I just managed to bring out this post just before the 90th Academy awards (Oscars) night. This time around i did not get enough time to ponder upon the movies at length and write a detailed report. So, i would quickly capture my thoughts about these movies.
Out of the best picture nominations i haven't watched Ladybird so i will keep that out of the fray currently.
8. The Post
7. Darkest Hour
Gary Oldman stars as the quirky and gregarious Winston Churchill in this wonderfully crafted historical period saga "Darkest Hour". Everything again is like a magic carpet for this movie. But i felt both the movies "The Post" and "Darkest Hour" are usual gambits for Oscar and we have seen these kind of movies a lot.
Watch this movie for Gary Oldman. I never felt that i was watching Oldman but was looking back how Churchill was. Gary Oldman surely is the best contender for best actor.
6. Get Out
Some Film pundits predict that "Get Out" is the winner at this years Oscars. For me also it is a great movie, storyline has a breath of fresh air, awesome acting Daniel Kaluuya (another Best actor nomination). But still loses on the in terms of actual topic depicted in the movie in comparison to other best movie contenders.
Watch this edge of the seat thriller for its novel plot and Daniel Kaluuya's astounding performance.
5. The Phantom Thread
This one is again the combination of Paul Thomas Anderson and great Daniel Day Lewis casting its magic spell over us after There will be Blood Its a story of renowned dressmaker (Lewis) who is confronted by fragile yet strong willed woman Vicky Krieps. Phantom thread perfectly captures the feel and ambience of 1950's London.
Considering it as the swan-song of the greatest actor (Lewis) of our generation , academy might consider giving him the best actor award.
4. The Shape of Water
Benecio Del Toro is a well known for his creativity and is a celebrated director. The shape of water is a wonderful tale of amalgamation of underdogs in 1950's of America with a political underpin.
Sally Hawkings steals the show with her resplendent portrayal of character of a lonely mute Janitor "Ellisa". Its a story of a relationship between her character and a human like but not human creature. Ably supported by an ensemble star-cast of Richard Jenkins (nominated for supporting actor), Octavia Spencer (for supporting actress) and Michael Shannon.
Watch this movie Benecio Del Toro's immense creativity at display.
3. Dunkirk
Acclaimed mega movie maker of our generation Christopher Nolan first time dabbles into the war genre. And has created an unique war movie "Dunkirk". Nolan has been successfully able to impart his signature style in this movie.
Academy may well give Nolan his long due Oscar (missed on Dark Knight) this year.
2. Call me by your name
Luca guadanigo has made a very aesthetic and subtle movie "Call me by your name" to depict human relationship. Its a story of a love relationship between a young seventeen year old Italian boy(Timothy Chalamet )with an older visiting American boy (Arnie Hammer) set in a backdrop of lush green sprawling Italian country side.
I won't be surprised if Timothy Chalamet pulls through the best actor award.
1. Three billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri
I expect most of the oscar awards to Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri specially the best picture, best actress (Frances McDormand is superb here), best supporting actor (Sam Rockwell).
This quickly rounds up my thoughts on this year's best picture nominees.
Don't forget to tune into Star Movies (if you are in India) to watch 90th Academy awards
PS: imdb.com is the image sources for images used in this blog.
