APRIL DIARY

Life is moving fast right now, April seems so long ago and in a way it was.

Every spare moment I have - which isn't much - is spent on study. It is clunky and time consuming and a bit irritating, but I've just gotta get through it.

We had a low key Easter with family catch ups, good eating and chatter.

We finally got to see Ben Elton, after being postponed due to COVID, you can read about that here.

I also checked out French Faves, a new patisserie at Broadmeadow. They used to be at the markets and their food is divine, so I was so excited to visit them in an actual shop where they can expand on choice. Oh my!

Andrew and I met Cathy and Ed for lunch at Warnervale at the little cafe near the railway station. We had a great catch up and lunch and then meandered around to Norah Head and had a walk to the lighthouse, it was a glorious day.

Rathmines theatre has been doing monthly movies, so we headed out mid month to see 2001: a space odyssey. This film is such a delight, every viewing brings more to mind. It is timeless and easily the best science fiction film ever made. THe theatre was set up with little tables with a black tablecloth over it and a paper bag filled with goodies. There was little sealed glasses of wine, soft drinks, a big basket of blankets should we get cold. The atmosphere was lovely. ANd, as always we were in awe of Kubrick.

Mum headed in to hospital for a knee replacement, and we had a family dinner for my sister during that time, at the BBQ place at Wests, was an amazing meal.

French Friday returned, sans French market, and we caught the great film Bell Epoque with the gorgeous Daniel Auteil.

The end of the month was Oscar time, Oscar Oscar! Pushed back due to COVID, you can read all about the Oscars here, and here.

I also had a lovely post work walk at Greenpoint.

As usual the markets were visited.

My reviews for the month are here, a lot less than usual due to study.

And some photos to make you smile!

OSCAR WATCH 2020: the show, the winners, the fashion

Well, I came so close to beating my best ever score, but Parasite went and spoiled it all. I got 20 out of 24, which I have hit three times previously.

My predictions are here if you want to check.

But that is a-ok with me, it is nice to see Foreign Films getting some acknowledgement.

More on that later.

The Show

Earlier on facebook I showcased an article about the supreme reign of Gil Cates Snr as Producer of the show. His was the era of Billy and big show stoppers, as his son said, he loved a spectacle. So do I and he also really respected the history of the Oscars and the stars that came before us. His shows had all that and more, including humour and surprise.

Today, the show came close to that, not quite but better than it had in many years.

The opening number by the brilliant Janelle Monae (and Billy Porter) was a showstopper and fabulous. She is fabulous.

The pairings of Steve Martin and Chris Rock, Will Ferrell and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Maya Rudolph and Kristin Wigg, and James Corden and Rebel Wilson were hilarious and genius.

Most of the songs were great. Some great singers in there. Elton did look like he was possibly not playing the piano, but maybe I mistook that one. Cynthia Erivo's voice oh my, that gal can sing. Ditto for Chrissie Metz, it was a shakey, nervy start but she did well. Randy did well too, given he has just had a hip replacement. I love Randy so very much and still cannot even believe he never won one for You've Got a Friend in Me, seems ridiculous. I had to look up who won that year, some song from Pocohontas, anyone remember that, nah, me neither! Poor Randy.

I do not dislike Billie Eilish, but you need to be a really great singer to tackle The Beatles. I have seen so many good singers fall on their face attempting. Because we know their stuff so well, we (well, not me) think of it as easy. Their songs are complex and clever. You need to be great to do them justice, she was not great. It was a shocking version of Yesterday. But as someone said, it will bring The Beatles to a generation that may not (WTF?) have heard of them. So, fine by me. But go listen to the original.

Speaking of In Memorium, where was Luke Perry???

The surprise and highlight of the night was Eminem. Surprise because no one seemed to know this would happen and extra surprise to me it was my highlight. He killed and it was great, odd but great. This is what I watch the Oscars for, to be surprised.

I really loved the girl action love with new guard Gal Gadot and Brie Larson flanking a fabulous Sigourney Weaver to present a flag of awards. Go gals!

The Winners

The 4 actors who were predicted all won, giving great speeches, but Joaquin Phoenix was the stand out. He has been on track all season, using the platform for humble goodness, but my upset was him never mentioning his brother, I really thought he would. And tonight he did, I was sobbing before he mentioned River, he barely got it out, it was a thing of beauty.

The lovely lady who won Original Score for The Joker gave a great speech too, also wore a fabulous dress.

All the shorts and docos (got everyone correct!) gave inspiring speeches too.

I was happy to see Once Upon A Time IN Hollywood win over 1917 for Production Design, I had it in for winner all week and swapped it out after seeing 1917 at the last moment yesterday, bugger.

Sound Editing went to Ford V Ferrari not 1917, I had been torn against the two and went with 1917.

And I really did think 1917 would get Best Picture and Direction. I ignored the Guild Awards going to Parasite which are almost always an indication. POssible seeing 1917 on the day I solidified my nominations swayed me. But never mind, I was pleased Parasite won.

I really enjoyed Parasite, but I still rated Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and Jojo Rabbit ahead of it. I think they were more deserved winners. I don't think 1917 was robbed, it was great and well shot, but war films, been there, done that.

What makes me most confused, is there have been so many amazing Foreign Films over the years that are far far far better films than Parasite, that only won Best Foreign Film (as they used to be called), some didn't even get that. None have ever won Best Picture. Think about the entire back catalogue of Fellini, Pedro Almodovar, Kurosawa, Bergman, Jeunet, Leconte, Kieslowski. And films like Cinema Paradiso, Amelie, Pan's Labyrinth, Downfall, I've Loved You So Long, Delicatessan, Incendies, Broken Circle Breakdown, Three Colours, The Lives of Others, Intouchables, All About My Mother, La Strada, Raise the Red Lantern, and on and on. I don't know that Parasite is a better film than them.

This is where The Oscars gets murky. 

But it was an important film, and maybe this was it's time to shine and I love an upset so I am pleased.

The Fashion

This year it was safe or bizarre, and not good bizarre.

Very few stood out as best dressed to me.

But here we go.

Penelope Cruz wins for her stunning Chanel gown.

Janelle Monae, my runner up

Olivia Coleman and Natalie Portman standouts for stunning and different. I love Coleman's style it is always authentically her and different yet stylish, and Portman for her lovely gown and cape/coat which had women directors' names embellished on the coat!

I loved all these, slinky and plenty of coats and capes!

These came close, but not quite

And these fall into the what were they thinking!?!?

And fabulous men, who went a little bit extra!

And so ends another year, 2020 you restored my faith a little, I'll be back next year.
Please let me know what I missed that you loved or didn't love, what you agree or disagree with.

I love to hear what others think!!

OSCAR WATCH 2020: The Predictions

As always I try to see how many categories I will get correct. My best score is 20 out of 24 categories THREE times, in 2009, 2014, and 2018.

I always add in who I'd like to see win, as they are usually completely different.

I saw all of the 9 Best Picture films this year and you can read about that here.

Actor In A Leading Role

Who Will Win: Joaquin Phoenix, Joker

It is a great performance, simple as that.

Who Should Win:  Adam Driver, Marriage Story

I have not seen The Two Popes or Pain and Glory, but I thought Adam Driver was fabulous. I loved Leo too, if he hadn't won previously he'd edge Driver out in my estimations. I do love that Banderas got a nom, his early stuff was fucking amazing and groundbreaking. A lot of people only know him for his crappy action films but his early foreign film and indie film work is something to be seen.

Actor In A Supporting Role

Who Will Win: Brad Pitt, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood

Whilst he jokes that he was really just playing himself, Pitt still shone in this role and since Fight Club he has been making such fabulous character choices, the golden boy is his and deservedly so.

Who Should Win: Brad Pitt, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood

Actress In A Leading Role

Who Will Win: Renee Zellweger, Judy

A remarkable performance in a very unremarkable film. 10 minutes in I knew she would win.

Who Should Win: Renee Zellweger, Judy

Yes I would also love to see Johansson win, but Zellweger had me at hello!

Actress In A Supporting Role

Who Will Win: Laura Dern, Marriage Story

And deservedly so, she steals every scene she is in. A solid actress who has been great since her first nomination all those years ago for Ramblin' Rose. But her renaissance of late has been spectacular. 

Who Should Win: Laura Dern, Marriage Story

But I do have a soft spot for Johansson in Jojo Rabbit.

Animated Feature

Who Will Win: Toy Story 4

Total refresh of a beloved franchise, thanks mostly to Tony Hale's Forky.

Who Should Win: Have not seen enough to comment, so N/A

Cinematography

Who Will Win: 1917
This usually goes hand in hand with Best Picture and the one shot was spectacular, given all the action.

Who Should Win: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
It's my soft spot this year.

Costume

Who Will Win: Little Women
Everyone loves a costume drama.

Who Should Win: Jojo Rabbit
The clothes are part of the story

Directing

Who Will Win: 1917, Sam Mendes
It really was magnificently directed

Who Should Win: Quentin Tarrantino
Because is film is still outstanding and clever and nuanced.

Documentary Feature

Who Will Win: American Factory
I don't know or have seen any of these films. I did my usual research from the usual critics I respect and they ALL say this is the one. It is backed my Barack and Michelle Obama, so that should give it the edge...I think!

Who Should Win: N/A

Documentary Short Subject

Who Will Win: Learning to skateboard in a warzone
Again, purely from research but it sounds like something the Academy would vote from.

Who Should Win: N/A

Film Editing

Who Will Win: Ford V Ferrari
All those fabulous racing scenes bring this to the forefront.

Who Should Win: Ford V Ferrari

International Feature Film

Who Will Win: Parasite
It may pip 1917 but it will get this. It is a great film and well loved all round.

Who Should Win: Parasite

Makeup and Hairstyling

Who Will Win: Bombshell
This seems to be the hotshot all round, making the girls in the roles look like their real life counterparts.

Who Should Win: Judy
I really thought turning Zellweger into an older Judy (though they are probably roughly the same age)  was remarkable.

Original Score

Who Will Win: The Joker
I do remember how much the soundtrack added to the intensity of the film.

Who Should Win: The Joker
It was the one that stood out the most to me, although you cannot beat the iconic Star Wars music.

Original Song

Who Will Win: Rocketman
Hello, of course they want to give Elton another Oscar, especially as it will be with Bernie this time!

Who Should Win: Rocketman
It is a great song

Best Picture

Who Will Win: 1917
It is the kind of film that wins. Parasite seems to be the one that could take it away and as good as that was I loved others better. 

Who Should Win: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Or Jojo Rabbit or Marriage Story, those are my faves this year.

Production Design

Who Will Win: 1917
To design all that we saw to take one shot is quite remarkable.

Who Should Win: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
He recreated that era of Hollywood and it looked amazing.

Animated Short Film

Who Will Win: Hair Love
Huge love for this on the interwebs

Who Should Win: N/A

Live Action Short Film

Who Will Win: The Neighbors' Window
A lot of love for this too and it sounds great

Who Should Win: N/A

Sound Editing/Sound Mixing

Who Will Win: 1917
How can it not, so much going on, one shot, the sound was grating and intense and everything.

Who Should Win: 1917

Visual Effects

Who Will Win: 1917
How did they pull this off in one shot, freaking amazing

Who Should Win: 1917

Adapted Screenplay

Who Will Win: Jojo Rabbit
What a remarkable story, it is a holocaust story with Hitler as a main character and they pulled it off, the screenplay is why!

Who Should Win: Jojo Rabbit
Although I would be really happy to see Greta win this for Little Women

Original Screenplay

Who Will Win: Parasite
A truly original story, it has won a lot already

Who Should Win: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
QT has won twice already but this is a great story, so would be great to see him win again.

OSCAR WATCH 2020: the movies

OSCAR WATCH 2020

I've been a bit quiet with Oscar Watch this year. With every year, I find my love for the Oscars dimming. I think, for me, it is twofold.

Firstly and most importantly, for me The Oscars are about my true love, classic film. And there are very few people attached to that era left. Over the years you had those special moments where the true classic filmmakers would appear and it felt so utterly romantic and idyllic. Not to say the filmmakers today are not great, there are many I love, but because of the media today, we know and see them, they are not held at a distance. And usually these moments were unexpected. Nothing unexpected happens anymore, I want to be shocked and delighted, this is why we go to the movies. This of course leads me to the ceremony. It is stiff and way too scripted, not too funny and kinda perfunctory.

The second thing is the supposed controversy, and this will continue to happen until the main glut of the academy (old white men) die out. It is as simple as that. And also, films are just not as good as they were. True independent cinema seems to have died out. This could all be linked or just the torrid conservative way of the world since 9/11. The days of me heading to the movies every weekend and spending the entire day seeing three films back to back are over. A lot of films are churning out the same ole, same ole and it is boring. Television is where it is at unfortunately. I hope this will pass, I always have hope.

Anyway, let's look at 2020 and the films I did see.

Best Picture

A last ditch attempt on the day before Oscar Day had me ticking off all 9 of the Best Picture nominees. Here is a brief overview.

Ford V Ferrari - I missed this when it came out, but there was a re-run of Oscar nominated films last week so I caught it. I was so glad I did, it is a really great story and a true action thriller. I do love motor car racing, so it ticks my very brief, lol, action boxes. Christan Bale is always such a great character actor and he was outstanding as the cocky Ken Miles. Damon is always solid, he was born to play Shelby. The supporting cast was great, but the racing scenes were brilliant. Even though you know the outcomes, you are on the edge of your seat. Before seeing it I did wonder why it was here, but having seen it, it is worthy of being on this list. Is it a contender, of course not.

The Irishman - yes, this is long, and really did need an edit, but it was a great film. I do love Scorsese, and yes he has covered this ground before. The acting was great, that goes without saying. I loved seeing Pesci and Keitel (especially Keitel) again, I miss seeing them in movies. The set design fabulous and the story entertaining. It is a Netflix film, and I am not going to go into this in detail. I do not have an issue with films being released this way, but the academy will. This is certainly deserved but it does feel like old ground for Marty. 

Jojo Rabbit - this movie was quite the revelation and is soooo close to my favourite movie the list. I cannot stop thinking of it. It's subversive, it's funny, it  is original. Taika Waititi is a genius, I thought that before, I KNOW this now. His Hitler was note perfect, he could have overplayed or underplayed, he walked a fine line beautifully. Scarlett Johansson is everything, her performance is so beautiful, I can't even. The supporting cast are also great. But young Roman Griffin Davis is the best thing about the film. I am not a big fan of kids in films, but he is superb. This film IS a holocaust film and it does pack a punch, but the comedy balances the drama perfectly. If you haven't seen this film, you really must. This is why I still will go to the movies.

Joker - I still don't know what to say about this movie. Phoenix is outstanding, that goes without saying. However I did not love the movie. I appreciate it and I see what it was trying to do. I went in, having listened to the the podcast between Michael Moore and Todd Philips, wanting to love it. But that just didn't happen. It felt long, and it upset me deeply in the wrong kind of way. I thought it was too violent, and violence (used well) usually does not upset me. I can see that it is depicting our times and about mental health and abuse and so on. I totally get all of that, and appreciate it, but it still left me cold.

Little Women - I loved this a lot. I love Gerwig and was curious to see how she would present one of my all-time favourite books. It was wonderful, the Hepburn version is still number one for me, but this comes close. She nailed the characters, the story, the setting, everything. Saoirse Ronan was a formidable Jo. I was worried about Emma Watson as Meg, but she was solid. I knew Florence Pugh would be a fabulous Amy - she is an actress to watch for sure. The supporting cast were superb. The only thing with the time movement was that Beth's death lingered much more than it usually does so I cried a lot more than usual. Gerwig was robbed of a Best Director nom.

Marriage Story - this is another film I cannot stop thinking about. Baumbach always does that to me though. It was an interesting story told beautifully. I really feel for both Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, on any other year, they should have won. They gave such great performances. Driver's was showier but Johansson's was more subtle and nuanced which is difficult. Her face, sometimes she didn't need to say anything. This is my third favourite movie of the group.

1917- this is fresh and it was an extraordinary film. The 'one take' shot was something else but then so was the story. I do not think I have felt this tense in a movie for a very long time. I have to say I am not a fan of war films, but I understand why they are important. I've seen enough and read enough to know they are wrong, but when will the rest of the world (old white men...again) catch up. The mostly unknown cast were superb, and the cameos from Colin Firth, Sherlock and Moriarty (Benedict Cumberbatch and Andrew Scott aka Hot Priest) were lovely little moments. This will surely win Best Picture and Directing and other technical awards. I thought halfway a film of me watching this would be amusing, i jumped a lot and pulled a lot of faces. Damn you Sam Mendes.

Once Upon A Time in Hollywood - this is my favourite and possibly the best film Quentin has made. I loved it so very much. Brad and Leo were so very good, the whole cast was great. The story was a fabulous Hollywood one, and I loved it. Almost how I feel about The Oscars, the oldies being swapped for young 'ens. The attention to detail on the set design and cinematography was superb. The music perfect. This is pure QT. If any film deserves to win Best Picture and Directing it is this, but it won't. And that's a real shame.

Parasite - this is a tight social drama/thriller, showing light on the privileged in a country where so many are not. The vacuousness of the privileged is ripe for satire. This is very black comedy and much more a drama than anything. When "Kevin" a smart kid from a poor family scores a gig teaching the daughter of an uber rich family English, he manages to whittle his way into the family with his own in a very clever and underhand way. But will he get away with what he has done. This is a great film, it could win Best Picture but I am not so sure it should. International Feature Film absolutely, and Original Screenplay most probably.

But we will know in less than 24 hours.