This year wasn’t the finest for films.
The focus seemed to be more on quantity rather than quality. Nevertheless, we did have some stunning actresses who graced the screen, even if some of the movies they starred in were below par.
Joanna Moore, Heather Graham, Nicole Kidman, and Cate Blanchett consistently deliver noteworthy performances.
Why are there so few romantic comedies featuring stars like Cameron Diaz and Selma Hayek, who have both style and impeccable timing? However, my standout favorite this year was Helen Hunt.
Forget about the physique; it’s the expressions on her face that truly captivate. Helen Hunt is brimming with passion and emotion. While she may not fit the conventional mold of beauty, her film choices and presence on screen elevate her to the status of the best actress of 2013.
This year’s leading men present a mixed bag. The seasoned actors seem to be banking on their past accolades and haven’t delivered a stellar performance. De Niro, Gere, Pacino, and Clooney still manage to land significant roles, but it feels like they’ve seen better days. Meanwhile, the younger generation appears more focused on their gym routines. Sure, they look fantastic with their chiseled abs, but actors like Jason Statham and Daniel Craig lean heavily towards action over substance.
It’s a tough year for one of my favorite actors – seeing Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins don a plastic mask for his role in Hitchcock is disheartening…it’s definitely time for a tissue.
Just think about it; to portray Admiral Nelson, one must lose an arm and have an eye taken out. Or if you’re playing Long John Silver, it’s a leg that needs to be discarded. Actors embody their roles. They create the fantasy.
How amusing it would have been for Hitchcock to see his creative genius obscured by a plastic disguise.
I began by lamenting the scarcity of good films this year, so how to select the best film for the Oscar?
While I enjoyed the old-timers in Last Quartet, it couldn’t quite match the brilliance of last year’s Marigold Hotel.
The Hobbit felt extensive and, at times, perplexing, especially when comparing it to the simplicity of the original book.
Every year, Tom Cruise impresses with one or two action flicks. You have to acknowledge that he offers great entertainment value. The box office success of a Tom Cruise film speaks volumes about his ability as a leading man. This might be his year for an Oscar, but I believe Sir Ian McKellen is a strong contender for best actor.
My top film choice goes to the low-budget masterpiece, The Sessions – a film marked by exceptional quality and deep emotion. I understand you may argue that it’s not a blockbuster and didn’t cost a fortune to produce.
The mainstream figures in the film industry will likely back Les Mis. Yet, one must ask, does this film hold up against previous Oscar-winning musicals? Antonio Banderas
Is it comparable to ‘My Fair Lady,’ ‘The Sound of Music,’ or even ‘Fantasia’?
Additionally, I much preferred Antonio Banderas as a feline character in ‘Puss In Boots’ compared to a larger-than-life Russell Crowe.
Should an Oscar be awarded to a film simply because the stars underwent significant weight loss? They hacked their hair and appeared disheveled throughout the movie.
The singing was somewhat satisfactory. However, I spent the entirety of the film compiling a list of actors I believed could perform the roles better.
I started with Katherine Jenkins, then moved on to Petula Clark, Cilla Black, Gracie Fields, and Vera Lynn. By the conclusion of the film, I had considered Dolly Parton, Lady Gaga, and even the Wiggles.
Les Miserables is bound to scoop multiple Oscars due to its technical accomplishments. It brilliantly portrays Paris, the costumes dazzle, and the music delights fans of the theatrical version.
But is it the finest film? …perhaps… but my choice varies from that of the die-hard fans and movie industry giants.
On Oscar night, I plan to be relaxing in my bath, listening to the Phantom Of The Opera soundtrack… but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m in for a rather miserable evening.
by Helena Bryanlith
