I have failed to see many (most?) of the Oscar-nominated movies this year, alas, in time for the Academy Awards. But 1) I have seen
The Martian (surprisingly upbeat!) 2) last night we saw
Spotlight, as it's out on DVD (devastating, wonderful!) 3) I did see
Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which is nominated for film editing, and 4) I read
Brooklyn, by Colm Toibin, and will seek out the movie when I can.
Likewise, I will seek out the books for the other movies based on books, and I suppose this was part of my delay, wanting to read the book first!
Both kids highly recommended
The Revenant, and it is still here in town, so, who knows? Maybe we will see it tonight!
Likewise, I could still see some of the other movies if I can find the DVD at the library later today, but...I might not. (As staff, I often feel guilty checking out the newest movies--like
Straight Outta Compton--until patrons have had a chance. But that didn't stop me with
Spotlight, since there were multiple copies left at closing time!) I have seen
Cinderella, nominated for costume design. Yes! Fabulous gowns, and, yes, I might watch the Oscars, especially the red-carpet pre-show, primarily for the gowns.
As it's Slattern Day in the blog, I'm not planning to wash anything but my hair, but I do want to comment on my untidy mind. More than once in the last week, I have signed onto the Internet intending to do one thing, then checked social media, attended to email duties, etc., and
forgotten to do the one thing before signing out...and having to sign back on to fulfill my duty or intention. Sigh...
Sometimes I write my blog that way, too.
I'm waiting for Spotlight to get here! I enjoyed The Martian but don't think it was in any way stupendous. The Revenant was an orgy of pain and hardship.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, re: The Revenant. We did see the late show. Very powerful, and a good one to see on the big screen, as our kids advised.
ReplyDeleteI loved Brooklyn -- had already read the novel (as I am a huge Toibin fan; have you read his book on Elizabeth Bishop?). Movie had a more satisfying ending than did the book and, I agree, it was a gorgeous movie. Martian and Big Short -- seen, not read. I think we are actually sisters. Or, as my friend Therese says, "Sistahs!"
ReplyDeleteAs staff I rarely check out the new movies. I can't get through the new audiobooks in the two-week/no renewal loan period, so I pass on most of those. I did watch a new DVD of Francois Truffault's Day For Night last weekend and don't miss it if you have the chance.
ReplyDeleteI love that we are both working at libraries! I have only listened to one audiobook ever and it had problems. As staff, I could identify the one disc that could not be cleaned into effectiveness and will have to be replaced. So I guess I'm good for something!
ReplyDeleteI saw Room (and read the book) and enjoyed it very much (which surprised me because of the subject -- it's actually a very hopeful movie). I also say the Martian (and read the book) and while I enjoyed it, I didn't think it was that impressive. Last night, I finally watched Spotlight and thought it was very interesting, with a great ensemble cast. There are other Oscar nomination movies I do want to see, including Mad Max and The Revenant, but am a little scared to do so since both are very violent movies.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen. I read "Brooklyn" a few weeks ago. Someone lent it to me, and I wasn't expecting I'd enjoy it - looked a bit too chick-lit for me. But I found it engrossing, and loved Toibin's understated style.
ReplyDeleteThen I read a few reviews of the book and was surprised how many people thought that the protagonist was selfish, and only went back to the guy in Brooklyn because she was "caught out" by the horrible shop keeper she used to work for.
I re-read the relevant part of the story, and, the way I read it, she decided to go back BEFORE she got caught out.
The Revenant is indeed violent, Karen, and I cringed and squirmed and uttered a bit in my movie seat, but certainly gripping throughout and powerful at the end, leaving me pondering the choices made. We also watched Mad Max: Fury Road and I was watching closely for the feminist aspect, which was there. I did like Brooklyn as a book and am eager to see how the movie handles all the subtle, internal stuff. I will watch closely for what you've noted, Jeronimus!
ReplyDelete