10. TurkeyA Serious Man
The Coen brothers bring us this head scratcher of a film mainly as a way to stick it to their loyal fans who make them a success. This film seems way too interested in presenting complex moral and psychological questions but not letting the audience get any real answers. The entire thing seems to be a joke where the audience is the butt of the joke. But it's pretty good, darkly funny, and another Coen brother's movie which warrants many re-watchings.
Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire
Precious is a story about an overweight, abused, illiterate, pregnant teenager living in New York during the 1980s. This is a story compiled from several different stories Sapphire heard while working as a social worker, so think of it as "God's greatest hits: Screwing Over the Little People." This is a phenomenal film which attracted the attention of Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry and has amazing performances from newcomer Gabourey Sibide and ( I kid you not) Mo'nique, Mariah Carey, and Lenny Kravitz. This is a must see movie, the breakout film of the year. It feels a little bit like "Dangerous Minds" and every other teacher-inner city youth formula movie, but there is a high degree of hopelessness that keeps it from being too schmaltzy.
The Road
Delayed over a year for no conceivable reason, this is a depressing post apocalyptic film with Viggo Mortensen that deals with issues of humanity and survival. And Cannibalism, lots of Cannibalism. This is an interesting movie with a killer music score that underlines the depressing nature of the film. The film loses points because at the directors' Q and A John Hillcoat mentioned he cut a scene with a baby roasting on a spit. He could have cut everything else and just put that scene in the movie, I would have paid to see it. Cormac McCarthy wrote the book on which the film is based, so this could be a big awards contender though it might be too bleak to get wide recognition.
A Single Man
I had no idea what this movie was about when I saw it. I knew there was a gay guy in the 60s and he is doing something. But anyway, it turns out to be a ponderous drama where Colin Firth deals with the death of his partner. First time director/ Fashion designer Tom Ford directs a visually arresting film that deals with the meaning of life and the importance of living in the moment. This film is virtually guaranteed to get a Best Actor nomination, but I don't know how well the film will be received for other awards. Also, I confess to never having been a fan of Julianne Moore.
Invictus
Clint Eastwood continues his stellar directing career with this film. It is basically The Mighty Ducks, except that instead of hockey it is rugby. And instead of Emilio Estevez reconnecting with his dad, it's a country trying to pull itself back from the brink of a horrible system of racist segregation and violence. But otherwise, its exactly the same. Still, the rugby games are exciting for someone who knows nothing about the sport, and Morgan Freeman manages to be a convincing Nelson Mandela. And Matt Damon is always fun in his movies. I don't know how much of a chance this movie has for awards, but with ten best picture nominees this year it stands a decent chance, while Morgan Freeman might get some attention (I doubt it though).
Coming soon: Oscar Predictions. Yes, it's early.
-LA
