After some NYC set indies, bittersweet docs and dramas, I continued soldiering through my Netflix Queue and trekking to theaters for matinee shows, taking in some tales of love and desperation.
Mademoiselle Chambon ~ Directed by Stéphane Brizé
A leisurely paced and subtlety told tale of star-crossed lovers, Mademoiselle Chambon centers on Jean, a construction worker who finds himself entranced by his son’s teacher. To be honest, because it is a French film that’s garnering notice, I expected something more daring or shocking than Brizé’s drama provides; his is a gently revealed story of romance simply told without surreal dramatics or grand gestures. It was bare but charming.
Nominations: Best Foreign Film
Snubbed? Mais Non.
The Exploding Girl ~ Directed by Bradley Rust Gray
Another leisurely paced and unconventional romance, The Exploding Girl stars Zoe Kazan as an epileptic girl in a winding search for love during spring break in Brooklyn. This understated drama unfolds from afar making much of the feature feel like you’re listening in on a stranger’s conversation in a coffee shop. Intimacy and distance are dueling themes in this poetic tale of love and friendship.
Nominations: John Cassavetes Award
Snubbed? No.
Black Swan ~ Directed by Darren Aronofsky
Never a fan of the bleak worldview displayed in Aronofsky’s early work, I wasn’t looking forward to this ballet-centric drama. But once the flittering soundscape and stark visuals of this chilling gothic horror washed over me – I was an easy convert. This twisted tale of a prima ballerina’s self-splintering quest for perfection reminded me of some of my favorite old-school movies (What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?) while creating something daring and new. And the performances Aronofsky wrings out from his actors will have many (more) clamoring to work with the visionary director. Natalie Portman is timid and terrifying in turns; Vincent Cassel embodies sex and danger. And Winona Ryder takes a turn so dark it made me shriek as I remembered the goth but gold-hearted Lydia of my youth. These demented but deftly crafted elements blend to make a remarkable psychological thriller, and one of my favorite films of the year.
Nominations: Best Feature, Best Director – Darren Aronofsky, Best Female Lead – Natalie Portman, Best Cinematography – Matthew Libatique
Snubbed? Though stacked with stellar performances, it’s hard not to feel Cassel was short-changed.
Winter’s Bone ~ Directed by Debra Granik
This adaptation of the Daniel Woodrell novel garnered a lot of buzz on the film festival circuit, so it’s not surprising it has garnered so much Spirit Award love, pulling in seven nominations. This neo-noir plays out like a Ozark mafia drama with 17-year old Ree (played subtly and strongly by Jennifer Lawrence) searching for her meth-making dad whose gone missing, putting her fragile family in jeopardy. Unveiling a world as violent as it is rich with rules, writer/director Granik unfolds a breath-halting narrative where formerly underappreciated supporting players shine. Dale Dickey, best known for her role as Patty the Daytime Hooker on zany sitcom My Name is Earl, and John Hawkes, who played the honorable but slow-to-quarrel Sol Star of HBO’s Deadwood, both take turns so dark they are haunting and deeply unsettling. Hawke’s transformation in particular is the kind of out-of-type role that often wins awards. I’m just saying.
Nominations: Best Feature, Best Director – Debra Granik, Best Screenplay – Debra Granik, Anna Rosellini, Best Female Lead – Jennifer Lawrence, Best Supporting Female – Dale Dickey, Best Supporting Male – John Hawkes, Best Cinematography – Michael McDonough
Snubbed? Um…no. It’s nominated for every award for which it’s eligible.
The King’s Speech ~ Directed by Tom Hooper
This docudrama reveals the true story of the man who would-be King George VI, an intelligent prince (Colin Firth) marred by an embarrassing stutter. A long-fought battle with little success, the prince, called Bertie by his family, is ready to give up when an unexpected shift in the monarchy requires he drop his stutter to lead his people confidently against the rising tyranny of Adolf Hitler. A sweeping and lushly produced tale of an ordinary man called to greatness, The King’s Speech is winning – but at times overwrought with a score that oft overpowers and a tone that occasionally belabors the point. Still, it’s an enjoyable journey, led along by the sprightly scene-stealer Geoffrey Rush.
Nominations: Best Foreign Film
Snubbed? No. I know there’s tons of fervor over Firth’s performance, but he has made more interesting choices in other films.
This week by the Numbers:
Ill-fated love affairs: 2
Self-destructive quests: 2
Surprisingly Dark Out-of-Type Turns: 5
Films Watched: 12/35
Runningtime conquered: 1019 minutes
State of Mind: Good! A nice mix of subtle pieces with bold productions made for a pretty marvelous week of movie watching. Bring on the popcorn! I’m ready for more!
What are your thoughts on these nominees?