The uninitiated movie goer treats the Best Picture nominees at the Oscars as the must-see list of the year. But this year, that audience might be disappointed with “The Help” and “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” and confused, if not frustrated with “The Artist” and “The Tree of Life.”
So for those of you looking to get acquainted with this year’s Oscar nominees and the potential winners, here’s a bit of Oscar homework due promptly before the ceremony on Sunday, February 26.
Don’t worry; doing this won’t feel like a chore.
1. Beginners – Nominated for Best Supporting Actor Christopher Plummer
If Christopher Plummer wins for Best Supporting Actor (and with Albert Brooks out of the running, he’s very nearly a lock) he’ll become the oldest Oscar winner of all time at 82 years old.
Thus it’s fitting that the movie he’ll win for is a loving story about a dying old man who has begun life again by coming out as a homosexual. “Beginners” more artfully tackles themes of family lineage and societal norms than even “The Descendants” does, and it’s a wonderful indie drama that also stars Ewan McGregor, Melanie Laurent and a dog as cute as the one in “The Artist.”
2. A Separation – Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Screenplay
“A Separation” may be an Iranian film, but it’s being called a universal drama that highlights the complications of divorce and difficult human choices. Not only is it the best-reviewed movie of the year, it is even the highest rated 2011 film on IMDB above “The Artist” and “Hugo.”
Seeing it get nominated for Best Original Screenplay speaks highly to its chances in the Foreign Language category, despite the Academy’s notorious inclination to pick a generally weak and overwrought title amongst many great films.
3. Pina – Nominated for Best Documentary Feature
The legendary German art house director Wim Wenders has been quiet for nearly two decades, but his documentary “Pina” has earned him his second nomination and potentially his first win.
The film is a biography on the life of recently deceased dance choreographer Pina Bausch, and Wenders celebrates her magic on the stage by composing an elegant spectacle of filmmaking in 3-D. Conveniently enough, it’s screening in 3-D at the IU Cinema starting Thursday, February 16.
4. Rango – Nominated for Best Animated Feature
This has been a weak year for animated movies, and the one film that has been cleaning up all the awards and is most deserving is the surrealistic Western “Rango.”
Gore Verbinski’s bizarre film combines the best of Sergio Leone and “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” Johnny Depp also does terrific voice work as the exotic lizard title character.
5. The Tree of Life – Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Cinematography
If you haven’t already watched “The Tree of Life” to assert your awareness of important, critically acclaimed films, you’re in for a challenging experience. It’s nominations for Best Picture and Best Director are little more than tokens recognizing director Terrence Malick’s vision in a category he stands no chance of winning.
However, “The Tree of Life” is an undeniable visual feast thanks to five-time nominated cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki. His work, despite being a handheld digital feat, is a crowning achievement in a field of terrific nominees that include “The Artist,” “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” “Hugo” and “War Horse.” This will perhaps be the most deserving award of the night.
Other good and great films bound to be winners, and thus worth your time
“The Artist,” “Hugo,” “The Help,” “Midnight in Paris,” “The Descendants,” “Jane Eyre”
“Beginners,” “Rango,” “The Tree of Life,” “The Help,” “Midnight in Paris” and “Jane Eyre” are all available on DVD. “The Artist,” “Hugo” and “The Descendants” are still in theaters. “A Separation” is in limited release and “Pina” will screen at the IU Cinema.