Academy Award for Best Movie: The Hurt Locker….

PLEASE EXPLAIN?

When Avatar was released, James Cameron said not only was the pre production so involved and the wait for the technology took so long but Avatar was before its time to be released any earlier.
Obviously the world proved that when finally made- it was ready by grossing over $2B.
So my other curiosity and question is- although Avatar was ready for the public, was it still premature for the Academy Awards?

Was the rawness of The Hurt Locker what captivated them along with the possible politics that follow it (considering it is a current war)?

The supermarket scene was not only banal it was a direct copy of a scene from the superb BBC miniseries ‘Warriors’ about UK Paratroopers serving in Kosovo under the UN peace-keeping.

If you want to see the ‘solider displaced into the domestic, strangely longing for ‘ done right, have a watch. Hurt Locker is a poor second cousin.

But maybe you have to be American to appreciate this film? Maybe Im missing something by not being a US flag-waver. Maybe there’s something reassuring or challenging in this film that i cant access…?

Or maybe it just plays to safe conservative audiences who really only want the illusion of having their perspectives on conflict challenged? Because in terms of great films about war that open minds and challenge beliefs, Hurt Locker is an empty vessel.

Mike Jones

Upon walking out of the cinema i found myself completely devoid of any insight into the the lives and perspectives of Bomb Disposal experts, I was devoid of any new understanding of the Iraq war, I was utterly devoid of any new comprehension of the nature of modern conflict.

So please tell me what the point was?

Hurt Locker is a film where a whole lota stuff happens TO the characters but the characters themselves actually dont DO anything at all. They just walk around having random stuff happen to them and at the end are exactly the same as when they started.

And please dont try and tell me thats’ the point. Banality is no way to make a point.

After the superb Three Kings anyone making a movie about US troops in Iraq better come up with something new to say or else risk making a disposable and forgettable film.

This film is eminently forgettable and 2 years form now will be a hot topic of discussion Nowhere.

And if I have to suffer through one more cliche ‘Crying with Emotional Distress in the Shower’ scene again Im gonna puke! Best screenplay Oscar my arse…

Mike Jones

LOL, True Lies…. “You’re Fired”

In my opinion, Up should have won in place of Hurt Locker. That’s a film that’ll get playback for years to come.

IMHO Avatar absolutely deserved to win Best Picture – epic scale, mythic storytelling, spectacular world crafting, futuristic concepts, contemporary themes, profound meaning and ground breaking immersive technology. Avatar is a masterpiece that changes cinema and the way cinema is made. It stands as the most impressive cinema experience of my lifetime, so I will certainly remember it for decades. I saw the film without experiencing any hype, ie – no spoilers, previews, trailers, TV specials or articles (no easy task). So when the lights dimmed I was completely transported to Pandora and drawn into the struggle of the Navi. The anti-colonial, anti-military, anti-corporate message had profound resonance with me and I responded to Jake as a character, his inner conflict and his journey. I was impressed enough to see it three times in 3D, including IMAX and to pay for my entire extended family to see it Gold Class. This is a movie going event, cinematic story-telling at its most powerful.

Naturally I was surprised at the backlash surrounding Avatar’s release. After many debates and discussions I am left with the impression that the over-criticism is exacerbated by the hype surrounding the film and the persona of James Cameron himself. Couple this effect with the rivalry between ex-partners (plus the first female director issue) and it goes some way to explaining why Avatar didn’t win Best Picture. Cameron also shot himself in the foot by previously proclaiming “I’m the King of the World!” … there goes Best Director.

I never understood the rave reviews for Hurt Locker. I felt it was entirely unimpressive – another war movie about “the tragedy of war” (yawn). It focused on a psychotic central character addicted to adrenalin, risking his life (and others) for his dependency. IMHO it was fairly suspenseful, well shot and the performances were good … thats it. I certainly did not think it was memorable, moving or deserving of a nomination, let alone winning Best Picture or Best Original Screenplay. I was more moved by war films such as Saving Private Ryan, Apocalypse Now, Platoon and Black Hawk Down. In fact I have yet to see a truly compelling film set in the Iraq conflict … perhaps that is a reflection of the politics behind Bush’s “War on Terror”?

As far as Best Original Screenplay nominations, I thought District 9 was an extremely original, complex, interesting and well crafted screenplay. The themes of racial prejudice and xenophobia were explored in interesting ways within a truly unique Science Fiction scenario. District 9 is an important genre film and I felt it deserved more recognition.

Inglorious Basterds was also a better candidate for Best Original Screenplay. As irritating as Tarantino is as a person, you have to marvel at his dialogue.

So after the ceremony I also thought “what just happened??”. I am personally left with the impression that the Academy Awards were more about Hollywood politics than recognition of cinematic achievement.

Best Picture award is political. We all know that. Why do we waste time arguing which was best picture? The award itself is stupid. Everyone loves a different movie for different reasons. I have yet to see a set of “selection criteria” that defines the Best Picture award at the Oscars. So the judges will make a decision and give an award. It doesn’t actually mean that movie is the best movie of the year.

Oscars are about politics and boosting people’s careers, not about some objective truth. Relax and keep creating!