Time’s running out, so I better get through these quickly.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Picture, Director (David Fincher), Actor (Brad Pitt), Supporting Actress (Taraji P. Henson)
Very long and reasonably slow but somehow without being boring or turgid. The director is just taking his time to tell a story that needs time to tell properly.
Besides, the last half-hour has a great emotional payoff that makes the previous gruelling two-and-a-bit a more than worthwhile investment.
Brad Pitt is fine as the eponymous Benjamin and for once it’s Cate Blanchett chewing the scenery.
3.5 out of 5
Revolutionary Road Supporting Actor (Michael Shannon), Art Direction
Channelling his earlier work American Beauty, director Sam Mendes beautifully captures the angst of being trapped in the gilt cage of 1950s suburbia.
Easily one of the best in the line-up this year and criminally under-nominated.
Why the hell wasn’t Kate Winslet nominated for her performance in this instead of The Reader? Like she said herself in that episode of Extras: “How many more movies do we need about the Holocaust? I mean, we get it, it was grim.”
4.5 out of 5
Frost/Nixon Picture, Director (Ron Howard), Actor (Frank Langella)
There’s absolutely no good reason why a film about a TV interview should be so enthralling. Yet it is.
This film is just beautifully crafted. The political machinations behind the scenes reflect the ones being discussed in front of the cameras.
And the parallels to our recent Presidential misdemeanours are made clear without being rammed down our throats.
Ron Howard, this almost makes me forgive you for The Da Vinci Code.
Almost.
4 out of 5
2 comments:
Just to show I'm paying attention:
"...and for once it’s Cate Blanchett chewing the scenery."
cf. your review of Indiana Jones IV
"...and Cate Blanchett just stood there chewing the scenery mercilessly."
a-HA!
Well played, sir.
Although I must say if you're expecting consistency in this forum then you're expecting a little too much.
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