I hate the Oscar’s, but I have a few moments to drool thoughts – and possibly ask help about Serious Man

Who should win?

You guys seen most of these films for the Oscars this year?

I don’t typically care… ever. Not even sure I will watch this year…

Frankly it happened when English Patient beat Fargo… and I realized the Academy is a whole bunch of stupid high school drop outs that are too insecure to vote for “art” because of “funny accents”. The year English Patient won, I was sort of done with all the hubbub.

So….. stupid ramble now….

I was *shocked* by the film that Avatar *could* have been… District 9. It was a profound film in my eyes, but hey… my opinion. Already did a blog post on that… so check it out if you want more from me (no one ever does).

Hurt Locker was solid, but doubt it deserves a win. Inglorious Basterds was a wild, revisionist yet mature take on WWII films from Quentin. I loved it. Up was cute. Haven’t seen Precious, Blind Side, Education or Up in the Air. BUT..

But this year…. wow.

You think it’s the Coen Brothers again? It’s their most mature film by far, but wow… look at this:

Blood Simple – one of the best crime mysteries in cinematic history

Raising Arizona – one of the best comedies in cinematic history

Barton Fink – one of the best surreal films in cinematic history

Miller’s Crossing – accidentally deleted this the first time I posted (THANK YOU ROB!). This is, hands down, the greatest gangster film ever made. I will use hyperbole to say, anyone that thinks Goodfellas, The Godfather, or Scarface is better than this has absolutely no idea what you are talking about and I will fight you. Let’s talk about story, script, subtext, and more… then you will still be wrong.

Hudsucker Proxy – One of the best fairytales in cinematic history

Fargo – This is one of the most deserving films in the history of Oscars that got snubbed. It still makes me upset.

Big Lebowski – Simply put one of the greatest stories ever put to the screen.

O Brother Where Art Thou – Brilliant literary adaptation, one of the most interesting interpretations ever (along with The Orchid Thief)

The Man Who Wasn’t There – One of the best noir films of all time… maybe. Of recent memory, of course.

Intolerable Cruelty – great take on popular romantic comedy

The Ladykillers – I really wasn’t a fan at all. Just don’t want to ignore a film.

No Country For Old Men – the first time in my entire life I was sitting and watching a film and I realized I was watching one of the best films I have ever seen.

Burn after Reading – throwback to simple pop comedy like their early days

A Serious Man – an epic, mature, deeply thoughtful film with comedy and grounded in potential familiarity.

They also produced Bad Santa, filmed a snippet for Paris J’Taime with Steve Buscemi, and have made endless little shorts and other thoughtful bits. I think one of them had a big role in Amelie?

Whatever the case, this is about this year… and being vetted by their track record helps, but A Serious Man was astounding… what did people think? Deakins is back in this, and his ability to relate their story and direction is epic. I hope they work with him for the rest of their time.

It didn’t have the tricks or treats as much as the deeply thoughtful idea of a lost man looking to find his balance. I am still lost in so much of its meaning, and really need to see it again. I love the concept… even if you don’t do anything, things still happen. What’s more, as a black comedy, it was so full of so many concepts.

Does anyone have any opinions on that film? I can’t imagine it losing to the others nominated, but then again the Academy is full of idiotic high school drop outs.