Ode to the movies

 Have I ever mentioned that I love film? 

I’ve always loved watching movies (I mean… who doesn’t, right?) but it wasn’t until a few years ago that it became one of my passions. I remember the tipping point from fan to fanatic fairly well. When I was sixteen years old, I transferred schools. My new school was rife with bible-thumping conservatives. I’m pretty much the polar opposite of that so I was not what you would call thrilled with my new classmates. This was the year that Brokeback Mountain came out in theaters. Well, you could have cut the hatred, intolerance and ignorance at my new school with a knife. "It’s Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve!" seemed to be the battle cry of the student body. But… I am getting off-topic. The point is, I would have never heard of the movie had I not seen the controversy it caused first-hand. I decided any film that caused this much of a ruckus was worth seeing. I saw it, loved it and decided that 2006 would be the year I’d watch the Academy Awards for the first time (Brokeback Mountain was up for the Best Picture nom–it was robbed!).

Ever since then, I started watching the Oscars every year. The 81st Academy Awards (2009) has been my favorite so far. I remember I squealed with barely contained joy when Sean Penn won Best Actor for Milk (can you tell I’m into movies featuring homosexuality?). Hugh Jackman was also a great host. Last year’s Oscars was pretty good, too. I was very pleased that "Man or Muppet" written by Jason Segel won Best Original Song (I am a Muppet/Frank Oz/Jim Henson AND Jason Segel fan). I am anxiously awaiting February 24th when I can sit in front of my television with my snacks (and possibly a cocktail or two) and watch my favorite program of the year. I have mentioned in a previous entry that I rarely get a chance to see all the main contenders before the celebration so, even though I enjoy it, I go in without much knowledge of the films. I always end up seeing all the nominees/winners anyway but not until it’s too late. This year I decided I would try to watch all film nominees from all the major categories (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Screenplay [original and adapted]) before the show. That way I’ll go in with a clear mindset of who I want to win. (My vote for Best Picture probably won’t change, however. Django Unchained, ftmfw!) Three of the films are already available on DVD, two of them are still playing at my local theater and, unfortunately, eight will have to be pirated (don’t judge me). Here’s hoping for not getting a Cease & Desist letter!

Also speaking of the wonderful world of film, my best friend/boyfriend/hetero lifemate Netflix has suggested me something. Something glorious, from the sound of it! It’s called The Story of Film: An Odyssey and it’s a program broken up into fifteen hour-long segments chronicling the development of film from its birth to the digital age. Netflix always knows how to treat me.

I watched Winter’s Bone today. I was really impressed. I loved the cinematography very much. The plot moved pretty slow but I think subtlety was the point. I was very impressed with Jennifer Lawrence’s acting as well. I give it a 4 out of 5, would recommend to a friend.