Posted by Matt on June 2, 2008 at 12:16 am Filed under: blog. No comments published
Hey there. I’ve got two new sites I’m working on. I’m going to be leaving this one here, as it’s got a whole bunch of things on it, but the bulk of my new writings will be at MattElliott.ca — which I will be updating every day for the remainder of the month of June — and yworking.com, my still-getting-established blog about Generation Y in the workplace.
Posted by Matt on March 11, 2008 at 11:44 pm Filed under: blog, photo. 7 Comments published
So Erin and I went on a cruise last week. It was all part of our ongoing quest to rid ourselves of all our youthful qualities and leap directly into being elderly, confused and delighted by buffet meals. The quest is going quite well.
We went with Princess Cruises, which did, in fact, make us feel like princesses. My camera is dying a slow death, so I don’t have a lot of pictures — and the ones I do have are pretty terrible — but I’ve posted what I’ve got. It’s not like a cruise ship is particularly photogenic. Sure, it’s beautiful, but all you really need to do is close your eyes and picture a blend of water and opulence. That’s really all there is to it.
Posted by Matt on February 24, 2008 at 07:21 pm Filed under: blog. 6 Comments published
Coming down to the wire with these, but then, so did the ceremony itself. I’ll be liveblogging this show via my twitter account. My picks:
Best Picture
Atonement is pretty but stupid. I’m definitely part of the Juno-backlash-backlash (i.e. I liked it, dammit) but I don’t feel great about rewarding a movie that starts with ten terrible minutes. Michael Clayton is good but probably a little too much 1970s. No Country For My Old Men is my “Why haven’t I watched it yet?” secret shame film from this year. I’ll get to it. I promise. There Will be Blood is totally great but I still kind of thought it was a step down for Paul Thomas Anderson.
Overall, though, it’s a good crop. Except for Atonement, which really only deserves nomination in the technical and cinematography categories. (Possibly Best Supporting Actress, too.) I can’t really pick between the remaining four, so let’s say…
Should Win: There Will Be Blood
Will Win: No Country For Old Men
Best Actor
Clooney is totally awesome in Michael Clayton; I have such a man crush it’s making me feel a little funny inside. Daniel Day-Lewis? I mean, come on. He’s the best thing going today. Johnny Depp should go to hell. I hate Sweeney Todd and never even saw it. Plus, I heard there’s a backlash against him. Tommy Lee Jones, I am pretty sure the movie you are nominated for does not really exist. And, lastly, Viggo Mortensen, I hope you have good seats. Because you will be sitting all night.
Should Win: Daniel Day-Lewis
Win Win: Daniel Day-Lewis
Best Actress
Cate Blanchett was apparently nominated on the strength of some people assuming it is still 1998. Julie Christie seems pretty good in Away From Her but, man, what a downer. The chick from La Vie En Rose is apparently awesome but, sadly, the movie is performed in some weird ancient dialect. Laura Linney is phenomenal in The Savages but no one saw it except for me. Ellen Page should realistically have a great chance of winning, but the academy doesn’t really like to give this award to young actresses. (Ask Kate Winslet.)
Should Win: Laura Linney
Will Win: Julie Christie
Best Supporting Actor
Casey Affleck is heavily handicapped by the fact that there is no earthly way the full title of his film will fit on the statuette base. Philip Seymour Hoffman is truly great in Charlie Wilson’s War but that movie kind of vanished. Hal Holbrook might as well be referred to tonight as “token old guy.” Tom Wilkinson didn’t really chew the scenery enough to win, though he was legitimately great. Javier Bardem has, I guess, gotten some critical acclaim for his role in No Country For Old Men.
Should Win: Tom Wilkinson
Will Win: Javier Bardem
Best Supporting Actress
Cate Blanchett? Whoa, Deja Vu. But she’s got a good chance. Definitely showy enough. (And the movie is great.) Ruby Dee might as well be referred to as “token old nominee” tonight, too. Saorise Ronan is the best part of a bad movie, but you would never guess how her name is pronounced. Amy Ryan? Yet to see it but hear good things. Tilda Swinton? Totally great.
Should Win: Tilda Swinton
Will Win: Cate Blanchett
Best Director
Paul Thomas Anderson should win just because he’s directed five films, all of which are great in different ways, but the voters probably don’t think like me. The Coens have a whole “legacy award” vibe going for them. Tony Gilroy has zero chance; it’s his first movie and he’s not Mel Gibson or Kevin Costner. Jason Reitman is probably a bit too young. Julian Schnabel is a token nominee. It’s between Anderson and the Coens, and the latter seems more likely.
Should Win: Paul Thomas Anderson
Will Win: The Coens
Best Original Screenplay
Brad Bird is handicapped by being part of the animated ghetto. I’d argue he’s the best writer of the five nominees, though. Diablo Cody has done what only Charlie Kaufman has done before her: become a ’star’ screenwriter. Gilroy has an outside chance, I guess, but he should probably just sit near Mortensen. Tamara Jenkins should be honoured just to be nominated. Nancy Oliver? Your movie was kind of quirky and cute but also incredibly ridiculous.
Should Win: Brad Bird
Will Win: Diablo Cody
Best Adapted Screenplay
Paul Thomas Anderson has a better shot of winning here if he doesn’t get Best Director. It’s the same with the Coens. Screenplay awards are great consolation prizes. Hampton, Harwood and Polley only have outside shots if the vote gets split right down the middle between the front-runners.
Should Win: Paul Thomas Anderson
Will Win: Paul Thomas Anderson
Best Animated Feature
I hate this category and it should not exist. Perseopolis is supposed to be great but I don’t think it was seen by enough people to squeak it out. Surf’s Up is a joke nomination. It’s all Ratatouille.
