and the amount of liberty he’s taken with the Star Trek universe. You know how Trekkies are.
Changed to Meryl Streep, thanks all.
“Benjamin Button” just didn’t do it for me. Pitt as best actor, well, silly. Too many themes in the movie, but I enjoyed watching it. However, it certainly isn’t close to the movie of “Slumdog.”
Anyone watch Wrestler?
I repeat. Go see Doubt. It’s like sipping a latte.
Excellent film.