The 2015 Best Picture Race

Now I know this post will seem really random due to the fact that I haven't posted anything in a year. That being said, I'm just going to jump right into it. I spent most of last year oblivious to much of my surroundings and that included the wonderful world of film. It struck people as odd that I would seemingly abandon a world that is arguably my first true love. Fortunately, my thirst for it has only grown stronger in the time that I took to refocus my life. So, I attended the AMC's Best Picture Showcase in an effort to reacquaint myself with both my love for film and with my passion to write about it. Below, are just my brief reactions to the 6 of the 8 nominees this year...

Whiplash is a malady of morose musicians whose ego's are based in poorly managed talent. In essence, it's a cinematic vivisection of jazz musicality and the supreme effort that it takes to be the best. It was gripping, emotional, and well acted. Sadly, it perpetuates a system of bullying and narcissism that I cannot condone. The only lesson that is learned in the film is to never surrender, never give up on your dreams...but at what point does the cost outweigh the outcome? The film starts to draw that line and then obliterates it with by allowing us (the audience) to believe that talent & will power will triumph over all obstacles. Sadly, that is not how the [music] industry or the world works.

The Imitation Game is a film about intellectual solidarity in a time of great need. Alan Turing is the creator of the first computer and was persecuted and condemned for his differences. World War II ravaged our planet and the many unsung heroes of that period may never be recognized for their valor. Furthermore, the film demonstrates how horrid our civilization has been toward individuals that are uniquely and unequivocally DIFFERENT. The persecution of those with higher intellect, of those who are attracted to the same sex, of women, and more is unforgivable. As people we must strive to do better, to think of each other as equals. Sadly, this is unlikely to happen within our lifetimes or the lifetimes of the generations to come.

American Sniper is the embodiment of what is wrong with the modern war machine. The brave individuals that go out there to fight for our country and their beliefs often return to a life they no longer fit in. The sad truth is that our country epically fails those individuals and their families by not providing the necessary mental help they need to deal with their PTSD. Aside from that, the film is the weakest in line-up so far. It was pure propaganda made worse by an obviously plastic baby. I couldn't stop laughing at the damn baby. The end

Selma is a movie in a league of its own. This is the kind of movie that EVERY human being needs to see. The story of how Black Americans gained the right to vote is a tale that seems to have been forgotten. With our nation's [the U.S.] first black president preparing to finish his second consecutive term in office, our black voting trends in America have been on the decline. It is no longer popular to vote. The youth were stimulated into taking a unified action nearly 8 years ago by the desire to make history and break the cycle. Sadly, because of the shallow nature of that decision the black influence that forced out the incumbent Republican regime has diminished. Selma serves as a socio-political reminder that drastic change is hard won and must continuously be fought. There is ALWAYS another barrier to break and another hurdle to overcome. The basis of the story is that change can only happen when the people that want it educate themselves and become the change that is necessary. Our system of government is broken and has been for some time, the only way it will ever change is to get the knowledge out there and make the sacrifices necessary to be the difference. Selma is the embodiment of that and should serve as a permanent reminder that complacency is the highest form of disrespect to our country and our forefathers.

The Theory of Everything. Never before has a film elicited such an emotional response from me. It is simply one of the most beautifully crafted films I've ever seen. The story of Stephen Hawking meteoric climb to academic celebrity is only dwarfed by the cataclysm that attacks his very life. From the moment the we become aware of his degenerative condition, the film races a a break neck pace through the ups and downs of knowing and loving some one with neurodegenerative disease otherwise known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. Many tears were shed at each of Hawking's professional triumphs and personal downfalls during the course of this aggressive and equally empathetic film. There is no villain here, save the incurable disease that ravages the lives of everyone it touches. What sets this story aside is the remarkable strength shown by all the people involved in Hawking's life. It is a testimony of perseverance in the face of innumerable odds. 

Birdman, it is a statement piece about how true art in Hollywood is being murdered by the masses that crave Michale Bay-esque cinematography and superhero movies. It is a debate that honestly requires a post all to itself. Aside from that, Birdman also touches on why many actors tend to stay away from the superhero-trope. Birdman also dives into the broken psyches of actors that struggle with maintaining relevance in an industry that requires gross amounts of self validation. It's a fun movie but underwhelming and fails to really address any of the points it brings up.

Boyhood, a film that truly shows the rippling effects of bad parenting and poor decisions over time. While the film is pitched as a chronicle of what it is like to grow as a young adolescent in the 21st century; it is actually more a portrait of the dysfunction and despair that ravages families across America. Inadequate access to birth control, a lack of access to higher education for impoverished families, and the drastic state of domestic abuse and violence are all central points in this chronicle of "Boyhood". It would almost be poignant if it weren't so pathetic. The film has all the right elements of something great, but loses it by floundering back and forth with useless pop culture references and a contrived plot vehicle. The film should however be commended for it's fantastic supporting cast and screenplay. Piecing together a film made over 12 long years is no easy task and it is this merit alone that earned Boyhood it's undeserving place amongst the year's best picture nominees.

I chose not to write Grand Budapest Hotel for many reasons. Grand Budapest is a lovely film with oodles of personality and artistic flair. Unfortunately, it is undone by a senselessly tragic ending that really doesn't mesh well with the whimsy of the film overall.
Each of these films are great for different reasons and I purposely avoided discussing cast performance and cinematography. The greatest asset the best picture nominees have this year are their compelling stories. Discussing anything else about them at this juncture would be a moot point for me. I suppose I should say that Selma is my prediction for best picture, or rather it is the film I feel is most deserving. Regardless of the outcome, it is the touching stories that will linger on long after the golden statues will be given out and it is those stories that I feel matter most.