Thoughts on the Oscars
In order to keep with the punctuated feeling of last night's Oscar presentation, I've decided to deliver my thoughts on said presentation in bullet point form. Before I do, however, I'd like to explain what bullet points are and why they are used. A "bullet point" is a symbol used in order to mark off items in a list in order to make the list both more legible and organized. And now that that's been established:
• Alec Baldwin & Steve Martin did a great job hosting. At least for the first 15 minutes of the show. Why the producers decided to keep their best asset off stage for so long is a mystery to me. One industry insider suggested that any mid-show banter was by necessity more improvisational while the intro can be studiously rehearsed. Maybe, but I think the hosts were up for a little improv.
• The shorts are finally distinguishing themselves as something other than the awards that separate the Oscar pool winners from the Oscar pool losers. Whereas last year they provided an Oscar high point with "Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto", this year they offered the Oscar low point with what has already been dubbed "Oscar's Kanye Moment."
• Interpretive dance!? Did anyone seriously think that would increase viewership? Next time try Nascar or even better - THE PBR!
• George Clooney is the new Jack Nicholson.
• Did we really need a whole montage tribute to horror in place of seeing the ceremonies for honorary Oscar winners Lauren Bacall and Roger Corman. I think not.
• I hope Kathryn Bigelow's win doesn't make studios, producers, financiers pat themselves on the back about the breaking of a glass ceiling. Her victory was truly, truly amazing. But the field of directing is still overly dominated by men, and only once that is rectified will real change come about.
• I can't believe The Hurt Locker won! That's just damn awesome and congrats to everyone involved in making and distributing such a great film!!!!
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