28 February 2011

oscars

Was pretty nice sitting htere, watching some of my favorite documentaries (Banksy anyone?) and foreign films get some recognition in the mainstream - as opposed to just on message boards all over the internet. Also, was great to see that the movies I saw closely lined up with those that the academy enjoyed. Was nice to see all these great artists dressed to the nines and really had an old hollywood aura (Greta Garbo anyone?). Most of the awards I agreed with - bar sound editing and costume design - so more so than the grammys I was happy. But then it hit me out of nowhere - this whole thing is a sham.

Who are these people and what have they done to describe what they have done as "transformative" or "beautiful" or "glorious"? They are entertainers. They produce a form of entertainment that we can enjoy when we want something fun to do. They are less talented professional athletes. When Kellen Winslow tried to make his accomplishes more than just about a sporting achievement, people were appalled. When Colin Firth is allowed to go on for five minutes - speaking in something other than prose - and trying to humbly explain the accomplishments that were the King's Speech - people were on the brink of tears. It was a movie. He is not fighting for human rights, savings children in Africa, curing diseases or anything that resembles these things. He essentially puts on some makeup and does a song and dance for us for a couple hours, and then we go on our way.

What a joke...

2 comments:

  1. yup. first post i agree with 100%

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  2. If you haven't already, I suggest seeing the now Oscar-winning "Inside Job." It really speaks about the excesses of capitalism and how we can stop it. It's also narrated by Matt Damon, so you know it is good.

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