By Blake Penfield, Contributing Writer
‘There Will Be Blood’
Showcasing some of the finest performances in recent film history, the stirring and epic “There Will Be Blood” is a force to contend with this Oscar season. Who would have thought the story of an oilman’s search for wealth could be so beautiful?
Boasting an impressive eight Academy Award nominations, “There Will Be Blood” is rivaled only by “No Country For Old Men” for the number of nominations.
Daniel-Day Lewis is phenomenal, the soundtrack is fantastic (though sadly not recognized by the Academy), the cinematography is breathtaking and the direction is inspired.
To my mind, “There Will Be Blood” has an excellent chance of winning.
‘Juno’
This quirky dramedy came out of nowhere and experienced commercial success that supersedes almost any other independent film ever released.
There’s a reason for this. The flick is good.
Ellen Page plays the titular character with enough panache and genuineness to get the young actress nominated for ‘Best Actress’ by the Academy.
This story of a teenage pregnancy is so clever and so distinctly different that it’s hard not to fall in love with “Juno.”
Despite its brilliance, the chances of this film snagging the ‘Best Picture’ Oscar seem pretty slim compared to its competition.
‘Michael Clayton’
George Clooney strikes back after a fantastic showing in 2005, thanks to the film “Syriana,” with this year’s thriller “Michael Clayton.”
Clooney continues his tradition of excellence in the title role of the film, broadcasting a wide range of emotion and decidedly dynamic characterization.
The film has some fantastic unique editing techniques and enough twists and turns to keep your interest piqued throughout.
Audiences should also note that Tom Wilkinson’s role as a supporting actor is completely brilliant.
While the film is very good, I can’t help but think that other films were more deserving of the coveted ‘Best Picture’ nomination.
‘Atonement’
“Atonement” comes to Tuesday’s awards with the momentum of being named ‘Best Picture – Drama’ by the Golden Globes.
The story of a forbidden love in WWII England pulls on all the right heart strings while not alienating the male audience with the dregs of over-sentimentality.
“Atonement” has my favorite soundtrack of the year, as well as some fantastic performances.
The film is moving and deep while remaining accessible to movie-goers of all shapes, colors and sizes. It definitely has a shot for ‘Best Picture,’ but my money’s elsewhere.
‘No Country For Old Men’
This is an absolutely brilliant adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel of the same name with this haunting story of the perpetuity of crime. The Coen Brothers, who co-directed the film, have never been better.
Clever editing keeps the film from falling into “There Will Be Blood’s” one pitfall of pacing – an especially impressive feat when you consider “No Country For Old Men” has no soundtrack.
Nothing but actors and drop-dead gorgeous cinematography keep the film moving, and the technique works to devastating effect.
Tying with “There Will Be Blood” for most Oscar nominations, I believe this is the film that will win the big prize.
