By Tom Willis
Contributing Writer
theaspnews@gmail.com
The Oscar’s ceremony in a little less than two hours will spotlight and celebrate the past year’s cinema.
An incredibly strong year all around has now led to a tightly fought battle between new and seasoned actors, actresses, directors and writers – between snipers and drummers, ex-superheroes and information technology-pioneering real life heroes.
Here is a roundup and analysis of the keys categories in the upcoming Academy Awards with my own predictions:
Best Picture:
(American Sniper/The Grand Budapest Hotel/Whiplash/Birdman/Boyhood/The Theory of Everything/The Imitation Game):
As well as making a considerable earning at the box office since its dazzling opening weekend, “Sniper” also garnered semi-critical acclaim when it was released a couple of months ago. Clint Eastwood’s true-life biopic about the American marine sniper Chris Kyle hits the best picture mark in a number of ways, yet with the strength of the competition will not be leaving with the award this year. Arguably, the controversy surrounding the film regarding the comments about the film acting as propaganda or eschewing a true portrayal of American involvement in Iraq has hurt its appeal to the Academy. Bradley Cooper’s sensitive, balanced portrayal and hulking physical transformation, as Chris Kyle is a brilliant performance, although not one to carry the film onto win the Best Picture award. Although, it is the best film that Eastwood has made in years.
- The Grand Budapest Hotel:
Not being an ardent fan of Wes Anderson previously, I holstered skepticism and tame enthusiasm going into watch “Budapest.” However its delightful idiosyncratic design and direction, wild pace and fantastic turn from Ralph Fiennes assured me that it is not a piece of cinema that disappoints or disinterests. Not a strong enough contender in a year of heavyweight biopics and adaptations and stronger original pieces, “Budapest” nevertheless is a fantastic visual achievement and will win awards in that department as well as holding strong weight in the Original Screenplay category. I’m now a fan Mr. Anderson.
“Whiplash” will undoubtedly only go on to win minimal awards, in editing or sound design. Yet, it is one of the best, most raw and visceral pieces of cinema that 2014 offered, my knuckles firmly gripped to the seat in Albany’s Spectrum theater. Unfortunately, as its director Damien Chazelle based “Whiplash” on a short film, it did not qualify for best original screenplay. Chazelle, nevertheless, is one to watch as well as the acting talents of Miles Teller.
“Birdman” will be the best picture winner of the 87thAcademy Awards. There is little original thought to offer about “Birdman,” other than it is a fresh, exciting, fun, critically damning, satirical piece of cinema gold. The ensemble cast is fantastic, particular praise going to Michael Keaton. Although, Richard Linklater will feel sorely done by, “Birdman” is right to take the Oscar for best feature film.
The strongest competition for “Birdman” will be “Boyhood” come Sunday night. Richard Linklater’s experimental 12-year masterpiece is a film unlike anything in the canon of Western cinema. A fan of Linklater’s for years, it is heartwarming to see the recognition that he deserves. A cross genre film director, Linklater has crafted great comedies in “Dazed and Confused” and “School of Rock” as well as intelligent and braze romantic comedies such as the Before trilogy. Although “Boyhood” will most likely not clinch the best picture Oscar, Linklater will undoubtedly received the praise he deserves in the form of the best director gong.
- The Theory of Everything:
Unpopular opinion maybe, but “The Theory of Everything” is a badly directed, derivative biopic based on Stephen Hawking. Although shot well with great performances by Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne, the film offered me nothing and I felt as if the film was nothing special whatsoever. Redmayne seems the favorite for best actor, although I don’t think the academy will sway in favor of the young, English talent.
Critically acclaimed yet still underappreciated, “Imitation” is a solid film with an outstanding lead performance by Benadict Cumberbatch that celebrates the brilliance and genius of Alan Turing whilst highlighting a dark facet of British history and homophobia.
Best Actor – Michael Keaton (a Hollywood veteran in an outstanding and career-defining performance in Birdman)
Best Actress – Julianne Moore (a strong year for females, yet Moore will clinch it with a strong year of performances all round topped off by a heartbreaking turn as a woman with early onset dementia in “Still Alice”)
Best Director – Richard Linklater (the praise he deserves will finally be showered upon him on Sunday night for his monumental cinematic feat with “Boyhood”)
Supporting Actor – J.K Simmons (an absolute shoe-in)
Supporting Actress – Patricia Arquette (also a shoe-in)
Best Original Screenplay – “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (classic Wes Anderson yet of the highest level. Quirky, hilarious, fast-paced and intelligent while remaining non heavy-handed)
Best Adapted Screenplay – “Inherent Vice” (a well respected author, Thomas Pynchon’s novels are complicatedly constructed, mind-boggling post-modern and they have enormous depth yet they remain contemporary and readable. Thus, Pynchons novels are notoriously difficult to adapt. PTA’s effort will win this one)
Best Cinematography – “Birdman,” Emanuel Lubezski (an almost shoe-in, the talents of Lubezski and his camera work are in full force in Birdman)
