March 3, 2006

‘Brokeback Mountain’ tops Marcolian’s Oscar Predictions

By JEREMY KOPP
koppj@marietta.edu

With the Academy Awards set to go off this Sunday, Film Critics from across the country are listing thier picks. The Marcolian desires to be among thier ranks. So, Jeremy Kopp, one of our wonderful reviewers has so kindly offered to put his two cents in.

Best Picture

Last May, a little ensemble pieced called ‘Crash’ opened humbly to mixed reviews; critics either appreciated its message of how complex racism is and how there is a very fine line between good and evil in a multicultural society, or they were turned off by how it seems to reduce its characters to stereotypes. Regardless, the few people who saw the film in its opening weekend spread a good word fast, and ‘Crash’ became one of the most talked about films of 2005.

And then came ‘Brokeback Mountain.’ Thanks to controversy surrounding the film, the tale of two cowboys who fall in love but are unable to act on it to caught the eye – and ultimately, the hearts – of critics and viewers alike.  

I’d prefer ‘Good Night, and Good Luck,’ a brilliantly executed film about Edward Murrow’s battle against Senator Joseph McCarthy’s Red Scare in the 1950’s. But the movie is too “small” and audiences haven’t found it anywhere near as engaging as the other nominees.

It’s a tough call between ‘Crash’ and ‘Brokeback,’ but given that ‘Crash’ has received mixed responses regarding its effectiveness, ‘Brokeback’s emotional appeal will most likely be enough to convince voters to award it the statuette.

My Prediction: ‘Brokeback Mountain’           

My Preference: ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’

Best Director

Judging by Oscar history, the director whose film receives the night’s top prize is generally awarded as well. In this case, that would be Ang Lee for ‘Brokeback Mountain,’ who has already been honored by the Golden Globes and the Director’s Guild of America. Paul Haggis has the next best shot for ‘Crash,’ though George Clooney delivered a strong message with ‘Good Night, and Good Luck,’ providing a very distinct look and feel to the film with its black-and-white cinematography and use of real news footage of historical figures for the actors to interact with.

My Prediction: Ang Lee           

My Preference: George Clooney

Best Actor

Joaquin Pheonix’s Johnny Cash and David Strathairn’s Edward Murrow have received a great deal of acclaim, but it’s Philip Seymour Hoffman who appears to be the front-runner for his portrayal of author Truman Capote in ‘Capote.’ From what I understand, Hoffman provides a dead on portrayal of the author who defined the non-fiction genre with his novel ‘In Cold Blood,’ as he is flagrant and showy, which the Academy will most likely consider when comparing it to Heath Ledger’s more reserved and fearful Ennis Del Mar in ‘Brokeback.’

My Prediction: Philip Seymour Hoffman           

My Preference: Philip Seymour Hoffman or David Strathairn 

Best Actress           

Felicity Huffman’s gender-bending performance as a man who meets a long lost son a few days before a sexual reassignment surgery in ‘Transamerica’ has been highly regarded, but it goes without question that Reese Witherspoon will win, as she is almost obnoxiously likeable, funny and endearing as musician June Carter Cash in ‘Walk the Line.’

My Prediction: Reese Witherspoon

My Preference: Reese Witherspoon

Other predictions:

Best Supporting Actor

My Prediction:  George Clooney (‘Syriana’)

My Preference:  George Clooney (‘Syriana’)

Best Supporting Actress

My Prediction:  Rachel Weisz (‘The Constant Gardener’)

My Preference: Catherine Keener (‘Capote’)

Best Original Screenplay

My Prediction: ‘Crash’

My Preference: ‘The Squid and the Whale’

Best Adapted Screenplay

My Prediction: ‘Brokeback Mountain’

My Preference: ‘Brokeback Mountain’