The Final Conclusion - Best Actress 2012

2012

So the much anticipated ranking is:

5. Quvenzhané Wallis in Beasts of the Southern Wild
This may not be a brilliant performance and probably Quvenzhané doesn't fully understand the technical part of acting yet, but I never felt her inexperience for a moment. On the contrary, she understands the character and makes her much more complex than I expected from her. Quvenzhané is much more conscious than most of the child actors that I've ever seen, never coasting on her charisma and always doing what's best for her character.

4. Jessica Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty
I'm just astonished by the beautifully detailed, layered and understated performance of Jessica Chastain. She develops a characters from little bits of scenes and moments and affects without much dialogue, screen time or showy Oscar scenes. She has a lion share in making Zero Dark Thirty the shocking and stunning masterpiece that it really is. But I wish I could forget that shouting...

3. Naomi Watts in The Impossible 
Naomi Watts gives a really effective performance in The Impossible, which may not have blown me away, but I was still impressed by it. She does the best she can with her character and has a lion share in making the movie as dramatic and devastating as it really is. I just feel that besides the physical and dramatic part, there wasn't much going on with the character and that's probably the reason why she's not more of a contender for the actual award.

2. Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook 
Contrary to all the Oscar reviewers and just like everyone else in this world I've totally fallen under the charms of Jennifer Lawrence who gives an unbelievably amazing, beautiful performance and creates a three-dimensional character with such extraordinary passion and depth that it sets the screen on fire and makes you fall in love with her characters despite (or maybe even because of) her flaws.

1. Emmanuelle Riva in Amour
This performance is nothing like I've seen in the Best Actress category and comparing it to other Oscar nominees seems really weird as a result. She may not win the Oscar for this stunning, career-crowning achievement, her performance (and Jean-Louis Trintignant's) will go down in movie history, as it should be. A deeply haunting, disturbing, depressing, mesmerising and amazing performance by an often overlooked, great talent.

So I can proudly announce

that the winner is...

Emmanuelle Riva
in
Amour

 Je vous aime, Mademoiselle Riva.

Final thoughts: A truly amazing year. The Academy makes some shitty safe choices in Best Picture, Actor and the rest, but they keep compensating with outstanding Actress line-ups every year so I'm happy at least about that (and also the Directors' gutsy, almost original set of nominees). Initially, choosing between Jennifer Lawrence and Emmanuelle Riva was so damn difficult, my head said Emmanuelle, my heart said Jennifer (for subjective reasons). I feel that eventually, I made the right choice. That being said, I was equally happy for Jennifer and really I hoped this would be a tie (as they will come right after each other in my ranking). Jennifer Lawrence, say what you want, almost rivals Kate Winslet's Clementine in my mind and that's why I'll keep defending her win, even though Emmanuelle Riva is my choice, eventually. But seriously if anyone of my Top 3 had won, I wouldn't have been disappointed at all (I could have accepted a Naomi upset as well). So this year was better than alright, even though Marion Cotillard definitely deserved a nomination.:(  

Omissions: 

• Marion Cotillard in Rust and Bone
• Judi Dench in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
• Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games

About the next year: First, I'll finish 1999 and then... well, I'll let you know.

What do you think? Any thoughts on your mind?

Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook

Jennifer Lawrence received her second Best Actress nomination for playing Tiffany, a mysterious and wounded young woman in David O. Russell's Best Picture nominated film, Silver Linings Playbook. Jennifer basically won every important award for her performance in this film, which places her in the status of the front-runner at the Academy Awards (I suppose that SAG and the four acting nominations for the film sealed this). However, I don't think that this win will be an easy one: Emmanuelle Riva is very close to her and Jessica Chastain could also be a threat if they decide to make up for the snub of Kathryn Bigelow. The reason why I think Jennifer is winning is simply because there's so much competition among her fellow nominees and that will give the edge to the front-runner (just like in Melissa Leo's case).

As I've already explained it in a previous post, I find Silver Linings Playbook to be an amazing movie that deals with a very tough subject in a most unusual and yet totally convincing and realistic way. The movie is not ashamed of having a silver lining and not deciding to write a tragic end to the story (in my humble opinion, this underlined the message of the movie so wonderfully). Come Oscar night, I'd very much love to see an upset in basically every category in which it's nominate, even though it's not necessarily my pick in most of them. 

We get to see a twentysomething nominee in the Best Actress category every year, who's enjoying her first nomination (with a slim chance of winning) and the possibility of a great career. And here's Jennifer Lawrence, 22, receiving her second nomination in two years (being the youngest actress to receive two nominations in that category) having received critics' awards, a Globe and a SAG. Many people would have probably bet on Carey Mulligan to gain a second nomination and an Oscar earlier and yet here we are with Jennifer who didn't have the "star is born" hype the last time (since Natalie Portman sucked out the air of anyone's possible campaign with hers).

However, Jennifer's last nomination came for the independent film Winter's Bone, where the cast and crew was able to ignore Hollywood's rules with the raw, unapologetic style of filmmaking. I suppose this attitude was the one that appealed to most Academy voters last time and that's what helped Lawrence's meteoric rise to stardom. She's so uncompromising in her acting and so free of tactics that one could even ignore the term "acting decisions" in her case. Instead of choosing to overanalyse her character, she relies completely on her own instincts and lets her soul drive her performances instead of her head, which may not lead to what we call "great actressing" but what is essential to creating a character that the audience can relate to and connect with certain aspects of their lives. Nowadays reviewers are almost pervertly obsessed with the little details and external aspects of performances that we often tend to forget what it's all about. Primarily, it's not about constantly showing an actor's tools and/or skills, it's more about embodying a believable character that contributes to the story.

I couldn't understand these at all the last time I encountered her as an Oscar nominee, but years taught me to see behind the surface and now I'm just amazed by her talent. And as weird as it sounds from my mouth, I believe we might have found our next Jane Fonda, an actress who creates on her own terms and acts with her soul and flawless instinct. She may not display all those "perfect skills", but her characters are painfully deep and vulnerable, which lead to enourmous effects (on me, at least).

Although Jennifer is much younger than Tiffany should be according to Matthew Quick's novel, her youth adds another layer of vulnerability to Tiffany's character. Nothing that she says about her husband sounds completely believable from her mouth, which confuses you more and makes you uncertain about everything you would think about her and this ultimately leads to a mysterious aura around her that makes it so easy to identify with Tiffany's pain. The fact Jennifer makes the emotions of the character almost touchable makes her acting affect even more deeply.

Moreover, the chemistry with Bradley Cooper makes them one of the two greatest duos that graced the screen last year (guess who were the others). Although there have been complaints about the fact that the whole purpose of Jennifer's character was to support Bradley Cooper's unstable Pat, I'd say that's one of the many-many misinterpretations about this movie or at least it's not a very accurate one in my opinion: Tiffany's character, as unstable as she is herself, brings redemption to Pat's life, just as much as she's saved by Pat. Bradley Cooper's clumsy and obsessive character is the polar opposite of Jennifer's Tiffany and yet they are just as implusive and vulnerable.

And since this chemistry is at the centre of Silver Linings Playbook, it's no surprise that their scenes are the one sticking with you the most. Their argument at the diner and in front of the movie theater is both electric and devastating, perfectly demonstrating how these two human beings are exposed to their traumas and their sudden realization of this is nothing short of heartbreaking.

But really, in the end, it all comes down to my favorite scene all year, the dance contest that is one of the most unusual and memorable scenes I've ever seen in my life: there's a brilliant balance between outrageously funny comedy and a deeply upsetting drama. It has a "last shot at happiness" feeling to it that makes you (or at least me) feel a kind of euphoria, which is perfectly shown on the face of Jacki Weaver in that scene. The bittersweet reality that Lawrence and Cooper both bring to this scene is quite simply astonishing. It's too bad that we're influenced by our own cynicism and our expectations of great "actressing" or "acting" and we forget to enjoy. If anything, Silver Linigs Playbook was a memento for me to examine all my conceptions and opinions about acting and filmmaking in general

Overall, contrary to all the Oscar reviewers and just like everyone else in this world I've totally fallen under the charms of Jennifer Lawrence who gives an unbelievably amazing, beautiful performance and creates a three-dimensional character with such extraordinary passion and depth that it sets the screen on fire and makes you fall in love with her characters despite (or maybe even because of) her flaws. A wondeful portrayal which according to me deserves a

What do you think?

The Next Year

2012

So the nominees are:

• Jessica Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty
• Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook
• Emmanuelle Riva in Amour
• Quvenzhané Wallis in Beasts of the Southern Wild
• Naomi Watts in The Impossible

Since I have very little time left, I have to interrupt 1999 (which will be finished immediately after 2012, don't worry) so that I can finish 2012 before the ceremony (I'm planning to write a more thorough should win/will win than usual). I can say one thing in advance: what a year! And I tell you, according to my own estimations, it will be a real Sophie's Choice between not two, but three (!) performances (very much like 1996). And I love it that none of these performances are usual Best Actress stuff. 

What do you think? Who's your pick? Who do you think will win the Oscar? And more importantly :P, what's your prediction for my ranking? :) 

Silver Linings Playbook

They say a critic shouldn't get personal and should maintain a sort of distance from a particular movie in order to remain objective and not to get too passionate about certain things. What I think is wrong with this particular expectation is that it forgets that the reviewer is also a regular moviegoer when it comes to a particular film and their opinion receives more attention because they have better terms to describe what others feel about a picture.

So, should I aspire to become a "good critic" and give up being passionate about a certain film just for the sake of more appreciation? It’s true, I’m closely affected by the subject of Silver Linings Playbook and that can cause two things, depending on how I react to it: a) I completely reject it because I feel that the way the movie portrays its subject is way out of reach, over-the-top and theatrical, b) I develop a sweet spot for it instantly because I get more of the „inside jokes” of it. In this particular case, it’s more of the latter: there came a certain point in the movie after which I couldn’t maintain that distance from the movie and was immediately taken by its beautiful way of telling the story of Pat, a bipolar man who tries to find a new beginning in his life after a horrible incident by getting back to her wife.

What I instantly impressed me about Silver Linings Playbook is the delicate way David O. Russell approached this subject: you can feel that the story is personal for him and he didn’t turn to cheap theatrics even in the most over-the-top scenes in the film. The directing, writing and the editing add up to a dazzling, unbalanced and bizarre experience, surprising you way too much. The whole roller coaster feeling of the film makes it one extended, haunting manic episode.

However, Russell holds this chaos together thanks to the outstanding work of an exceptional cast, led by an amazing Bradley Cooper who reached an unexpected (to many) career high with the character of Pat. He has two key scenes in the movie, which could have become standard meltdowns made for an Oscar clip, but instead they are both extremely terrifying and heartbreaking (I’m talking about the one at home and the one in front of the cinema). The way he shows the over-the-top hysterics of the character, while also crying for help silently in his eyes is astonishing. If people weren’t so snobbish about romantic comedies as they are today, this character would become just as iconic as Alvy Singer, but alas, people look down on films like this. Moreover, the frequent criticism of gender inequality is constantly proven wrong by Cooper who clearly puts an emphasis on how much Pat also depends on Tiffany.

Since I’m going to review Jennifer Lawrence very soon, I’m saving my lengthy comments on her performance, but let me just say that she’s an essential part of an amazing ensemble whose every member is able to create three-dimensional characters, even with their limited parts. De Niro gets the most showy part and uses all the opportunities to have fun and also prove that he didn’t lose his acting chops somewhere around Meet the Fockers. And I’ll have to defend Jacki Weaver’s nomination: her character’s caring and loving presence undeniably uplifts the movie and provides us with some of the loveliest moments. I don’t think she’s worse than her fellow nominees (in my opinion, she captures a mother’s love way better than our actual winner-to-be). Even Chris Tucker is able to display his skills in small part, which he rarely gets to do. The members of the cast should really win that SAG Ensemble Prize come Sunday for their contribution to creating the bittersweet and yet magical atmosphere of Silver Linings Playbook.

However, to embrace and enjoy all of the aspects of the movie you really need to leave behind your cynicism and try to believe that a movie with a “silver lining” can actually be just as worthy of being considered a masterpiece as one about decaying human beings. After all, cinema has to capture reality and reality always offers us a silver lining. And why couldn’t Silver Linings Playbook become that particular silver lining? 

What do you think?

The Final Conclusion - Best Actress 2010

2010

The much anticipated ranking:

5. Annette Bening in The Kids Are All right

I would be quite upset if Annette won in a shocker. Not because I hate her, I just don't feel that this is something that is worthy of an Oscar with such a competition. It's true that Bening has her great and memorable scenes, but this is not an amazing performance by any means. It's just very good, proper acting in a fine movie.

4. Nicole Kidman in Rabbit Hole

I can say that Nicole Kidman gave a very heartbreaking and beautiful performance as Rebecca Corbett. Although it did not blow my socks off, it was a very emotional and wonderful experience for me. Nicole approached this character very subtly and as a result, we got an excellent performance by her.

3. Jennifer Lawrence in Winter's Bone

This was a very exceptional performance by a young actress, which may not be amazing or mindblowing for the first time but it's very intense and memorable work. Lawrence took the character of Ree Dolly and created a real character. I really appreciated this achievement because of its fierce nature.

2. Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine

This is a terrific, very unusual performance that is extremely memorable and haunting. Michelle Williams took a very ordinary character and made her something very interesting. It may not be for everyone, but it's surely breathtaking breathtaking once in a while. A real treat for Best Actress fans.

1. Natalie Portman in Black Swan

I can say that Natalie Portman, an actress whom a did not consider a real talent, kicks ass as Nina and gives a performance that has the strength of Mo'Nique in Precious, Marion Cotillard in La Vie en Rose. If she wins, it will be hard for the next winner to live up to the standard she showed. A terrifying, brilliant performance after which you feel being hit by a full-guided tour bus.

So I can proudly announce

that my winner is...

Natalie Portman

in

Black Swan

You won at least this one, Natalie! :D

Final thoughts: Wow, ranking is rarely so easy. I must say that this year is not THAT fantastic. Only Natalie and Michelle fall into that category. Nicole is very great, so is Jennifer, Annette is very good. I hope that if anyone upsets that will be Michelle or Nicole though that's almost impossible. Personally, I would hate a Bening win and her chances are getting bigger and bigger (please tell in the comments that Natalie will win). Sorry fans, I don't want to offend anyone but that performance was not something I would call the best. I really enjoyed this year anyhow.

Omissions: I can't think of any. Maybe Julianna Margulies in City Island though I would consider her supporting. Many say she's leading. I don't really mind the Moore snub. I feel, though, that the comparisions between Annette and Julianne are inevitable and that will take a lot of votes away from Annette.

And there's also a winner of the predicting contest: Malcolm, congratulations on your great predictions! :)

The ranking of the already reviewed years:

1. 1969
2. 1974
3. 1989
4. 1959
5. 1939
6. 2010
7. 2009
8. 1980
9. 1941
10. 1963
11. 1966
12. 1973
13. 1990
14. 1978
15. 1954
16. 1948
17. 2002
18. 1940
19. 1998

About the next year: Wow, again, I couldn't decide so I let you decide, which should be my 20th reviewed year (I was thinking about 1968 as it's so historical, but I'd really like to do the other two, too). There's a poll on your right. Happy voting!

Note: Unfortunately I will have to create a new poll as I won't be able to do 1971, because Sunday, Bloody Sunday was removed from Youtube. Sorry to everyone who voted for that year. I included 1977 instead and there's a brand new poll.

Jennifer Lawrence in Winter's Bone

Jennifer Lawrence received her first Best Actress nomination for playing Ree Dolly, a girl who's desperate to save her home in Winter's Bone. It's quite common nowadays that the Academy gives a nomination to very young actresses who usually don't win. However, after this, they either become major stars or they disappear and become one role wonders. I hope that Jennifer Lawrence will not fall into the latter and I think she won't. She really has some potential in her.

Winter's Bone is an excellent movie, which had such a huge effect on me as I was watching it. However, after I finished it, I felt that it lacked something very crucial. For instance, a bit better ending. I mean, the whole film was very realistic but the ending was a bit dumb and unreal, in my opinion. Still, I think that all of the nominations were richly deserved. The screenplay and the story is quite fierce and cruel, the directing is very good. So are the actors, especially the great John Hawkes. I expected something more terrifying from him but his performance was terrific anyhow. Although I don't know if he gets my vote (Bale and Rush are also great), his win would be extremely deserved (not gonna happen). I must also add that Dale Dickey also gives a very fine and effective performance (she was a bit like Melissa Leo in Frozen River).

Watching Jennifer Lawrence in this movie was quite interesting. First of all, I did not really know what to expect from her as I hadn't seen any of her other movies previously. I heard many things about her: everyone praised her, some loved her very, some not that much. I'm not really into these "typical" indie movies and performances. I know that this sounds very biased but that's not the case. I knew (by and large) what I will get from it though I was also sure that it would be something very unique.

Actually, it wasn't that unique. I've seen such realistic acting on screen many times (and much better acted, just see any of the Italian movies from the age of neorealism), so her fierce acting wasn't that surprising or very original. Although I was very impressed by her, I must underline that I did not get something new and uncanny. Still, I think she was quite exceptional and I loved how confident Lawrence was while acting. I never saw obvious acting, she seemed quite experienced for me. Although younger actors usually tend to deliver their lines so solemnly, I never spotted such flaws in the performance of Jennifer Lawrence. She had a very strong presence and kept it throughout the movie.

Ree Dolly seems to be a very determined person, a very responsible and serious adult. However, she's actually a scared and desperate girl who's torn apart by fear and doubts. Ree so staunchly protects her siblings and her family, she's a 100% tough mountain girl who's not afraid of taking action. I was so pleased that Lawrence was able to show both sides of this girl so well: the performance becomes very intense as a result and it was just great to watch her.

Another thing that I loved about this performance is that it's so authentic. She's just like Jessica Lange in Music Box: there, I always so the stubborn Hungarian woman and here I saw the tough Ozark Mountain girl. I'm not sure how this comparision came to my mind, but I think it makes some sense as both performances are memorable because of their realism and strange effect. Neither of them is amazing by any means and yet the impress me so much. Actually, I feel that the two actresses are quite similar in their whole acting.

There was really one bigger problem with this performance and that's the fact that Lawrence is quite overshadowed sometimes by John Hawkes and the directing. Both of those works are so intense and great that you tend to focus on them and not Lawrence's quiet, subtle acting. Still, there are many brilliant scenes that make up for this: the first one is when Ree's talking to her mother and then starts crying, the second one is when she talks about being a real Dolly (Oscar clip!) and the very harrowing and creepy scene in the boat. OMG, Jennifer's acting with her face was so great there and it expressed so many emotions. I was quite blown away.

So, all things considered, this was a very exceptional performance by a young actress, which may not be amazing or mindblowing but it's very intense and memorable work. Lawrence took the character of Ree Dolly and created a person you care about and root for. I really appreciated this achievement because of its fierce nature. Very great job.

I think this is a fine rating for this work.

What do you think?

The Next Year

2010

So the nominees are:

• Annette Bening in The Kids Are All Right
• Nicole Kidman in Rabbit Hole
• Jennifer Lawrence in Winter's Bone
• Natalie Portman in Black Swan
• Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine

Seems to be a great year. We'll see. What are your predictions for my ranking and for Oscar's preference (Natalie seems to be a shoo-in, but Annette might surprise)? The predicting contest is on.

I'm saying right now that Natalie's review comes on 19th February.