P.S. @criddic3, I was originally being cheeky, but I genuinely have never understood the saying "Sympathy for the Devil". I do not base my sympathy for someone on whether they are good or bad, but on whether something bad has happened to them. It seems we should end our discussion here, out of respect for the other members of this board. It is clear we have very different views on morality, politics, and entertainment. If you do end up seeing ZERO DARK THIRTY, I would be interested to hear what you think. Your conservative views would certainly bring a different perspective from what I have so far heard in regards to this film.
I agree. We'd just go 'round in circles. However, I have seen
Zero Dark Thirty, and I agree with those who say the film doesn't directly champion the use of Enhanced Interrogation Techniques. It, more or less, leaves it up to the viewer to decide how much influence they actually had on the hunt for Bin laden, although it is undeniable that some information was acquired this way. If Bigelow was left off due to people not voting for her, in response to this controversy, that is a shame. The film is a tough-minded, pretty straightforward account that doesn't overtly politicize the events. I think that makes it a better film, but others seem to believe that taking a bolder stance would have improved its value. Of course, those people wanted it to reflect their own views. Had it embraced a more conservative view over a liberal one, they would would be making an even bigger fuss over it. That this controversy could possibly lead to affecting the Oscar race like this is unfair, I think. Especially when Kathryn Bigelow does not personally seem to be an advocate for the techniques causing these discussions.
On to the nominations themselves:
Lincoln seems very vulnerable to an upset, as some have pointed out. They could give Spielberg his third Oscar, while giving Picture to
Argo or (if there is a backlash against the backlash),
Zero Dark Thirty. Rolotamasi may be on to something with
Silver Linings Playbook being the first comedy since
Annie Hall that could make it (though
Shakespeare in Love was something of a romantic comedy, too). Of course any of the nominees could in theory take Best Picture.
On Riva: OK, I agree she was very good. But I have to confess that this gushing is a bit of over-hype. Maybe it's because of her career and status overseas, coupled with her performance and the smallish nature of her film. Do all of you think she has given the performance of the century here, as a woman dying after suffering from strokes? She lies in bed about as much as Watts does. I agree she has more to do, but why should she be the runaway winner here? Maybe I'm reacting to the somber nature of the film, the desperation at the end. All played quite well, but I'm feeling like the
Titanic rolled in again. In that year, I split my Best Picture decision between the James Cameron film and
L.A. Confidential by giving one director and one picture. I wouldn't be unhappy if Chastain or Lawrence won. They both do good work. And why hasn't another fine foreign-language actress, Nina Hoss, gotten any play this year for the film
Barbara? It's an understated, really nice performance.
"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
