Oscar Movies First Half 2011: Woody Allen and Not Much Else
The first half of 2011 is coming to an end, and what do we have for the next Academy Awards? Not much, I’m afraid. The only real contender for a Best Picture nomination is Woody Allen‘s “Midnight in Paris.” The drum beats louder for this film every day, with Woody in contention for Best Director and Screenplay, and acting nominations possible for Owen Wilson and Marion Cotillard (Golden Globes certainly) and Corey Stoll, who plays Ernest Hemingway. Alison Pill is also memorable as Zelda Fitzgerald.
Other than Woody, though, it’s a bleak look back. Terrence Malick’s “Tree of Life” is a mess, although Brad Pitt does very good work. The movie itself is not a Best Picture nominee; it’s incomprehensible. Then there are some miscellaneous acting achievements. Christopher Plummer is a Best Supporting Actor candidate in “Beginners,” a movie that’s been botched in its release. “Beginners” is just terrific, but I’d wager that most people have never heard of it. I also really liked Hiam Abbass in Julian Schnabel’s little seen “Miral.” She should be considered for Supporting Actress.
Mostly though it’s been a sad period in cinematic history. Will things pick up? We have to wait until July 22nd, when “Another Earth” and “Sarah’s Key” will make things more interesting, and July 29th when Dominic Cooper arrives in a spray of bullets and mayhem with “The Devil’s Double.” Until then: read a book.
The Tree of Life is “a mess and incomprehensible”. Really? I guess I’m one of the ones that sees the other side of the coin. I guarantee you this film will be admired and it’s reputation elevate as time passes. Cannes got it right. Let’s hope the Academy does too. But I have no faith in the Academy anymore, ever since Crash was picked over Brokeback Mountain. It’s been all downhill since then. Roger, give The Tree of Life another look, as you might see something you can relate to. I had tears streaming down my face twice during it. All the best to you, I enjoy your website. Jim
This is the first year in a long time when I cannot even remember the last movie I saw and that movie was about 3 months. I haven’t been back to the movies. There’s nothing worth going to see.