Miss Congeniality Takes the Gold

Instead of giving you a play-by-play*, I’ll just share some of my thoughts on this year’s Oscars.

*I’ve updated my predictions post with the outcome if you want to see how I fared. Not too shabby if I do say so myself. I’m gifted in the area of guessing.

The Opening/Hosts

I’m a fan. I like the old-Hollywood vibe. The set, the understated two-handed comedy routine, the sparkling Neil Patrick Harris awesomeness: very Vegas nightclub circa the Sinatra days. Or the golden age of MGM. A dapper Fred Astaire would have fit in. Or better, he should have replaced the So You Think You Can Dance oddness.

Fashion Moments (Not Mentioned Here)

Robert Downey Jr. kills it. Arguably the best personal style in town. And Tina’s smokin’.

Zoe Saldana is wearing Fraggle Rock Couture.

Ben Stiller for Best Dressed. Crazy man. “It was this or the Nazi uniform. But this show seemed a little Hitler-heavy….”

Sam Worthington wins Best Glasses.

Remembering John Hughes

I am too young to claim that John Hughes captured my generation (save for Home Alone). I had to learn about the Brat Pack after the fact. But Ferris Bueller still resonated with me. Molly Ringwald still makes me smile. And apparently, as evidenced by the tribute, the actors Hughes made famous all grew up to be the weathered boring adults his movies warned against. (Poor Judd Nelson. Eek.)

My Random Brain

1. Colin Firth presents An Education for no reason. He’s this image of gentlemanly sophistication, and yet I can’t help but hear “I don’t give a flying fart in space” when he speaks. Poor man. (Have you seen What a Girl Wants? If not, you won’t understand.)

2. Confession: I don’t understand why Sigourney Weaver is famous.
Second confession: Sometimes I confuse her with Geena Davis. Even though I adore Geena.

3. I LOVE that Emily Blunt is going to marry John Krasinski. Not that they need my approval….

Horror Tribute

Who invited the kids from Twilight? And who defined “horror”? Apparently Beetle Juice fits the category? Edward Scissorhands? How does Tim Burton feel about this? I am so confused. Maybe the Twilight kids made the montage….

THAT Voice

Morgan Freeman explains how awesome sound is. I believe him. He also convinces me that The Dark Knight should win something.

Huh?

Best Cinematography goes to Avatar. Didn’t think it was possible to win an award for capturing green-screen nothingness on the camera. Avatar is a post-production movie, Academy. But maybe I’m just dumb.

I See Dead People

James Taylor is making sure that we’re really sad about all the dead people. And Demi Moore’s presence is reminding us to rent Ghost and cry over Patrick Swayze. There is no mention of Farrah Fawcett or Bea Arthur. There will be VERY angry letters….

Thanks, But No Thanks

Gerald Butler and Bradley Cooper presenting together? Shudder. They share the “Nadine Does Not Want To Date You” Award.

It’s LOST Night

Evangeline Lilly is in The Hurt Locker. Michelle Rodriguez is in Avatar. Michael Giacchino composed Up’s score. Fisher Stevens produced The Cove.

If you work on the show Lost, your off-season project will win an Oscar.

The Big Exciting Awards That Make Me Cheer:

Best Actor

The tributes are moving. Jeff Bridges almost cries. But these tributes sound like character references. I guess you don’t qualify if you’re a scumbag. But you deserve Best Actor if you’re a man of integrity…?

JEFF BRIDGES! So happy. Standing ovation. I cared so much about this category. I don’t even know why. His brilliant stoner-guy-meets-articulate-artist enthusiasm makes me want to make movies. His adoration for his wife makes me want to get married.*

*Maybe to Colin Farrell. Since he likes to spoon (uh, with Jeremy Renner).

Best Actress

I forgot that Forest Whittaker directed Hope Floats. So random.

SANDY!!! I am giddy. You have no idea. She’s darling and eloquent and hilarious and touching and perfect. She won a Razzie and Oscar in the same weekend. That is impressive.

Best Director

Kathryn Bigelow. “The time has come.” Yes, it has. The most “muscular” film of the year had a woman behind it. So there.

Best Picture

And….THE HURT LOCKER. Phew. The little movie that could. It was supposed to be a direct-to-DVD release. (As was Slumdog Millionaire. Huh.) And now it’s a history-making award-winning film.

I hope that the win means that people will now actually see it. It really is an excellent piece of filmmaking. It’s the Full Metal Jacket for my generation. Go rent the DVD. Now.

What did you think of the show, friends?

My pick for Best Dressed: Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Couture

Ben Mulroney (He’s a Benedict, not a Benjamin!) and friends took to the red carpet, asking inane questions to pretty people mere minutes before the big show. As per usual, I had (mostly fashion-police) thoughts.*

*Links are provided for those requiring visuals.

• I love the Reitman family. So much. I would work for Jason in a heartbeat. 21-hour days. For free.
• Monique: “My husband’s magical.” Huh. I’ve never thought about looking for a magical husband. But now I want one.
• Suzy Amis looks ill. Walking skeleton. Sadness.
• So much electric blue. It’s EVERYWHERE. Very Avatar-chic.
• Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab. Lovely. My favorite designer of the season.
• Zac Efron. If I were 18…. Sigh. But I don’t know why he’s there. Or why he won’t stop touching his hair.
• Christoph Waltz. He’s so earnest and verbose and impossible to understand. Philosophically nonsensical.
• Sandra Bullock is shiny and statuesque. She makes me happy. And she produces. Note to self: Send her scripts!
• Tom McGraw has a little-boy haircut. Not a compliment.
• Carey Mulligan. Cutest pixie hair ever. Ben Mulroney calls her gown a “glamorous mullet.”
• I like Jake Gyllenhaal. In Burberry. He likes Canadians. Bonus point for me.
• Mariah Carey makes every dress look cheap. I don’t understand this bizarre talent.
• Miley Cyrus. Why? Her third year. For no reason. Dressed like a nominee. Sheesh. STOP TALKING.
• SJP has sculptural hair. And is wearing a Chanel nightgown?!
• Kathryn Bigelow: the director who looks like a movie star. B-E-A-UTIFUL. She’s gonna win. I know it.
• Charlize Theron looks like she’s being groped by cupcakes.
• Stanley Tucci. Nominated for the FIRST time. Crazy. He’s rooting for Streep “a lot a bit.” I want to be his friend.
• Ryan Bingham. (The Crazy Heart songwriter, not the Up In the Air character. Confusing, I know.) He has to win.
• Jeremy Renner and his mama. My heart is warmed. Have you seen The Hurt Locker yet? If Bridges weren’t around, I’d give the statue to Renner. Pretty painfully brilliant.
• Matt Damon is handsomer than usual. If that’s possible. (Watch this!) I’ve had a weakness for that grin (and career) since Good Will Hunting. He was 27 when he won his screenwriting Oscar. I have one year….
• George Clooney…needs a haircut. But is charming. “The power of the sexy far out-trumps the Oscar.”
• Meryl is dignity and class. I want to be her. (In a Chris March design! Please tell me you watch Project Runway.)
• Jeff Bridges and his wife. 33 years. LOVE THEM. Now go win, Mr. Bridges. Because we all love you. Especially because you speak like “the Dude.” So metaphorical and quasi-high.
• Keanu Reeves does not age. It’s because he doesn’t move his face. I want him to stand next to Sandra. Give me a Speed moment!
• Rachel McAdams is in my favorite dress of the season. I almost blogged about her gown yesterday. Before it was hers. (I’m slightly obsessed with Style.com.) Elie Saab Couture for the win!
• For the first time in the history of my life, I am swooning over a sparkly Cameron Diaz dress. Mostly because it reminds me of Reese Witherspoon’s Oscar-winning look.
• J.Lo is wearing sculptural bubble wrap.
• Kate Winslet is elegance personified. I need a British accent.

My Oscar recap will be posted shortly. In the meantime….

The Handsome Men’s Club

Watch it all. It made my day. “Beauty fades. Look at Sting.”

As I type this, I’m watching an Oscar red-carpet special. And soon I’ll be watching the Oscars.

There will be commentary. From me. You have been warned. So check back here tomorrow.

P.S. I will attend one day. In some capacity. As a nominee, date, publicist, bodyguard, journalist, umbrella holder…. At least that’s the plan.

P.P.S. I should be eating these cookies right now. But I’m not.

I used to look in the mirror and see Tristan.

Tristan gave way to Bon Jovi. Circa the good years.

But when I saw Mufasa, I made the mistake of speaking the name aloud.

My hair has a name.

And it needs taming.

Now.

]]> http://nadinebells.com/index.php/2010/03/the-mufasa/feed/ 1 http://nadinebells.com/index.php/2010/03/piano-crossing/ http://nadinebells.com/index.php/2010/03/piano-crossing/#comments Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:03:23 +0000 nadine http://nadinebells.com/?p=1829

They’ll jump out right in front of your car if you’re not careful.

~ via Huffington Post

Update: Winners are now indicated below in purple.

The Academy Awards are this Sunday. Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin are co-hosting. I will be watching.

I am preemptively (and maybe tentatively) thrilled for Kathryn Bigelow. She deserves that statuette. Not because she’s a woman, but because she directed the most gripping film of the year.

Barring some sort of major upset, the acting Oscars are pretty much locked in. There’s a teensy chance Meryl will steal the award from Sandy, but it’s unlikely. I’m not too proud to admit that I’m rooting for Bullock. Even with the recent hoopla, I still consider her an underrated talent. And I admire her recent (very wise) decision to start auditioning again, seeking better roles. She got them. So let’s give her the statue, okay? She’ll express such endearing heartfelt gratitude. And her super-awesome husband will cry. And everyone’s hearts will melt and the world will be a better place….

Besides, Meryl deserves her own category. She shouldn’t be lumped in with mere mortals.

Side note: I adore the fact that Sandra opened a bistro in Austin. And a bakery/floral shop. Total girl crush.

You all know how I feel about Jeff Bridges.

And Christoph Waltz has forever changed the way I look at a glass of milk. Chilling brilliance.

The Best Picture category is a race between The Hurt Locker and Avatar. I’m sticking with Bigelow’s “war is a drug” masterpiece. If you’ve seen it, you’ll understand why. (Critics agree with me: 97% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes!)

Ladies and gentlemen, my Oscar picks:

Best Picture: The Hurt Locker
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker
Best Actor: Jeff Bridges
Best Actress: Sandra Bullock
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz
Best Supporting Actress: Mo’nique
Best Animated Feature Film: Up
Best Foreign Film: Un Prophete (France) *El Secreto de sus Ojos
Best Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds *The Hurt Locker
Best Adapted Screenplay: Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner, Up In the Air *Precious
Best Documentary Feature: The Cove
Best Original Score: Up
Best Original Song: “The Weary Kind (There from Crazy Heart)”
Best Film Editing: The Hurt Locker
Best Cinematography: The Hurt Locker *Avatar
Best Costume Design: The Young Victoria
Best Art Direction: Avatar
Best Makeup: Star Trek
Best Visual Effects: Avatar
Best Documentary (Short Subject): China’s Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province *Music by Prudence
Best Short Film (Animated): A Matter of Loaf and Death *Logorama
Best Short Film (Live Action): The New Tenants
Best Sound Editing: Avatar *The Hurt Locker
Best Sound Mixing: Avatar *The Hurt Locker

Who are you rooting for this Sunday?

This afternoon, I saw Avatar. Finally. Tomorrow is its last day on the IMAX screen. I like cutting it close.

I trust most of you have seen it, so I won’t recap. I won’t even make the Pocahontas-meets-Smurfs-meets-FernGully jokes. You know what I’m talking about. Chuckle to yourselves and then read on….

It was gorgeous. A visual dessert buffet. So good. And honestly, I didn’t take issue with the straightforward-if-obvious story. The eye candy overwhelmed; I didn’t need a complicated, twisted plot to keep my attention.

But something was missing.

I like simple love stories. I’m wired to care about the against-all-odds, Romeo-sighs-over-Juliet fairytales. And I’m not sure if I should be blaming the words or the blueness, but I couldn’t connect with Avatar’s plot on a gut level. As brilliant as Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington were (I’m serious), something didn’t sit right. Incompleteness. Emptiness behind the non-human eyes.

I caught myself thinking, “This sure isn’t District 9.” That movie made me ache. Not Avatar. The movie UP! made me cry. This didn’t.

Avatar is a filmmaking marvel. But it won’t change how I think about story. I’d still prefer the suckerpunch of an honest (500) Days of Summer over the spectacle of really skinny half-dressed Navis with magical hair riding mythical beasts.

Still, it was beautiful. Really.

I applaud James Cameron for bringing his almost-impossible vision to the screen. And I won’t cry if he takes the Oscar on Sunday. Although I’d prefer that his ex does. (Go Kathryn!)

But I’d rather watch Titanic. In that epic, Cameron gave me something concrete to hold onto. And by “concrete,” I mean “sharp and icy…and unforgettable.”

P.S. Sigourney Weaver forgot to be awesome. But Giovanni Ribisi was fantastic. Total mixed bag when it came to the supporting cast’s acting efforts. I can’t separate acting from story, or story from pretty pictures. So if Michelle Rodriguez’s performance makes me want to punch her in the face, it hurts the “look at that!” experience. Why is she in movies?

P.P.S. I just realized that I didn’t talk about the non-subtle pro-environment message in the film. I probably subconsciously hate the planet, right?

Historia de un letrero (The Story of a Sign)

I cried. This is why I want to write.

Nuit Blanche

The person who recommended this to me said their “heart exploded” when they first watched it. I like those kinds of reviews. Gorgeous.

Bonus: Sebastian’s Voodoo

“A voodoo doll must find the courage to save his friends from being pinned to death.”

Surprisingly touching. And creepy. Watch it here.

Vancouver 2010: Thoughts, Lessons and Observations

1. I care. I have never been so aware of my ability to instantly support someone. I was cheering for Jon Montgomery when I realized, “Ten minutes ago, I didn’t know this man existed. Now I’m so excited for him I can hardly breathe.” It makes me wonder how many strangers around me are heroes-in-waiting.
2. Um, and apparently I have a thing for redheaded athletes with ear-to-ear grins. Exhibit A: Montgomery. Exhibit B: Shaun White.
3. Celine was there. The songstress everyone loves to hate was busy with fertility treatments (too much information?), so she missed both the opening and closing ceremonies. But Joannie Rochette skated to “Vole,” one of the most stunning French ballads I’ve ever heard. I was 15 when I first encountered the song that still threatens to bring me to tears; Joannie’s routine only intensified its haunting beauty.
4. I renewed my gym membership last week. Yep.
5. I am inspired by inspired people. The Olympics spoke to my desire to have my heart line up with my day-to-day; I want to find joy and fulfillment in the things into which I channel my primary energy.
6. I empathize easily. “Failure” is not a deal-breaker. My loyalty is not conditional on the final outcome. I’m one of those still-on-your-side girls, encouraging athletes through my TV set. You don’t have to win to be a winner in my book.
7. Virtue and Moir were radiant. And I’m happy to finally get to use that word. Their skate was one of my favorite Olympic moments.
8. Hockey. Ohmygoodness, why don’t I watch it more often?! My vote? Crosby for King of Canada.
9. I love uniting with strangers for a positive reason. We rallied together in support and pride, not protest and dissatisfaction. If you were wearing red mittens, I considered you an ally.
10. I need a bedtime. CTV shook up my sleeping pattern.

Conclusion: I love my country. I love its anthem. I even love its giant inflatable beavers. And maybe I’ll walk away from the Olympic Games with a renewed intention to pursue things that challenge and inspire me. And a commitment to hit the treadmill a little more consistently.

P.S. Charles Hamelin looks like Bret McKenzie. Which increases his coolness factor. If that’s even possible.

image source: LIFE