Make a Date With George Clooney and Brad Pitt
Why you should care about this year's Oscar movies.
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The Oscars are considered the premiere event in Hollywood, not to mention one of the highest honors you can receive in the business. And each year, the cream of the crop is nominated - often offering some insight into the cultural landscape of the year's past. In 2011, we witnessed the rise of social media (“The Social Network”) and watched a King overcome a stutter (“The King’s Speech”). The year before that we were sucked into a far-off land ruled by large blue people (“Avatar”) … but do movies really matter? Why should we even care about this year’s Oscar nominees?
The fanfare comes and goes; the stars get dressed up and shuffle down the red carpet in exquisite (and not-so-exquisite) couture gowns, and it would appear that Hollywood just supports Hollywood, with little room for the little guy. But this year is different ...
This year, we have stories that matter. The nominees are not just flash-in-the-pan, one-hit wonders. The films recognized by the Academy, and in turn America, are teaming with passion, love, family and humanity, with stories that truly touch every viewer to the core. Unlike years past, the movies fighting for that little gold statuette, actually represent something – us.
Take for example Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.” It's a love story that transports us to beautiful Paris (warm espresso anyone?), in which Owen Wilson wrestles with his engagement, his reality, and his dreams. At the turn of the both the 20th and 21st centuries, we are swept up and swept away as we meet old friends, from the likes of Hemingway and Picasso, and despite this surreal setting, we find ourselves caught up in some very real moments.
Behold Martin Scorsese’s homage to film. In “Hugo” we are invited to take an intimate and revealing journey of love and relationships with a touch of adventure and a splash of historical context that will charm both young and old. Scorsese’s passion oozes off the screen, as we bear witness to this living legend’s love letter to Hollywood – and we can’t but help see a little piece of ourselves.
“The Artist” is a true cinematic experience. We are asked to stop, stare, and give complete and utter attention to this modern-day silent film. By sitting in a darkened theater, we form a deeper connection with our neighbors (pass the popcorn!). By removing sound, we rely on our other senses; we become more aware of ourselves, our surroundings and the story at hand. We just feel more, both physically and emotionally.
And the list goes on and on: “War Horse” with its themes of love, devotion and adventure and “The Descendants,” a genuine depiction of melancholy and the intricacies of relationships. We can relate to these movies, and the groundbreaking performances, from Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer’s incredible roles in “The Help,” to George Clooney’s career-topping performance in “The Descendants,” to the hilarious Melissa McCarthy’s side-splitting performance in “Bridesmaids,” the elements came together magically and seamlessly.
So, during this Oscar season, spare a few hours, go out and watch one of the Academy contenders and remember why movies matter – I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
VOTE: Oscar Underdogs: Who Has Your Vote?
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