FILMS
Oscars 2009: the year of the actor
Reviewed by Rebecca Bostic | February 19, 2009 | The Catholic Sun
Performance is at the heart of every film, and 2008 was hardly an exception. Four of the five Academy Award Best Picture nominations feature actors nominated for individual top honors Feb. 22.
‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’
This film is sweet, but cliché. It has received critical acclaim, but doesn’t deserve it. Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett are talented actors working in the midst of an incredibly unique story that is somehow entirely predictable. The depth of the romantic connection between the two lead characters had to be convincing and, unfortunately, their sexual relationship is the most emphasized aspect. Much is left wanting and the magical tale is unconvincing.
‘Frost/Nixon’
Former President Richard Nixon faces off against British talk show host and playboy David Frost in this modern day version of the tale of David vs. Goliath. The parts are acted perfectly by Frank Langella as Nixon and Michael Sheen as Frost. Furthermore, the thematic tones of the necessity of confession to find peace with past mistakes are moving and memorable. It is entirely character driven and the acting makes a film that could have easily turned mundane into an excellent picture.
‘Milk’
Sean Penn stars in “Milk,” the film based on the life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the United States. Milk’s story is fascinating and Penn nails the part with a precision and emotion that is awe-inspiring. There are certainly pro-homosexual messages advanced, but the film also illustrates how one person’s passion can inspire large-scale change.
Those against homosexuality, often people of faith, are negatively portrayed throughout the film. Although Milk has two serious relationships, the homosexual culture, as it is presented, showcases morally problematic sexual promiscuity.
‘The Reader’
Again, the lead actor in “The Reader,” Kate Winslet, marches this film forward into a dramatic, dark and convoluted world. Winslet plays Hanna, a former Nazi SS Guard who has an affair with Michael, a teenage boy (played by David Kross) becoming a man (played by Ralph Finnes).
This film is sexually charged in inappropriate ways, but the real moral quandary comes from Winslet’s character, who leaves the viewer wondering how much she should be punished for her actions as an SS Guard. The film spends a great deal of time dancing in the gray areas of morality. The journey of moral questioning is a valuable experience few films provide.
‘Slumdog Millionaire’
The most uplifting film, in terms of story and message, is undoubtedly “Slumdog Millionaire.” The story is not easy to watch — rather disturbing images of poverty and abuse are included — but it illustrates the virtue of never losing hope.
The film tracks the lives of three young orphans — two brothers, Jamal and Samir, and a young girl named Latika. They barely survive the horrors of poverty, abuse and exploitation. Yet love prevails and the film’s energetic style makes it captivating.
Tremendously talented actors and actresses are the ones who drive this year’s great films. Their performances are the best part of nearly every film — the exception being “Slumdog,” the film with the largest cast.
Different actors play each of the three main characters at different stages of their lives. While the performances are excellent, they don’t carry the film. That’s precisely why “Slumdog Millionaire” should win.
The film with a story, scope and message large and developed enough to be successful without a singular incredible performance at its helm should take home the Oscar.
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Media critic Rebecca Bostic is a regular contributor to The Catholic Sun. Comments are welcome. Send e-mail to letters@catholicsun.org.
