It is really good to read Mr Sarris' reasoning and selections - convoluted or not.
Though I'm not going to run through the whole list, I have a couple of comments. I only just saw 'Juno' (which is not out this side of the pond) - but managed to get to see two previews and it is almost everything I had hoped for following Mr Sarris' high recommendation. I would not be unhappy if it won Best Picture, but remain convinced that 'Atonement' is a superior film - largely because of its structure and the profundity of its theme. This is not to say that Diablo Cody's amazing debut script is slight, just that Christopher Hampton's adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel is sensational - which is why I think that he should (not will) win best adapted screenplay.
Like Mr Sarris, I find 'No Country for Old Men' too bleak and hopeless, but continue to admire the Coens for their beautiful and visually articulate style. (The other best picture nominees I haven't seen and, for that reason, wouldn't like to comment on the Best Actor choices). I do not see Johnny Depp and Viggo Mortenson as particularly strong contenders.
For actress I would go with Julie Christie, mainly because of the challenge of the rôle, and, however charming, Ellen Page didn't seem *that* good in 'Juno'. And I agree about Cate Blanchett for Best Supporting Actress.
Finally direction - this I think the most difficult of the choices (especially as I have yet to see the PT Anderson film). I really think all of Julian Schnabel, the Coens and Joe Wright would be very (indeed ultra-) worthy winners. Gun to my head? Schnabel for making avant garde visual aesthetics accessible to a mass audience.
It is really good to read Mr Sarris' reasoning and selections - convoluted or not.
Though I'm not going to run through the whole list, I have a couple of comments. I only just saw 'Juno' (which is not out this side of the pond) - but managed to get to see two previews and it is almost everything I had hoped for following Mr Sarris' high recommendation. I would not be unhappy if it won Best Picture, but remain convinced that 'Atonement' is a superior film - largely because of its structure and the profundity of its theme. This is not to say that Diablo Cody's amazing debut script is slight, just that Christopher Hampton's adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel is sensational - which is why I think that he should (not will) win best adapted screenplay.
Like Mr Sarris, I find 'No Country for Old Men' too bleak and hopeless, but continue to admire the Coens for their beautiful and visually articulate style. (The other best picture nominees I haven't seen and, for that reason, wouldn't like to comment on the Best Actor choices). I do not see Johnny Depp and Viggo Mortenson as particularly strong contenders.
For actress I would go with Julie Christie, mainly because of the challenge of the rôle, and, however charming, Ellen Page didn't seem *that* good in 'Juno'. And I agree about Cate Blanchett for Best Supporting Actress.
Finally direction - this I think the most difficult of the choices (especially as I have yet to see the PT Anderson film). I really think all of Julian Schnabel, the Coens and Joe Wright would be very (indeed ultra-) worthy winners. Gun to my head? Schnabel for making avant garde visual aesthetics accessible to a mass audience.
I hope there will not be blood...