Worst "best picture" winner of the decade
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Sonic Youth
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I enjoyed every one of these, but if I had to choose the least deserving of the actual award, I'd say "Gladiator" (although I own it and I think Crowe was among the best actor choices of the decade for a credible brooding lead performance in a gladiator epic, which few actors could do as well as he did.)
"Because here’s the thing about life: There’s no accounting for what fate will deal you. Some days when you need a hand. There are other days when we’re called to lend a hand." -- President Joe Biden, 01/20/2021
I had a hard time deciding between Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind. My initial reaction was Beautiful Mind because this poll brought back my feelings of bewilderment and disappointment when I saw what Howard and Goldsmith did with this very interesting true story. I read Sylvia Kassar's biography the summer before the film's release and loved every page. I was looking forward to seeing Crowe and Connelly portray the Nashes. They are good actors and the book showed them to be interesting people who had several interesting experiences.
I was stunned when I saw the film. Howard and Goldsmith decided to ditch the true story, which was way more interesting (and cinematic) than the story they chose to tell. Perhaps my disappointment over this decision distorts my judgment over the quality of the story and film. People I discussed the film with who did not know who John Nash was before seeing it liked it much more than I did.
So I voted for Gladiator, which I think is no more than popcorn entertainment that had no business being nominated. I liked Gladiator, but I was flabbergasted that it was even being discussed as a Best Picture candidate during Fall 2000.
I was stunned when I saw the film. Howard and Goldsmith decided to ditch the true story, which was way more interesting (and cinematic) than the story they chose to tell. Perhaps my disappointment over this decision distorts my judgment over the quality of the story and film. People I discussed the film with who did not know who John Nash was before seeing it liked it much more than I did.
So I voted for Gladiator, which I think is no more than popcorn entertainment that had no business being nominated. I liked Gladiator, but I was flabbergasted that it was even being discussed as a Best Picture candidate during Fall 2000.
The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving. It's faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes a life worth living. Oliver Wendell Holmes
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FilmFan720
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God, how does one choose among American Beauty, Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind, each atrocious in its own way.
Well, American Beauty at least had the performances of Thora Birch, Wes Bentley and what's her name the blonde one. I suppose A Beautful Mind was not without its amusing moments because of its sheer preposterousness. But Gladiator was completely worthless and stupid, and I can't think of even a single redeeming facet about it. I choose Gladiator.
Well, American Beauty at least had the performances of Thora Birch, Wes Bentley and what's her name the blonde one. I suppose A Beautful Mind was not without its amusing moments because of its sheer preposterousness. But Gladiator was completely worthless and stupid, and I can't think of even a single redeeming facet about it. I choose Gladiator.
"Y'know, that's one of the things I like about Mitt Romney. He's been consistent since he changed his mind." -- Christine O'Donnell
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Bruce_Lavigne
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