Best Picture

by Brian Miller

Every year around this time, the debate begins as to what films were tragically ignored by the Academy. This year, however, things are a little different. Rather than handing out nominations to the five “most deserving” pictures, there are now 10 on the list. This opens the door for a handful of movies that may not have received their just due in the past, and allows them the recognition that they deserve. While it appears that AVATAR has a stranglehold on the Best Picture statuette, with twice as many competitors vying for the same prize, the race certainly has a new dynamic.
When the announcement was first made that the Best Picture category was going to be expanded, I couldn’t help but wonder if it would seem a little overcrowded and take away from the historical impact of the nominees. In February, when the nominations were released, I immediately reconsidered my stance. Not only does it add to the intrigue of the year’s most coveted prize, but it allows a larger group of films to become ingrained in the public’s subconscious and solidifies each nominee’s rightful place in the annals of cinematic lore.
Perhaps the biggest beneficiary of the expanded pool, and certainly the most welcomed surprise in the new format, is the sci-fi thriller DISTRICT 9. Filmed in a faux-documentary style, the fascinating story of colonized extra-terrestrials living in the heart of Johannesburg proves to more than your average action flick. Based on director Neil Blomkamp’s experiences growing up in South Africa and witnessing the horrors of apartheid, the film is rife with social commentary and thought provoking observations. Other films that found themselves as nominees this year include Pixar’s UP (which is also earned a Best Animated Feature nod), A SERIOUS MAN (a comedy by the Cohen Brothers), THE BLINDSIDE (which also lead to a nomination for Best Actress for Sandra Bullock), and AN EDUCATION (the tale of a teen falling for an older man while living in London in the late 60’s ).
In year’s past PRECIOUS (a devastating dramatic story of a 16-year-old who has been impregnated for a second time by her father and lives with her incredibly abusive mother) and UP IN THE AIR (a sharp, intelligent dramedy about a man who may soon have his life forever changed by technology) would be typical front-runners. This year, Best Picture seems out of the question for these two, but neither is likely to go home empty handed. Both have a legitimate shot at taking home the prize for Best Adapted Screenplay, AIR has Best Actor contender George Clooney, and PRECIOUS has the tour-de-force known as Mo’Nique. In this history of this category, I don’t know if there has ever been anyone more befitting of Best Supporting Actress. As a physically, emotionally, and sexually abusive mother, her portrayal is as frighteningly realistic as you will ever see. She commands the screen for every second she is there, and provides what is easily the best performance (by anyone) in 2009.
As for the Best Picture honor, it appears to be a three horse race. Quentin Tarantino’s INGLORIOUS BASTERDS showcased, once again, the impeccable and revolutionary craftsmanship of the eccentric director. Dramatic, thrilling, rousing, and haunting, the film begins with the subtitle “Once Upon a Time in Nazi Occupied France” and the 2 1/2 hours that follow are filled with an endless amount of uncompromised surprises. It’s unlikely that BASTERDS will win Picture or Director, but it’s safe to assume that it’s got a shot in other areas. As a favorite for Best Original Screenplay, this category serves as Tarantino’s best chance at receiving the recognition he deserves. I doubt the accolades will end there, because from the moment that I saw his performance in theaters back in August, I was certain that Christoph Waltz would emerge as the winner of Best Supporting actor. Evoking the full gambit of human emotions, his turn as Colonel Hans Landa was subtly intense, and thoroughly ingenious.
Staying on the war-front, Kathryn Bigelow’s HURT LOCKER introduced audiences to the headstrong and death defying Staff Sergeant William James (Best Actor nominee Jeremy Renner). As the head of an elite bomb squad, he prowls the streets of Baghdad, saving lives of countless others as he works his magic. Seething with realistic intensity, this is a modern, real-time war flick that showcases the real horrors that today’s soldiers must confront on a daily basis.
It’s fun to prognosticate as to which film may pull a rabbit out of a hat (a la CRASH) and topple the favorite, but this time around, it’s hard to believe that anyone can overtake James Cameron and AVATAR. If ever there was a thing as a “sure bet”, Cameron would be its poster child. Not only was his groundbreaking epic a stunning achievement on every level, but the director himself helped create the revolutionary technological equipment that allowed him to bring his baby to life. When it comes to the finished product, you can’t help but look at it and realize that it is the embodiment of every conceivable meaning of “Best Picture”. Not only was it massively entertaining, it will undoubtedly alter the course of cinematic history by affecting the way that movies are made and how the public will perceive them. To top it off, it became a worldwide phenomenon, shattering every box-office record that exists.
Though there are a number of worthy adversaries hoping for their taste of gold, there is little doubt that this will be AVATAR’s night to shine.