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February 29, 2004

Oscars 2004 VI

I hate to say it, but "Mystic River" will stay with me as such a missed opportunity. A great director, great cast, and a good story, but it fell just short of greatness at the end. A real shame, because I think it had marvelous potential.

Will this year's documentary Oscars go to real documentaries? "Chernobyl Heart" is no surprise for Documentary Short. I'm shocked the director failed to thank the people who made her film possible, though: the Soviet Union. Talk about ungrateful.

Impossible not to look at Alec Baldwin without recalling Kim Basinger's wonderful line from The Simpsons: "When you win one, you can take care of it however you like." Better luck next year, Alec. He is a good actor, whatever you think of his politics. Damn, I figured a film about a lefty terrorist group was a shoo-in for an Oscar, but the Documentary Feature award goes to "The Fog of War," which puts Amanda back in the lead. (And the way "Return of the King" is doing thus far, she may thoroughly kick my butt.) Ah, is was a Vietnam movie...I didn't do my homework. And here comes tonight's first political speech. At least it wasn't too long.

The greatest hero of American film? Atticus Finch, portrayed so wonderfully by Gregory Peck. Yes, I know Peck's politics weren't nearly as admirable, but what do you think influenced more people: his personal politics, or his portrayal of Finch? Interestingly, he only kicks off the homage to those Hollywood lost this year. Among whom is Leni Riefenstahl...an interesting choice, but certainly a pioneer of the genre. It was another tough year in Hollywood, although I don't think it's possible not to lose a great number of greats at this point, because so many people have worked there over the years.

We're two and a half hours in, so it's time for another award people can recognize. Best Original Score is a personal favorite of mine, and it's great to see "Return of the King" take it home even though I wussed out and picked "House on Sand and Fog." This is what happens when you outsmart yourself; I should have gone with my heart.

Lord of the Rings is kicking my butt this evening, and Amanda is running away with the night's contest. How humiliating. A very classy acceptance speech, though, certainly I won't complain to see such a great film getting recognition.

Eugene Levy isn't only a howlingly funny actor, he can sing too. Go figure. I missed "A Mighty Wind," so I guess we'll be making a trip to the video store next weekend. A sweet moment at the end of the song as Levy pauses to bestow a kiss on his partner.

As they perform the "Belleville Rendez-vous," it's nice to see that the nearly lost art of playing the bicycle hasn't yet faded into antiquity.