It's t-minus two and a half hours until showtime and I finally have my predictions locked in. I know it's a little late in the game, but Oscars Sunday happens to fall on moving weekend for us and I'll be unpacking and painting right up until the big show. All that to say, here are my 24 picks for the night:
BEST PICTURE - La La Land
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE - Casey Affleck, Manchester by the Sea
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE - Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE - Emma Stone, La La Land
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE - Viola Davis, Fences
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM - Zootopia
CINEMATOGRAPHY - La La Land
COSTUME DESIGN - Jackie
DIRECTING - Damien Chazelle, La La Land
DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE) - O.J.: Made in America
DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT) - The White Helmets
FILM EDITING - La La Land
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM - The Salesman
MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING - Star Trek Beyond
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE) - La La Land
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG) - "City of Stars," La La Land
PRODUCTION DESIGN - La La Land
ANIMATED SHORT FILM - Piper
SOUND EDITING - Hacksaw Ridge
SOUND MIXING - La La Land
VISUAL EFFECTS - The Jungle Book
WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY) - Moonlight
WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY) - Manchester by the Sea
These aren't necessarily my picks for who I want to win, but is based on tracking how these actors and movies have performed at other awards shows, who the Academy has historically chosen, and what other critics are saying.
If I'm correct in predicting the winners I could win a 3 day trip to LA for next year's Oscars. You can play too by entering your predictions here: http://challenge.oscar.com/ballot
Enjoy the show tonight! I'm covered in paint and surrounding by moving boxes, but I'm sure I will too.
2.26.2017
2.25.2017
Arrival Is so Much More Than a Movie About Aliens
Warning: Spoilers ahead
If you saw your whole life flash before you, would you try to change anything? If you could avoid suffering if it meant having to give up something you love, what would you do? Those are some of the questions we are left to answer in Arrival, Denis Villeneuve’s captivating 2016 Sci-Fi/Drama, and award season hopeful. What on the surface seems like a predictable movie about aliens, is so much more.
The film opens on a scene between a mother and her newborn daughter. Amy Adams (narrator and protagonist) plays Louise Banks, an expert linguist who works as a professor. The story moves along quickly at the start as we see her daughter’s early years, her cancer diagnosis, and untimely death in her adolescent years. Louise’s narration in the first scenes sets up the rest of the story: “I don’t think I believe in beginnings and endings anymore.”
When Louise is recruited by the government to help decipher the language of extraterrestrials who have just arrived on earth, we assume the story is picking up shortly after the death of her daughter. Lousie's melancholy disposition matched with the monotone colors and dreary cinematography, reinforces this assumption.
If you saw your whole life flash before you, would you try to change anything? If you could avoid suffering if it meant having to give up something you love, what would you do? Those are some of the questions we are left to answer in Arrival, Denis Villeneuve’s captivating 2016 Sci-Fi/Drama, and award season hopeful. What on the surface seems like a predictable movie about aliens, is so much more.
The film opens on a scene between a mother and her newborn daughter. Amy Adams (narrator and protagonist) plays Louise Banks, an expert linguist who works as a professor. The story moves along quickly at the start as we see her daughter’s early years, her cancer diagnosis, and untimely death in her adolescent years. Louise’s narration in the first scenes sets up the rest of the story: “I don’t think I believe in beginnings and endings anymore.”
When Louise is recruited by the government to help decipher the language of extraterrestrials who have just arrived on earth, we assume the story is picking up shortly after the death of her daughter. Lousie's melancholy disposition matched with the monotone colors and dreary cinematography, reinforces this assumption.
The American team of experts that has been assembled to find out why nine space crafts that have landed all over the world, are lead by Louise and Theoretical Physicist, Ian Donnelly, played by the delightful Jeremy Renner. The teams are working in conjunction with nine other nations that are trying to walk the line between peaceful discourse and protecting their respective nations, and ultimately humankind.
The space craft opens twice daily and a small team including Louise and Ian are given access to communicate with the aliens, or Heptapods, as they come to be known. In these "sessions" the humans and the aliens attempt to communicate through a glass divider.
As a Linguist, Louise is desperately trying to help the rest of her team understand how vital it is to begin with the basics of language when communicating with the Heptapods - emphasizing how many different ways communication can go awry, and has in fact caused whole civilizations to collapse.
This aspect of the film alone is cause for reflection and is incredibly relevant during a time when anyone can disseminate information and speak quickly and easily, reaching thousands or even millions of people with the click of a button. The fear that accompanies this reality, especially as it relates to people of power and influence having much to say and little wisdom in how and when to say it, makes this film resonate.
As the story unfolds, Louise successfully communicates with the Heptapods when they draw symbols and slowly Louise and her team are able to put together the purpose behind their visitor's arrival. Once Louise and Ian are able to "crack the code" of the Heptapods language, tensions run high as each nation interprets the Heptapods message in varying ways, and it isn't until near the end of the film when Lousie is granted a private audience with one of the Heptapods, that the narrative finally starts to take shape.
The last half and hour of the film really ramps up as Louise (through a special otherworldy connection with the Heptapods) starts to straddle the past, present, and future in a way that makes for one of the most unique storytelling methods I've ever seen. As we begin to learn more about the Heptapods and their purpose on Earth we begin to see that it's only through the cooperation of all of the nations that humanity can be saved.
Important themes come to the forefront like the multi-faceted reality of language - how it can be a weapon and a tool. The circular symbols that the Heptapods use to communicate mirrors the concept of time being circular and not linear as we understand it as human beings. The concept of time limiting (or not in this case) people or their stories, made me think more deeply about my own life and my faith. Especially as Louise is given the gift of transcending time and using the power of language to unite everyone in the film across time zones and species.
You'll have to see the movie to really grasp the complexity of the story. The cinematography is dreamy and the setting (the plains of Montana) is a beautiful backdrop for a film with such depth of meaning. Fog is used to conceal things and reveal them slowly, just as the narrative slowly develops. We are forced to be patient as an audience, but it is well worth the wait. This movie earns its slow pace and slowly developing narrative because it is expertly executed with an outstanding adapted screenplay and standout performances from Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner.
This was my favorite film of the year. And part of the reason why it earns that place for me is the fact that I am not a particularly huge fan of sci-fi, but this movie moved me to tears, more so than even some of the more emotional Oscar contenders this year. The story is so refreshing and I am disappointed it hasn't earned more recognition. I'm not expecting it to perform that well at the Oscars (though I could be wrong!) based on the other nominations in the same categories, but it will certainly be at the top of my favorite films list for many years to come.
As the story unfolds, Louise successfully communicates with the Heptapods when they draw symbols and slowly Louise and her team are able to put together the purpose behind their visitor's arrival. Once Louise and Ian are able to "crack the code" of the Heptapods language, tensions run high as each nation interprets the Heptapods message in varying ways, and it isn't until near the end of the film when Lousie is granted a private audience with one of the Heptapods, that the narrative finally starts to take shape.
The last half and hour of the film really ramps up as Louise (through a special otherworldy connection with the Heptapods) starts to straddle the past, present, and future in a way that makes for one of the most unique storytelling methods I've ever seen. As we begin to learn more about the Heptapods and their purpose on Earth we begin to see that it's only through the cooperation of all of the nations that humanity can be saved.
Important themes come to the forefront like the multi-faceted reality of language - how it can be a weapon and a tool. The circular symbols that the Heptapods use to communicate mirrors the concept of time being circular and not linear as we understand it as human beings. The concept of time limiting (or not in this case) people or their stories, made me think more deeply about my own life and my faith. Especially as Louise is given the gift of transcending time and using the power of language to unite everyone in the film across time zones and species.
You'll have to see the movie to really grasp the complexity of the story. The cinematography is dreamy and the setting (the plains of Montana) is a beautiful backdrop for a film with such depth of meaning. Fog is used to conceal things and reveal them slowly, just as the narrative slowly develops. We are forced to be patient as an audience, but it is well worth the wait. This movie earns its slow pace and slowly developing narrative because it is expertly executed with an outstanding adapted screenplay and standout performances from Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner.
This was my favorite film of the year. And part of the reason why it earns that place for me is the fact that I am not a particularly huge fan of sci-fi, but this movie moved me to tears, more so than even some of the more emotional Oscar contenders this year. The story is so refreshing and I am disappointed it hasn't earned more recognition. I'm not expecting it to perform that well at the Oscars (though I could be wrong!) based on the other nominations in the same categories, but it will certainly be at the top of my favorite films list for many years to come.
2.21.2017
Hidden Figures is the Most Important Film You'll See This Year
The first few minutes of the movie showing Katherine's family learning that she is a math prodigy, fades from muted colors to brightening ones, just like the three bold women that we get the pleasure of learning about as their stories unfold in this Margot Lee Shetterly adaptation of an important true story about race, the triumph of the human spirit, and the sacrifices made for equality.
As these women climb the ranks at NASA in their unique ways despite overwhelming obstacles ranging from blatant racism, to their own family doubting their ability to make an impact, this timely tale showcases something that our country is desperately lacking right now: a common vision to rally around. The space race was a phenomenon that drew people in, no matter their color or class.
We get a glimpse of the unifying effect of this event in history when we first meet the three women. A white police officer approaches Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary when their car breaks down on the side of the road. What the audience (and the three women) fear will be a confrontation actually becomes a light moment in the film when the police officer learns that they work for NASA, and specifically toward the goal of getting “our boys to space,” and provides them with a police escort so that they won’t be late to work.
Working alongside Paul Stafford (Jim Parsons) and under the supervision of Al Harrison, (Kevin Costner) Katherine, played by the stunning Taraji P. Henson, overshadows her white, male peers as she discovers the formula that will help get John Glenn into space and back to earth safely. We get to witness her fight for equality and at times basic human dignity despite enormous injustice such as having to run all the way across NASA’s campus to use the “colored” restroom, and showing up to work one morning only to find her co-workers have supplied a separate coffee carafe labeled “colored” for her to use. Katherine is a bright spot in an otherwise sad state of affairs, and director, Theodore Melfi, makes sure to remind us of this even in subtle creative decisions like Katherine's bright colored outfits that stick out in a sea of black ties and white shirts.
Meanwhile, her good friend Dorothy (Octavia Spencer who was nominated for an Oscar for her role) is fighting unsuccessfully to become a supervisor in the “colored human computers” department even though she is doing the work of a supervisor. When the advent of the computer as we know it comes onto the scene, Dorothy works feverishly to learn the new machine so as not to become obsolete. When NASA’s own computer technicians aren’t able to perform the simple task of setting up the computer, she teaches herself to install and run the machine, earning herself a promotion and saving her team in the process.
The delightfully sassy character of Mary played by singer and burgeoning actress Janelle Monáe, wages her own war in the film by working to become the first black woman to attend classes in an all-white engineering program, even petitioning the courts for a chance to rise the ranks at NASA as an engineer. These women teach us that the only thing more amazing than the human mind is the human spirit. You can learn more about Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary in this article.
All three of these stories are woven together beautifully with the Civil Rights movement, the fear of Communism, and significant technological advances as a backdrop. This film tells an important (and did I mention TRUE) story that shows that victories won collectively as a nation that even take us into space, are just as important as the small victories won in the lives of individuals that promote and advance equality, justice, and common dignity for all. This movie is incredibly timely and important- touching on topics like race, female friendship, and equality for women, all in a nice family friendly package (and bonus it was co-written by a bad ass female screenwriter and first time Oscar nominee, Allison Schroeder). Go see this. Take your friends, your kids, your cousin, it's really for anyone. You won't be disappointed.
2.18.2017
Processing my own Grief in Manchester by the Sea
Grief is a strange thing. It sits on the surface of the day-to-day and in the wake of tragedy, the small moments of life are like drops of water, filling up an already full cup - each drop threatening to cause the cup to overflow at any moment. Sometimes it only takes one word, one look, one seemingly insignificant interaction with someone for it to all spill over. Manchester by the Sea gives us a painfully honest glimpse of the effects of grief.
Written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan, this beautifully crafted story follows Lee Chandler, (played by Casey Affleck) a handyman living in Boston who by all appearances at the beginning of the film, leads a mundane life. Dealing with distasteful tenants in an apartment building during the day and drinking and getting into fights at the bar at night, we know Lee is depressed and apathetic, but we don't know why.
The only hint at a better time is revealed in flashbacks. He thinks back to times with his brother and nephew on a fishing boat and relives memories as a husband and father. We're left to wonder why he's estranged from his family and what's happened to cause him to banish himself to a self-inflicted purgatory. The answer doesn’t come until part way through the film as it quickly slips into its genre: tragedy (with a good dose of drama and humor mixed in).
The cinematography is stunning (making me want to jump on the next plane to Boston) and everything from the music to the dialogue is beautifully arranged - with breathtaking shots of Manchester and standout performances from Affleck (winning him a Golden Globe and Oscar for best actor) Hedges, (earning him an Oscar nomination) and Michelle Williams as Lee's ex-wife (and yep you guessed it, earning an Oscar nomination herself). The film boasts 6 total Oscar nominations and dozens of other awards.
The accolades are well deserved. It's been a little over a year since my dad died and I don't think there's been any one piece of art whether it be a film, song, poem, or anything like it that has impacted me more than this film as it relates to my own grief journey. This, I believe, is what makes a film a truly great piece of art. I felt like my own experience of grief was reflected in the characters onscreen. If you haven't seen this film yet, make some time to watch it and keep your tissues handy.
Written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan, this beautifully crafted story follows Lee Chandler, (played by Casey Affleck) a handyman living in Boston who by all appearances at the beginning of the film, leads a mundane life. Dealing with distasteful tenants in an apartment building during the day and drinking and getting into fights at the bar at night, we know Lee is depressed and apathetic, but we don't know why.
The only hint at a better time is revealed in flashbacks. He thinks back to times with his brother and nephew on a fishing boat and relives memories as a husband and father. We're left to wonder why he's estranged from his family and what's happened to cause him to banish himself to a self-inflicted purgatory. The answer doesn’t come until part way through the film as it quickly slips into its genre: tragedy (with a good dose of drama and humor mixed in).
While the story of Lee's past unfolds, he gets a call about his brother’s passing (played by Kyle Chandler). The news isn’t a total shock as he was diagnosed with congenital heart disease a few years before, but Lee’s reaction is notably, though not uncharacteristically subdued. In a film that shows the complex emotions of grieving men, we still get an opportunity to see glimpses of deep caring and sorrow, particularly in Lee’s relationship with his nephew. And that's the beauty of the film. We aren't handed these long drawn-out scenes of weeping and emotional breakdowns. We get a raw portrayal of some of the worst pain and deepest sorrow a person can go through while trying to keep their head above water.
Lee’s life is essentially turned upside down when he finds out that his brother has left his only son in his care and he is forced to face his demons by returning to Manchester to plan his brother’s funeral and attempt to care for his nephew, Patrick (played by Lucas Hedges). Patrick is trying to deal with grief in his own way and their interactions become increasingly layered as they both come to terms with their new reality. Fleeting moments in the film show empathy and caring, but nothing is ever spoken out loud. Somehow the deeply moving performances from the cast make that ok.
The cinematography is stunning (making me want to jump on the next plane to Boston) and everything from the music to the dialogue is beautifully arranged - with breathtaking shots of Manchester and standout performances from Affleck (winning him a Golden Globe and Oscar for best actor) Hedges, (earning him an Oscar nomination) and Michelle Williams as Lee's ex-wife (and yep you guessed it, earning an Oscar nomination herself). The film boasts 6 total Oscar nominations and dozens of other awards.
The accolades are well deserved. It's been a little over a year since my dad died and I don't think there's been any one piece of art whether it be a film, song, poem, or anything like it that has impacted me more than this film as it relates to my own grief journey. This, I believe, is what makes a film a truly great piece of art. I felt like my own experience of grief was reflected in the characters onscreen. If you haven't seen this film yet, make some time to watch it and keep your tissues handy.
2.15.2017
Blogging: A Reintroduction
It's been a while since I've sat down to write for pleasure, so I'm reacquainting myself with the process. I'm also shifting gears a bit and focusing on some specific topics on the blog (SPOILER I'm going to write primarily about film and television). Check out my About Me page to learn more.
With that being said, I have been on a mission these last few months to watch as many Oscar nominated films as possible before the big ceremony. And boy let me tell you, it is a commitment. A friend of mine once told me "The Oscars are my Superbowl." And I haven't been able to get that out of my head ever since I took on the task of trying to watch all of these movies and documentaries!
But after religiously reading all of the predictions, tracking other award shows, going to movies, (mostly by myself because not many people are as weird as I am, or have the time for that matter) and writing about them, I think I'm ready to share some thoughts. The Oscars are 10 days away and all I keep thinking is, "This is it." "This is what you've been training for!"
No matter your view on awards ceremonies in general, and the Oscars in particular, there is usually something for everyone in the best picture lineup, so I am going to count down the next week and a half with my personal favorites (and why). I'll be sharing my predictions and even if I totally bomb and don't get a single guess right there's at least one good thing that came from this experience: going to a movie by yourself with a tub of popcorn in one arm and a cherry Icee in the other is not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
I have a ton of other updates to share about my life in general, and especially 2016, (which was the year from hell for me and my family) but for now you'll have to endure my ramblings about how La La Land is not the best film this year, (that's right I said it!) and how Casey Affleck's performance in Manchester by the Sea was all together depressing and how that's a good thing. So stay tuned!
Here's a picture of my dog Max when he was a puppy just to keep you somewhat engaged. Hopefully you'll come back. If you don't do it for me, do it for him. There's just too much cuteness here not to share it with the world.
With that being said, I have been on a mission these last few months to watch as many Oscar nominated films as possible before the big ceremony. And boy let me tell you, it is a commitment. A friend of mine once told me "The Oscars are my Superbowl." And I haven't been able to get that out of my head ever since I took on the task of trying to watch all of these movies and documentaries!
But after religiously reading all of the predictions, tracking other award shows, going to movies, (mostly by myself because not many people are as weird as I am, or have the time for that matter) and writing about them, I think I'm ready to share some thoughts. The Oscars are 10 days away and all I keep thinking is, "This is it." "This is what you've been training for!"
No matter your view on awards ceremonies in general, and the Oscars in particular, there is usually something for everyone in the best picture lineup, so I am going to count down the next week and a half with my personal favorites (and why). I'll be sharing my predictions and even if I totally bomb and don't get a single guess right there's at least one good thing that came from this experience: going to a movie by yourself with a tub of popcorn in one arm and a cherry Icee in the other is not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
I have a ton of other updates to share about my life in general, and especially 2016, (which was the year from hell for me and my family) but for now you'll have to endure my ramblings about how La La Land is not the best film this year, (that's right I said it!) and how Casey Affleck's performance in Manchester by the Sea was all together depressing and how that's a good thing. So stay tuned!
Here's a picture of my dog Max when he was a puppy just to keep you somewhat engaged. Hopefully you'll come back. If you don't do it for me, do it for him. There's just too much cuteness here not to share it with the world.
