Oscars 2015

Need to know:

Director: Clint Eastwood

Writers: James Hall, Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen, James DeFelice

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner,

Nominations: Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Best Writing - screenplay based on material previously produced or published, Best Achievement in Editing, Best Achievement in Sound Editing, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing

Synopsis by Louise Peterson:

American Sniper depicts the life story of Chris Kyle, a Texas cowboy who realizes in his thirties that his talents would be best used to fight terrorism for the United States. He decides to act on this realization and joins the Navy SEALs, becoming a sniper. After he marries, he completes several tours in Iraq which prove to be taxing on its own, however, the real struggle unfolds when he returns home to his wife and kids, now struggling with maintaining those relationships and fully understanding the reality of the war.

Review by Louise Peterson:

I was pretty thrown off when I read so many negative reviews of this film. In my opinion, Chris Kyle’s story is devastatingly tragic and American Sniper is a tremendous testament to his life and sacrifice for our country. I think that the aspects of the movie that viewers are considering to be “propaganda” are accurate depictions of how Chris Kyle felt about his country and how he worked to cope with the atrocities that he faced. Overall, I found this movie to extremely well done, as there is no perfect way to accurately depict a war story. Bradley Cooper showed what he’s capable of, while Clint Eastwood directed a well-balanced movie, probably the best war movie I’ve seen.

Oscar Prediction by Louise Peterson:

Due to all of the negative feedback that the film received, I’d be surprised if this film won Best Picture. Bradley Cooper’s performance, however, was exceptional, so I see him as a real contender for Best Actor. I also think the storyline was well adapted, so I think that it has a chance to take home an Oscar in Best Writing. 

Need to know:

Directed by: Alejandro González Iñárritu

Written by: Alejandro González Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Armando Bo

Golden Globes: Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, Best Screenplay

Starring: Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts

Nominations: Best Motion Picture, Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Achievement in Cinematography, Achievement in Directing, Achievement in Sound Editing, Achievement in Sound Mixing, Original Screenplay

Synopsis by Natalie Altman:

Riggan Thomas was once a famous actor known for playing a popular superhero named Birdman. Now, more than twenty years later, he is haunted by his alter-ego and is hoping he can finally reestablish himself as an artist, actor and director by putting together, starring and acting in his own Broadway show. Unfortunately, as opening night approaches, Riggan’s grasp on reality and sanity continues to loosen.

Review by Natalie Altman:

I went into Birdman with an open mind, truly not knowing what to expect, yet hoping for the best. While it was entertaining and definitely made some very interesting points about the world of performing arts as well as society as a whole, I felt that the entire movie was one man’s list of complaints about how the whole world had turned against him. The movie was initially intriguing. The plot-line seemed to have promise and I was interested to see what would happen to such troubled characters, but as the story progressed I simply was exhausted by all the complaining and couldn’t wait for it to end. Simply, the movie felt tedious and every little issue was over exaggerated.

Oscar Prediction by Natalie Altman:

While I personally would not recommend the movie, Birdman and The Grand Budapest Hotel are the top two most nominated movies (with 9 nominations each) for the Oscars, so I can definitely see it taking home at least a few awards. I can honestly say I hope it does not win Best Picture. I can easily see Michael Keaton and Edward Norton taking home the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role and Best Performance for Actor in a Supporting Role, respectively.

Need to know:

Director & Screenwriter: Richard Linklater

Producers: Richard Linklater, Jonathan Sehring, John Sloss, Cathleen Sutherland

Actors: Patricia Arquette, Ellar Coltrane, Lorelei Linklater, Ethan Hawke

Golden Globes: Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Director - Motion Picture and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Oscar Nominations: Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Achievement in Directing, Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Best Achievement in Editing

Synopsis by Olivia Malvisi:

Boyhood follows a family of four over the span of 12 years, from 2002 to 2014.  In just two hours, the viewer is presented with family dinners, birthdays, graduations, divorces and everything in between.  An ode to growing up, parenting and the many struggles that accompany both, this film presents a true and honest look at life.  

Review by Olivia Malvisi:

This movie is so honest, which makes it so relatable.  As college students, we can really identify with the characters and what they are going through.  One of the best parts of the movie is how accurately it represents America’s culture and society during each year from 2002-2014.  It is so fun to see the songs and outfits from 2002 and be able to relate to them and it makes you reflect on your own life and growing up.  Definitely a movie that all college students should see, as we struggle with growing up and becoming an adult

Review by Grace Carita:

Although “Boyhood” is intriguing in concept, it is somewhat disappointing in plot. Linklater certainly deserves to be lauded for his ingenuity, and the beginning few scenes of his film set the stage for a compelling climax and conclusion. However, after the bemused excitement of seeing slightly older actors in each scene wears off, the plot begins to trail off and become outright depressing. For those who are not fond of preachy, “what’s-the-meaning-of-life” movies, or for those who are looking for a quick pick-me-up On Demand, avoid “Boyhood.” But for those who like movies that really make you think (and maybe even cry), this is just the film for you.

Review by Margaret Hilton:

What I found most striking about Boyhood was how it drew the audience in unlike any other film I have seen. As a viewer, you find yourself fully immersed in the life of young Mason and develop a deep compassionate empathy for him as you watch him go through puberty, enter high school, and eventually transition to college. Even from the very start of the movie, I found myself wanting to adopt young Mason as it was difficult to watch him be forced into abusive living situations through no fault of his own. Boyhood touches on the powerful themes of family, growing up, and growing apart. For a production that did not have much glitz or glamour in it, Boyhood remains an incredibly mesmerizing film.

Oscar Prediction by Olivia Malvisi:

There is a very high chance that Boyhood will walk home with the Oscar for Best Picture and it certainly deserves it. This film is so unique and the first of its kind.  It is so beautifully crafted that in just two hours you are presented with a harrowing coming of age story that is so relatable for Americans of all ages.  It has set the stage for cinematography in the future and deserves to be credited! 

Need to know:

Director & Screenplay: Wes Anderson

Inspired by stories by Stefan Zweig

Produced by: Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales, Jeremy Dawson

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Matieu Amalric

Golden Globes: Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical

Nominations: Best Motion Picture of the Year; Best Achievement in Directing; Best Writing Directly for Screen; Best Achievement in Cinematography; Best Achievement in Editing; Best Achievement in Production Design; Best Achievement in Costume Design; Best Achievement in Make-up and Hairstyling; Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score

Synopsis by Louise Peterson:

The Grand Budapest Hotel tells the tale of Gustave H, a concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars and Zero Moustafa, a lobby boy who becomes his partner in crime. The story involves the theft of a priceless painting and the dispute over a family fortune -- all against the backdrop of a suddenly changing European continent.

Review by Louise Peterson

The Grand Budapest Hotel is an all around unique film. From the witty dialogue to the quirky aesthetic, this movie is violently funny as it moves through the plot line at an incredible speed. Although the plotline is fairly insignificant, it paints a setting for a dynamic set of characters that are beautifully thought out and executed by their respective actors. All in all, I found this movie to be extremely pleasant to watch.

Oscar Prediction by Louise Peterson

Although this is my absolute favorite movie of the year, I would be pleasantly surprised if it takes home the Oscar for Best Picture. Many of the nominated films are quite heavy dramas, so despite my adoration for The Grand Budapest Hotel, I don’t think that the Academy would give the Oscar to such a light-hearted film given the other contenders. While Best Picture may not be in the cards, I’d be very surprised if the film didn’t win for Best Cinematography, Best Directing, and Best Writing. 

Need to know:

Director: Morten Tyldum

Writer: Graham Moore

Producer: Ido Ostrowsky,Nora Grossman, Teddy Schwarzman

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goods, Rory Kinnear, Allen Leach

Nominations: Best Picture, Actor in leading role, Actress in a supporting role, directing, film editing, music (original score), production design, writing (adapted screenplay),

Synopsis by Courtney Buckworth: The Imitation Game is a moving film that depicts history in a beautiful way. It follows the story of Alan Turing, a mathematician who led a super secret team during World War II and whose main goal was to break the German secret code. Through painstaking defeats and hardships involving cracking the code, Turing must also hide his sexuality, being that homosexuality was illegal at England at the time.

Review by Courtney Buckworth:It is not very often that a film leaves me with tears in my eyes and goosebumps covering my shocked body. After seeing this film, I found myself inspired, depressed, and happy; a wide range of emotions that left me obsessed with this plot line. Aside from being educational and eye-opening into details about World War 2 that were secret up until a few years ago, it also explores the controversy that surrounded homosexuality, demonstrating the hardships and perils faced by homosexuals of the time period. It tells a story of both triumph and defeat. For the entire film, we root for the main character to crack the code, but, in the end, he dies a defeated man after committing suicide. It was a very difficult task for a director to tell such a conflicting and sad story in an inspirational way, yet I somehow felt moved emotionally and happily by the conclusion of the film. I would highly recommend this film.

Oscar Prediction by Courtney Buckworth:Although I have only seen a few other movies nominated for Best Picture, I can honestly say that I would love it if this film were to win. With an inspirational soundtrack, brilliant cast, and moving storyline, the film does more than just tell a story; it brings up important societal issues and demands change.  If the movie itself doesn’t win (which will make me mad), then Benedict Cumberbatch definitely deserves to win Best Actor in a Leading Role. Benedict Cumberbatch gave an outstanding performance, truly capturing the passion, intensity, and eventual sadness that Alan Turing must underwent through captivating facial expressions and delivery of lines. And, if he doesn’t win, I just hope the movie gets some sort of the honor it deserves with its multiple other nominations. This was the most inspirational film I have seen in a long time; it was interesting, historical, vibrant, unordinary, captivating, triumphant, and sad. I am very anxious to see who will go home with titles after the Oscars this Sunday.

Need to know:

Director:  Ava DuVernay

Starring: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Jim France, Oprah Winfrey

Writer: Paul Webb

Producers: Christian Colson, Oprah Winfrey, Jeremy Kleiner, Dede Gardner

Music: Jason Moran and Mario Grigorov

Casting Director: Billy Hopkins

Costume Design: Ruth E. Carter

Golden Globes: Best Original Song

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture and Best Original Song

Synopsis by Emma Halper:

The film follows Martin Luther King Jr. and his mission to achieve voting rights equality in the small, southern town of Selma, Alabama. King leads a controversial march from Selma to Montgomery and constantly finds himself in the face of violence and racial unrest while trying to achieve the unthinkable in the segregated setting of the South in 1965.

Review by Emma Halper:

The film was extremely well done and very moving. It was an incredible combination of historically informative and powerful. The characters did a spectacular job at conveying the emotions and hardships of being discriminated against, and the strength required to overcome adversity and inequality. The actors’ performances are replete with passion and emphasize the importance of perseverance and dignity.

Oscar Prediction by Emma Halper:

Selma is one of the most powerful movies I have ever seen and I strongly hope that it wins for best picture. The film is very relevant in the recent flare-ups of racial issues throughout the country and there are many connections between these instances and King’s journey for equality throughout the film. This historical relevance definitely boosts the importance of the film. The subject matter paired with the impeccable acting performances certainly makes Selma a prime contender for Best Film. 

Need to know:

Director: James Marsh

Main Writing Credits: Anthony McCarten (screenplay), Jane Hawking(book)

Producers: Tim Bevan Lisa Bruce, Eric Fellner

Music: Jóhann Jóhannsson

Cinematography: Benoît Delhomme

Film Editing: Jinx Godfrey

Casting: Nina Gold

Production Design: John Paul Kelly

Set Decoration: Claire Nia Richards

Costume Design: Steven Noble

Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones,  Charlie Cox, Emily Watson, Simon McBurney, Christian McKay, David Thewlis

Oscar Nominations: Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Performer by Actor in a Leading Role, Best Performer by Actress in a Leading Role, Best Writing- Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Picture s- Original Score

Synopsis by Shira Tarlo:

The Theory of Everything chronicles the life of an English astrophysics student Stephen Hawking. At Cambridge University, Hawking falls in love with fellow collegian, Jane Wilde. At age 21, Hawking learns that he has motor neuron disease. Despite this-- and with Jane at his side --he begins to intensively study time; of which he is told he has very little.  He and Jane defy terrible odds and break new ground in the fields of medicine and science, achieving more than either could hope to imagine.

Review by Shira Tarlo:

The Theory of Everything is nothing short of the classic love story. As Stephen and Jane surmount obstacles, defy the odds, and make groundbreaking revelations in physics, their romance doesn’t seem that different than the typical college romance: mysterious and innocent at first, and then all encompassing. Instead of focusing so extremely on Hawking and Wilde’s love story, the film should have emphasized Hawking’s world-changing scientific discoveries and his striking defeat of the doctors’ assertions.

Review by Louise Peterson:

Unlike Stephen Hawking’s Theory of Relativity, The Theory of Everything was half-baked. I had high expectations for this film, as Hawking’s life story is tremendous in itself, and concurrently, his wife’s side to the story is just as intriguing. Yet, this film failed to chose a focus. The story line jumped back and forth between highlighting Hawking’s scientific achievements and his personal life with no fluidity whatsoever. And was the main character meant to be Jane? Or Stephen? Because even after finishing the movie, I still don’t know what director James Marsh was going for. Despite a beautiful premise and a talented cast, this film failed to make the mark.  

Oscar Prediction by Louise Peterson:

Nope, not a contender for Best Picture. Again, The Theory of Everything is built around a great story, but fails to do it justice. As for Best Actor and Actress, I think Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne did a fabulous job. The music was splendid, as well, so I think that The Theory of Everything still has a chance to take home a few Oscars in some of the other categories aside from Best Film.

Need to know:

Director: Damien Chazelle

Main Writing Credits: Damien Chazelle

Executive Producers: Jeanette Brill, Jason Reitman, Couper Samuelson, Gary Michael Walters

Producers: Jason Blum, Helen Estabrook, David Lancaster, Michel Litvak

Music: Jason Hurwitz

Cinematography: Sharone Meir (Director of Photography)

Film Editing: Tom Cross

Casting: Terri Taylor

Production Design: Melanie Jones

Art Direction: Hunter Brown

Set Decoration: Karuna Karmarkar

Costume Design: Lisa Norcia

Starring: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons (Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role), Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist

Oscar Nominations: Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Performer by Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Writing- Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published, Best Achievement in Editing, Best Achievement in Sound Mixing

Synopsis by Staci Dubow:

Whiplash chronicles 19-year-old Andrew Neiman’s time as a music student at a prestigious New York Conservatory.  Neiman’s band teacher, Terrence Fletcher uses fear and intimidation to push his student’s to “musical excellence.”  Over the course of the film, the deep inner turmoil of the characters is revealed, driving the unpredictable, and heart-wrenching plot.

Review by Kendall O’Brien:

Whiplash was easily one of the best movies I have ever seen. The simple storyline, yet unpredictable plot created a magnificent skeleton for the movie that could have easily crumbled in the hands of a poor director. But in Damien Chazelle’s expert hands, Whiplash takes you prisoner. Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller)’s raw desire to be great combined with Terence Fletcher (JK Simmons)’s emotional and physical brutality work their magic to create a powerful spell.

Oscar Prediction by Jen Lassen:

YES! I hope Whiplash wins for Best Picture. I haven’t seen every Oscar Best Picture Nominee yet, but Whiplash was a cinema experience unlike any other I’ve had before. It was intense, heart wrenching, funny, poignant, interesting, and a great insight into the world of competitive jazz...much like the world of competitive sports, but with an artistic twist. I loved the film for its honesty, cinematography, and character development and I really enjoyed the music. What I think sets Whiplash apart from films like Boyhood and The Grand Budapest Hotel is that this film shows you an ugly side of humanity that I think we’re rarely exposed to (if ever): the psychological manipulation, self-torture, and obsessive nature associated with becoming “a true great.”