The Oscars are almost upon us, with all their unpredictability. You don’t need an oracle to tell you what will happen. You don’t even need a film critic. You need someone who sees into the very souls of the Academy voters. You need a Straight White Man.
We’re almost there, guys! Tomorrow night, we’ll find out over the course of four hours bloated with self-congratulation and overwrought pageantry just how wrong every word in every post in this series has been. But tonight, we soldier on. I’ve already talked quite a bit about most of the nominated films in this category, and I hate to repeat myself, so I’ll be deliberately keeping this relatively short. Here are your nominees for Best Cinematography and Best Director.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Carol – There’s not as much motion in Carol as in most of these other nominees, but the shots are well-composed without exception. As good as Carol is for the full two hours, for me so much of it comes back to that last scene. Everything about it has to be perfect and is, including the excruciating slow zoom on Carol’s face as Therese approaches her. Great, great stuff.
The Hateful Eight – Something I’ve read about, which I sort of saw but would never have pinpointed as a matter of cinematography instead of just clever staging, is Tarantino’s insistence on shooting the whole movie on 70mm film in order to get the widest possible view. On a fairly small set like the movie’s roadhouse, it means cinematographer Robert Richardson is shooting most of the room—and often most of the cast—anytime he’s not taking a closeup. It’s a cool effect and one of the things I genuinely liked about a movie I didn’t care much for overall.
Mad Max: Fury Road – All the vast and detailed world-building that George Miller did for Mad Max wouldn’t mean much if you couldn’t see any of it. Miller’s director of photography, John Seale, always seems to know just how to show it all off. A friend has described the result of what happens when “lunatic Australian senior citizens” finally get their hands on cutting-edge cameras. Everything in frame is in constant motion for almost the entire movie, and the camera never loses focus or shakes or seems to be trying to hide anything.
The Revenant – Emmanuel Lubezki can win his third cinematography Oscar in a row this year, and it’s hard to see how anyone can stop him. Lubezki brings the trademark long takes that have distinguished him since, what, at least Children of Men, but The Revenant is just as impressive in the wider, more static shots, showing off the vast wilderness and Hugh Glass’s almost insignificant place in it. The lighting is beautiful and, at Iñárritu’s insistence, 100% natural.
Sicario – Will someone please give Roger Deakins his Oscar already? A thirteenth nomination without one trophy yet to show for it, including the year he was up against himself with No Country for Old Men and The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Sicario‘s photography is terrific all the way through, and I noticed two or three shots that I thought were subtly brilliant.
Will Win: The Revenant.
Should Win: Probably still The Revenant, but I’m rooting so hard for Sicario here.
Upset Special: Mad Max: Fury Road.
BEST DIRECTOR
Adam McKay, The Big Short – To my untrained eye, it seems a lot of Adam McKay’s genius is in what he gets out of his actors. I’ve talked already quite a bit about his love of improvisation, and here he’s used it to bring conversations about mortgages, bonds, and CDOs vibrantly and chaotically to life.
George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road – George Miller spent 25 years making the absolute perfect action movie. It would be criminal not to give him this award, not even because of the effort he put in, but because the finished product is so incredible and so unlike anything else.
Alejandro González Iñárritu, The Revenant – But Miller will have stiff competition from Iñárritu, who went to frankly stupid lengths to get his own movie made. I said in my first Oscar posts that I’m not inclined to give him extra credit for making his own job more difficult, and I’m still not. But even if you ignore the ongoing myth-making about the challenge of filming this movie, his work really is extraordinary.
Lenny Abrahamson, Room – I’d never seen an Abrahamson movie before Room, though I do remember seeing some promotion for his last movie, Frank. I was most impressed by his evident sense of timing; the movie has a lot of abrupt cuts, especially early on, but they all feel exactly right somehow.
Tom McCarthy, Spotlight – I’ve said once or twice now, I think, that Spotlight‘s pacing is one of the best things it has going for it; it’s spellbinding from start to finish. McCarthy’s the guy who ultimately deserves the credit for that.
Will Win/Should Win: George Miller.
Not Really An Upset Special: Alejandro González Iñárritu, as disappointed as I’d be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jssMVB-_RM0
http://40.media.tumblr.com/22ceecd175c079b0315b14b0e9d90547/tumblr_njeuokvgTH1sd4vovo1_500.jpg
Wish there was/is a better audio of this, but, this is the “best” available:
Deadpool, still good the second time.
I guess I’m gonna have to go see that. All you fine gents seem to have rave reviewz.
It’s in my “Redbox box,” but, maybe I’ll have to bite.
Yep, I generally wait.
But it might be a big screen necessity, indeed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5PZQMwL7iE
I swear they took the “We’re gonna get our Hanes on you” jingle from the bass line.
They are waiting for………………………….. a CAT scan……….
http://56.media.tumblr.com/60fbce9e636c3e8d024de504895bb1b1/tumblr_nfe6dsfkTt1r83d7lo1_1280.jpg
http://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/shaking_head_breaking_bad.gif
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXwMrBb2x1Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLy63Pq1rUw&ebc=ANyPxKoFh26anstWosatM2fc3OSD8giDg_6QBynBTZR815y5y0jVS6CQRlmZMZZTrK_WdgLnPH8HdBmblXttEV9hVFANa9xWxg
Must be love…….
http://56.media.tumblr.com/781cecdfd183d36c7e2d7c253ea17bde/tumblr_o0c4agsiWT1rhgvowo1_1280.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCxhC2DaxQA
http://56.media.tumblr.com/e112753bd9e17eeed8b8aa4e7a074abe/tumblr_nzu7wn0Fng1r0maa4o1_500.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbY05Ufp8Jg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBnSWJHawQQ
Larson was the best.
Work on weekends?
http://41.media.tumblr.com/cd4a18b0d4266ecb1ca13b1272d4ce99/tumblr_o2lz8iQxBr1uj2a0qo1_500.jpg
Yes…did a double take.
/thought Moose went off book operational
I did; she had a burrito for lunch.
http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/50shades-giphy-1.gif
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7FOTBdbPN8
http://57.media.tumblr.com/dea8868fc03fe31381331174ef1b39c4/tumblr_o23wcaoBIp1rlb6iho1_400.gif
http://41.media.tumblr.com/798c369f39de7f10d9373934a9a30481/tumblr_o0p9gj0v0o1qd5mq1o1_1280.jpg
http://www.igriffin.it/immagini/episodi/stagione8/18/originali/1.jpg
Here’s one I’d be willing to wager my life’s savings (all $23.59!) you’ve never heard before:
Have heard it…but it’s been a while. I had a classmate in grad school who was a freak for Huey. Truth be told, she was a freak in general….and in the GOOD way. Wooo!!!! College!!!!!
I am willing to settle out of court for half your life savings. my PayPal acct will await your $11.78 (you get extra penny…I am not unfair)
I’ll mail you check post-dated for 1/1/3016.
http://56.media.tumblr.com/7245a1d772f0501dc76f65df0f6d5147/tumblr_o2bl50dojk1rbt3wzo1_500.jpg
See…now I gotta sue ya.
Interwebz counts as an implied/stated contract, just so you know.
/please believe the bluff….please believe the bluff
My favorite high school party song. Tommy Bolin was a hell of a musician.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4kDpg9gkJs
http://40.media.tumblr.com/fab8bd349292ea79310507f4450d1dfb/tumblr_o2i48o30fr1qd5mq1o1_1280.jpg
Now THAT’S a hard sell.
Youtube on crack tonight…the earlier “Life’s been Good to me…” boobie festival vid then led me here. I guess bcuz this one’s another boobie festival.
And since I love these guys and this song, here ya go…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UGAB7DMIRk
So, Joe Walsh?
One of my favorites.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KKNsC9oHS4&ebc=ANyPxKo_eVJXwaGTSvF9sllqhN1XtIC3fQvd7kBoSf61xT2jm_CSKeq0wvom_YDpODYM-1CI4raNYb1a16t4z6dRCUbH07wjPw
http://41.media.tumblr.com/c5a380190431fbfc95566977ffdb4aef/tumblr_ns4b883WZm1qd5mq1o1_1280.jpg
That’s right; welcome.
http://41.media.tumblr.com/97d4e72382ea3477fcc0bc9f66af57be/tumblr_o338gnldux1qb01n4o2_500.png
Guess where the next Gronk party bus’s destination is headed?
Just south of Beaver, take a right after the Kum n Go.
http://orig08.deviantart.net/2d35/f/2013/079/d/3/kum_and_go_by_lordofthefarts-d5yp7yi.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICmD8P0x8_M
http://41.media.tumblr.com/b9f9f8cf666a4e4a97b8b51e18d6b1bc/tumblr_o22nngV1OL1rlb6iho4_1280.jpg
http://56.media.tumblr.com/84446e9bacd255e121c0e3d38abb9b02/tumblr_o334glV1Nw1trkd46o1_500.jpg
Long exposure selfie.
http://56.media.tumblr.com/57b81969a796b5998f1861301d3150df/tumblr_nz66r8z7ud1qd5mq1o1_1280.jpg
That could possibly be the worst photography pun ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpNI_jc_-HA
“original art by make it snow” is my favorite tag of all time. Even more than “Roger Goodell is a National Disgrace” and I’m DAMN proud of that one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_qHU_6Ofc0
http://56.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lr6jwbEmkF1qgv9p6o1_500.jpg
I was listening to the Joe Walsh live version of this at the exact moment Moose posted this. His earlier Joe Walsh led me there.
Then to this….a fun version to watch, I might add…if you like cars and boobies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sniDwNT-rmc
https://vine.co/v/iMj1hbBnexT
Am I the only that was hoping they were gonna turn it on?
Not by a damn sight.
I’d be jammin’ quarters.
http://36.media.tumblr.com/9495b1c552e7bfa72cddd6d8bf0e4149/tumblr_n1nj9qwwO61r6g7k5o1_500.png
http://56.media.tumblr.com/dba82c21955c7d781088231316d027a3/tumblr_o38lilvAYG1skkfpco1_1280.jpg
Already the 28th here. You damn central timers think the world revolves around you just bcuz you gotz all the legal weed.
Sorry…Mountain.
I may still be somewhat asleep.
And way too sober.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ji8YGHD4YA
http://45.media.tumblr.com/ac86a237904b99806a801fb7c86e98fd/tumblr_o2xhd6xbb91rlb6iho2_250.gif
I would watch it then.
http://56.media.tumblr.com/0b25e131c474597a3c78938677a7b697/tumblr_inline_nq06r4kops1ru0rw1_400.png
http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/southpark/images/6/67/SexualHealing30.jpg
Round 2! FIGHT!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63CzIUJU76w
Thanks for the assist, as always.
Your Hollies post earlier sent my youtube back to 60s/70s
/not complaining
http://57.media.tumblr.com/83830b09973ecb184b9a4895da0d5d58/tumblr_o23w8uDhiu1rlb6iho2_400.gif
You know, whenever I open my door there’s never anything like this out there.
Just once, universe…just once before I die.
http://img.pandawhale.com/post-60317-IASIP-Dee-laptop-rating-one-on-XOei.gif
She…… comedy boner.
I can’t seem to place where the city is that this picture was taken.
http://56.media.tumblr.com/979e792e1dd67450cfb17f78a2e87077/tumblr_o22o6q4AE71rlb6iho5_1280.jpg
There’s a city in that photo?
Two of ’em…oh wait, you said “city”.
I wish I could like that twice.
Yo.
Decided to take a short nap after and early (4pm-ish) dinner.
Slept six hours.
/regrets nothing
//is being recruited by Team AARP as we speak
http://45.media.tumblr.com/5c57227ea8dbfe621821559266f01084/tumblr_o2wzewnBbA1re0c97o1_540.gif
You’re wrapping your couch in plastic tomorrow I take it.
It already is, but that’s for a totally different reason.
http://36.media.tumblr.com/b04a9b2471f8ce6f07d7983790c7332e/tumblr_o30f3aHmgh1qd5mq1o1_1280.jpg
Don’t laugh you bastard!
http://56.media.tumblr.com/e70faa551d80c490e3239e455bf2947c/tumblr_o32wk8EPMq1qd5mq1o1_1280.jpg
Oh goddammit
Well shit, I laughed.
I’m still laughing.
This in spite of the fact that my father died of Parkinson’s less than a year ago.
Qualifications for my express ticket to hell almost completed.
/Sorry Dad….but you know you’d be laughing too.
Agree on Roger Deakins; great scene artist that gets unnoticed.
Deez Brand
http://55.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mddap7FfJ01qg2s3q.png
http://41.media.tumblr.com/6403cf92a82ec62df06856c85a5c8145/tumblr_o35yeiE7qL1r7gjrwo1_500h.jpg
http://49.media.tumblr.com/482a05eec6078f662a2a6cfb5a7598af/tumblr_o35ou5IzLR1qf9csoo1_400.gif
When Closed Captioning just gives up.
http://40.media.tumblr.com/5386979106e0b38f506cdbceed576e49/tumblr_o34xbd564V1tq1ky8o1_1280.jpg
Bald pussy needs to back off on the Friskis.
http://41.media.tumblr.com/90e891d9bcc2b420b796b58dab2eb7d1/tumblr_o1qyb94gbA1udyn1uo1_1280.jpg
http://45.media.tumblr.com/106f890c7c5006143010e2aa34a5f6af/tumblr_o349ycQcai1re3gzzo2_540.gif
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view5/2839991/hairless-pets-o.gif
Hairless cats: weird.
Fat ones…. even WEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRRRRDEDERER!
http://49.media.tumblr.com/9612de5423a333d1bbdd342a5846836e/tumblr_n5zefrBqPe1tv4atfo1_400.gif
http://41.media.tumblr.com/1edac7f3c1ec85139061202bc3d45762/tumblr_n7seia9VJy1qd5mq1o1_1280.jpg
Wine is a mocker.
Strong drinking is RAGING.
http://41.media.tumblr.com/29a07d13485500abff9be7c78a89a4e4/tumblr_nthsxaWCmT1rle9u4o1_1280.jpg
Steph Curry. Holy Shit.
I was out of the loop most of the evening. It’s unlikely, but, did Porky post anything?
Not that ive seen, but I hope he ‘s as ok as he can be
I didn’t see anything.
Alright, thanks. I realize it was a long shot. God, I feel so bad for him.
Nothing yet. It will take some time.
I just busted out the Laphroaig 18, and gentlemen, it is delicious. To paraphrase one of the prophets of our time, each sip feels like a tiny hug.
http://45.media.tumblr.com/866825fa9c241a801974019b5768749b/tumblr_o35z0iEu0i1svgb0ro1_540.gif
I love how you feel the single malts all the way down. It comes out your pores. It is like a hug.
A big sweaty Scottish hug.
Shots!
Damn near kilt ‘im.
Hey folks!
I just saw Deadpool and I had a really fun time.
A Zamboni?
I just want to say that I’m taking Sunday Gravy off tomorrow. See? The thing is I don’t always cook new things every week. I was worried that this might happen. I’m cooking this tomorrow, a repeat: https://www.doorfliesopen.com/index.php/2015/06/21/sunday-gravy-with-yeah-right-take-it-easy-on-dad/
And I want to give you original content. Besides, this crane asada is the shit.
I defer to Make It Snow to take us home to Oscar Glory.
Take it home!
Pretty sure you shouldn’t be making tacos from these.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JbC8a-ObFI0/TzDhedhnAZI/AAAAAAAAFOY/scZUVKnOcC8/s1600/Crane-06.jpg
https://www.asada.gov.au/anti-doping-programmes/education
Now the thing is, it’s free if you’re fast enough to catch them.
It just confuses the life guards.
Good relaxing song.
http://49.media.tumblr.com/45353e6e72b8a3e52367d5d2f4362b2c/tumblr_o2xhd6xbb91rlb6iho3_r1_250.gif
HYPERREALISM IN BANNER IMAGERY WOO
Downright spooky how accurate it is.
I myself sit in awe.
I used only practical effects!
make it snow; you should be careful using actual scene stills from the movie like the banner pic; DFO might get a cease and desist.
http://57.media.tumblr.com/79eed54504f3626358e088721fe27140/tumblr_o2d3bg6i5A1rlb6iho1_400.gif
Where the hell is everyone?
Raptured. Don’t be all jelly.
Welp, time to raid the CVS down the street.
That’s always my thought during the initial phase of any apocalypse show. Fuck that food and bottled water noise, this cracker ass needs to take his softball bat towards the morphine and dilaudid aisle…
I’m still here and I’m a J-O-O
false alarm then, no way could they ever has a rapture without you guys ,, smh
Sorry. The dog started shooting blood out of everything earlier today. Mind was elsewhere.
She’s better now, but that was an expensive vet visit. I’m not-at-all creepily watching her sleep.
WTF? What was wrong with her? Sorry to hear that.
Giardiasis . She won’t stop eating shit covered dirt. Stupid puppy.
She’s stopped puking, and now is just resting. Thanks.
http://49.media.tumblr.com/c1f682142c062aeefc37ad129fcd2167/tumblr_o27wuqnACG1rlb6iho1_1280.gif
My first response is find the liquor aisle then the canned food.
Lagavulin and Dinty Moore beef stew.
I can live off that.