WHAT'S AN OSCAR FOREIGN FILM?

I went to see "Darkest Hour" this weekend and thought what a wonderful, Oscar worthy performance, by veteran British actor, Gary Oldman.  Then I thought wait a minute isn't Joe Wright a British Director?  Money came from out of the U. S. too and locations were in the UK as well.  Why isn't this considered a foreign film?  Why is the United Kingdom granted a pass that isn't given to France, Italy, China, or the other foreign countries that compete for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars?  English speaking?  No, Australia sort of speaks English as do parts of Canada.  Is "Darkest Hour" an excellent film?  Obviously, but why push out an American made film for a foreign made film?

I get it, many American films receive locations, funding and incentives to come to their countries to make movies.  However, the money from American actors, crew and other above the line expenses and even post production brings money back into the states.  American above the line talent should be required in Best Feature Film Oscar nominations.  Foreign (including the UK) above the line should constitute a Best Foreign Film nomination.  Both "Dunkirk" and "Darkest Hour" were UK films and received numerous BFA award nominations.  Good for them.  Why can't the Academy of Arts and Science start to recognize home grown features and celebrate what they do for the Hollywood economy?

Put Foreign Films back in the Foreign Film category and recognize our own filmmakers and films that are made in the U.S.A.

I will have more on the Oscars in future weeks including my selections in which I am sure Gary Oldman will receive a Best Acting Oscar for his portrayal of Winston Churchill.  However, Woody Harrelson's performance in "LBJ" went unseen.  It opened in the U.S. on November 2, 2017, but only lasted a week in the theaters reaping a mere $2.5 million at the box office.  Why?

Some great films in the theaters this month, make sure you get to see your fair share.

Until next week,

Bob

BOB's RANT ON OSCAR SELECTIONS

I waited a couple of days to cool down.  Not because I wasn't nominated but because I still can't figure out the formula the Academy of Arts and Science uses to nominate films and performers in each category.

They are allowed to nominate ten features for BEST PICTURE.  This year's nominees include; "Call me by Your Name," "Darkest Hour," "Dunkirk," "Get Out," "Lady Bird,"  "Phantom Thread," "The Post," "The Shape of Water," and "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri."  Notice anything? There are only nine nominees.  You couldn't find a tenth?  Seriously?  Are we judging films by their artistic content or is this politics?  What possible reason could you give for not adding a tenth film?  It couldn't be you didn't want the award show to run long, it already does that every year?  Could it be that "The Greatest Showman" portrayed a racist in a positive light?  I could make an argument for at least two nominated films to not be included and an argument for at least five to be at least included as the tenth best picture.  Someone told me, "Maybe there were several tied for tenth."  THEN PICK ONE!!!  You're allowed ten!  "I, Tonya" received nominations for Margot Robbie and Allison Janney. Not tenth place?  How about "Molly's Game."  Wonderful script (yes, nominated), well performed and Aaron Sorkin's directing debut fell on blind eyes and ears.

"Roman J. Israel, ESQ," is another film.  Another great performance by Denzel Washington in what isn't the tenth Best Feature by this year's Academy standards.  Let's not forget, "All the Money in the World."  They had to fire Kevin Spacey and re-shoot with Christopher Plummer (who was nominated).  Making a film twice should at least wind up in tenth place.  Don't you think?  I don't even want to get into the omission of "Wonder Wheel."  Rehashed drama from thirty years ago should have no effect on the performance by Kate Winslet.  Woody Allen's writing was top notch and the camera work as good, if not better, than at least two of the current nominees.

Another beef.  Nominated films should have been able to be seen by the general public in more than one theater in Los Angeles and New York.  Growing up watching the Oscars I rooted for the movie stars and films that I, as general Q. public, were able to go to the theaters and see.  Who actually got to see Daniel Day Lewis' performance in "Phantom Thread"?  Cast and crew screenings shouldn't count.  I still haven't had a chance to see "The Florida Project" AND I LIVE IN FLORIDA! If the producer's or distributors can't open in eight to ten major cities in the U.S. give them an Independent Film Award nomination and move on.

We used to have Oscar Parties to watch and guess the winners.  We've all done it rooting for your favorite film of the year and favorite performance.  But over the past ten to fifteen years what used to be called Oscar Buzz has died down because the top Oscar Nominees have already won a dozen awards making the Oscars a ho hum, after thought.  How can we guess who wins the Oscars if we haven't been able to see the movies?  Guessing is based on previous results at other award shows and not from going to the movies.

In a few weeks I will rant about who I believe should win the Oscar's in the major categories.  In the meantime, I will see where some of these nominees are hiding.

See you at the movies.

Bob


Bob Cook
Film Director