With the Oscars on Sunday, everyone seems to be focused on the sure things. Leo, Brie Larson, Lady Gaga, etc. What about the work that is equally deserving of recognition? Work from nominees that maybe should win.
The Oscars seem to pin all hopes on one or two films while the majority of people will show up for the photo-op. What bothers me is that amazing work goes slighted while the more popular work goes on to win. Not the best. The most popular. Here are three examples of work that will not win, but should be noticed for their excellence. Seek them out.
If it wasn’t for sure thing Leonardo DiCaprio, I believe we would have seen Bryan Cranston take hone something for his work in Trumbo. Now Trumbo wasn’t a great film. It is an overlong, preachy HBO quality movie that didn’t burn up the box office. But Cranston is the reason to watch. He owns the screen. He portrays Dalton Trumbo, the blacklisted screenwriter of Roman Holiday and The Brave One. With his specific drawl and distinctive mannerisms, Cranston proves he is one of todays most interesting actors.
Sicario went into the Oscar race with guns blazing but ended up getting the shaft. Roger Deakins, who is for my money, the best cinematographer working today, will lose on Sunday. And this is his 13 nomination without a win. Shameful the way the greats are treated. His recent work with digital cinema should be studied and Sicario is no different. Pay attention to the sequence filmed in night vision. This is an artist at the height of his powers.
The composer of Fargo, God’s and Monsters and True Grit has never been nominated for an Oscar. This year, composer Carter Burwell finally gets one for his amazing work in Todd Haynes’ film Carol. Do yourself a favor and pay attention to the score. In a film full of quiet moments, Burwell’s score stands out as the true soul of the film. He enhances the subtle work of the actors and the sublime direction of Mr. Haynes.
