These 2014 Oscar thoughts are centered on something specific I’ve noticed this year. Most of the great performances nominated are simply not in great films. In fact, this year, more than in recent years, the performances seem to stand in the forefront and command your attention more so than being part of the fabric of a well-conceived and coherent, seamless film. I say this with one exception; Alfonso Cuaron’s GRAVITY. a film that stands on its own as a purely visual experience and is less reliant on its two star turns (Bullock and Clooney) for “gravitas”. Virtually any “star” would have served this film without sacrificing its cinematic success. In this case, they are arguably more “financing security” than necessary elements. Of all the “nominated” male performances, Dern, Bale, DiCaprio, Ejiofor, McConaughey, each is worthy. However, only one is like a Cy Young Award Winning Pitcher who throws a complete game shutout and strikes out 12. You hardly notice the others on his team because he is so dominant. This, of course, is hardly a new concept in Hollywood Films. And perhaps not even in Academy Award nominated films if you look at the Big Picture. However, this year it’s more than obvious. One can find much to applaud about each performance and a bit to find fault with as well if one were to get really up close and personal. However, upon repeat viewings, one (that “Pitcher”) continues to grow in stature even as the film he’s in seems to become less so. Is it the “best” performance? As always, it’s a matter of personal perspective and taste. However, for my money, it’s the most “thrilling and unpredictable” and more than that, “gut-bustingly” funny performance of the year. Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort in “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Not since Jim Carrey created “Ace Ventura, Pet Detective” have I seen as physical and exhausting slapstick in a major movie - not that Ace was a “major” movie. DiCaprio reminded me at times of Jack Lemmon in “Some Like It Hot”, Jerry Lewis in anything, and Steve Martin in “All of Me”. He pulled out all the stops and was as crazily uncontrollable as the film itself. In fact, he WAS the film. Yes, Scorsese’s mark is on it and Jonah Hill was almost as berserk and flamboyant as DiCaprio, but neither the film or anyone else in it could match Leo’s over the top adventure in Bombastic Bruha! He wore you down, tossed you out, then quickly pulled you back in amidst the chaos and incoherence swirling around him. There are too many manic moments to mention, and those who have seen the film already know which ones will become classics (The Car scene!), but I finally understand why DiCaprio insisted on Scorsese directing this film. He had to have someone who would let him push his limits beyond even the reasonable in order to create such an unflinching portrait of excess. And did I mention how “entertaining” the whole debauchery was? Amidst all the wonderful male performances this year (sorry, Matthew), Leo has my vote for the most audacious, hysterical and ultimately, sad creation. Do I feel as passionate about any of the other nominees? Not really. Cate Blanchett will most likely win Best Actress, though, as much as I hate to admit it, Meryl Streep is still crazy after all these years. Having seen “August; Osage County” on Broadway twice in all it’s 3 + hour glory and watched the film of same drain much of the acidic comedy out of the script and leave just the dramatic highlights much like a “best of” collection, she still knocks it out of the park. What can I say…she’s like the proverbial drunk with the wooden leg! Her depth as an actress is endless. Best supporting nods from my perspective? Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips) and Jonah Hill (Wolf of Wall Street) in a toss up. Both are immovable objects that penetrate our consciousness by sheer force. Their characters are unforgettable and neither film is the same without it. Lupita Nyong’o casts a long, emotional shadow in “12 Years a Slave”. And though Julia Roberts goes toe to toe with Streep in “August: Osage County”, Nyong’o holds the screen with a fierceness rarely seen, especially by a newcomer. Best Director is a matter of “strong” opinion but based on the first paragraph of these meanderings, I’d guess the Academy is going to honor Cuaron for “GRAVITY”. And I probably would as well for the superb visual piece he conceived. As I said, Cuaron’s film came the closest to a seamless visual experience if not quite an emotional one. Best Film? Here’s the rub. There are nine films nominated including those containing the five nominated performances. I’ve heard arguments for “12 Years a Slave” vs “American Hustle” vs “Wolf of Wall Street” vs “Her” and on and on. Again, all have their admirers and have merit from any number of perspectives. But… My vote for Best Film would be “Captain Phillips”. It was the most complete, seamless, relentless “performance” film of the year. Tom Hanks, were he nominated, would even trump my love of DiCaprio’s comic virtuosity. Hanks’ riveting leading performance and Abdi’s intense supporting performance were totally mesmerizing conduits to one another and under Paul Greenglass’s commanding direction, the film itself bore down as authentic terror on the high seas. These are my choices and most likely not the Academy’s. But this is NOT a race or a true competition in my opinion. Never has been. Just a collection of wonderful performances and films subject to one’s own perceptions and preferences. As it is every year. But I’d really like to see Leonardo Di Caprio finally…oh, never mind!
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 15:56:23 +0000
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