Post by cineastewest on Feb 15, 2017 19:06:39 GMT
I think these are considered the front runners: One for reviving a style of film making and the other for broading outlooks on race and gender. I think in this year of social awareness, that "Moonlight" has moved into 2nd place above "Manchester by the Sea." another excellent film.
So what constitutes "Best Picture?" Is it the quality of craftsmanship (direction, writing), or it's message as a social statement? I think making a statement rises up now and then, but it isn't the major decider of the Best Picture award, although that aspect of a film can sometimes overtake the most important a film wins the award: for it craftsmanship.
Some socially conscious films include "Spotlight" which won the Oscar last year and it wasn't a technically outstanding production. Others include "The Hurt Locker, also not a terribly well scripted or directed film, and '"12 Years a Slave."
But, looking back over the past decade, it is my assertion that most films awarded Best Picture were done so for their craftsmanship: "Birdman" "The Artist" "No Country for Old Men" "Argo," Slum Dog Millionaire" "The Departed" "Million Dollar Baby" "The King's Speech." I say the most artistically crafted film normally wins, irregardless of being socially responsible.
So what's the best-crafted film this year?
I say that "Moonlight" is actually more well written, directed, and constructed than "La La Land" which I found a bit rough around the edges stylistically, not up to par with well-written musicals of the past. Those films always had terrific stories, too. "West Side Story's" Romeo and Juliet gang wars, "Chicago's" gangster mollls, "The Music Man's" River City trouble, "Gypsy's" showbiz mother from hell. "La La Land" charmed with a love story, but it was a column from Cosmo and not Greece like "My Fair Lady's" Pygmalion.
Watching "Moonlight" a second time really made me appreciate what a great little film this was. It was just really well made. For me, artistically, it's a better film than "La La Land." Better written and directed and the story is very, very deep. If I had to guess at Best Picture is would say "Moonlight" 2:1
But we'll see!
So what constitutes "Best Picture?" Is it the quality of craftsmanship (direction, writing), or it's message as a social statement? I think making a statement rises up now and then, but it isn't the major decider of the Best Picture award, although that aspect of a film can sometimes overtake the most important a film wins the award: for it craftsmanship.
Some socially conscious films include "Spotlight" which won the Oscar last year and it wasn't a technically outstanding production. Others include "The Hurt Locker, also not a terribly well scripted or directed film, and '"12 Years a Slave."
But, looking back over the past decade, it is my assertion that most films awarded Best Picture were done so for their craftsmanship: "Birdman" "The Artist" "No Country for Old Men" "Argo," Slum Dog Millionaire" "The Departed" "Million Dollar Baby" "The King's Speech." I say the most artistically crafted film normally wins, irregardless of being socially responsible.
So what's the best-crafted film this year?
I say that "Moonlight" is actually more well written, directed, and constructed than "La La Land" which I found a bit rough around the edges stylistically, not up to par with well-written musicals of the past. Those films always had terrific stories, too. "West Side Story's" Romeo and Juliet gang wars, "Chicago's" gangster mollls, "The Music Man's" River City trouble, "Gypsy's" showbiz mother from hell. "La La Land" charmed with a love story, but it was a column from Cosmo and not Greece like "My Fair Lady's" Pygmalion.
Watching "Moonlight" a second time really made me appreciate what a great little film this was. It was just really well made. For me, artistically, it's a better film than "La La Land." Better written and directed and the story is very, very deep. If I had to guess at Best Picture is would say "Moonlight" 2:1
But we'll see!