Film, Literature, & the Human Condition

There’s been a lot of talk about a shift in mindset of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In the past couple of years, their choices have seemingly veered towards more obscure and independent films, but I don’t think there’s been any shift. The Academy is simply acknowledging the best films of the year. I can tell you that none of the films nominated in 2009 are obscure as I was able to conveniently find a cinema to watch them in. And my motivation to watch these movies arose from what I’d heard about them readily in newspapers, on television, and of course, the Internet. Smaller films have been acknowledged in the past. Driving Miss Daisy was no huge, glamorous blockbuster. Silence of the Lambs was a relatively small film also. Fargo was nominated back in 1997. Back in 1970, MASH was not given the same attention its studio was giving to Patton, and although Patton ultimately won the Oscar, MASH was recognized with a nomination. A few years later, Taxi Driver was nominated when Martin Scorsese was still somewhat obscure. Of course, if people are referring to this year’s Oscar choices as being small moneymakers, I think the issue is with the average cinemagoer and their preference of films. However, I do feel the Academy made a very big mistake with their exclusion of The Dark Knight. Although Slumdog Millionaire might be the best film, I had anticipated watching the Academy Awards doubtful of which movie would take home the trophy. That’s not going to happen now. At least they got it right with Heath Ledger’s nomination. (continue reading…)