I disagree on the comment that Brokeback should have won the oscar and not Crash. Crash is an excellent movie which tackles issues such as racism and insecurity, with such audacity that no movie has even done before. I do agree that Brokeback is a very well made movie as well, but just because it is based on a theme that is not totally accepted yet in the American society does not justify the fact that it should be given an Oscar. The best movie deserved to win and not the most controversial. To cut the story short, Crash was a better movie and the Oscar voters nailed it.
I can't understand what really is your grouse. On the one hand you say they are so predictable it was almost boring, on the other hand you say the academy is spineless !! Pick one side.
Hey Mr.Sen, Yeah I feel so too, I agree with you on the point that films that really make a difference are not awarded especially The Insider, sideways and eternal sunshine..., but dont you think that this time the social relevance and impact of a movie have more to do than sensitivity and poignance, I know you don't but that could be a factor in Crash getting the best film oscar. It can be said that the academy is driven by cowardice but it also could be that we are only looking at one side of the coin, this is strictly this year but in the past years your diagnosis was really precise.
Raja:I do agree to few of your comments.I think Leonardo should be embarassed that he did a movie called 'Titanic' - especially after performances in Aviator, Gangs of New York. Garden State was an amazing movie - which could have gone head to head with Lost in Translation, since both of them are dealing with similar themes.Hillary Swank did an amazing job, but Annette Benning was supreme in her performance in Being Julia. Probably if she had a bloody face and not so happy ending, with a tragic tone, she might have got the oscar. Chicago, Moulen Rouge - Oscar worthy? Hell no! Brave Effort? absolutely- hence the oscar- but it can never touch Kelly's creation like 'An American in Paris' or even the more complex 'Xanadu'.Raja - Crash is an all American theme - trust me, I live here and everything which that movie showed is taken from our day to day life - Brokeback is a good movie but with no relevance to the American daily life. You should EXPERIENCE U.S. first before commenting on CRASH- else SHUT UP! Btw, Desi awards are a joke.I showed Black to all my American friends and few local critics,halfway through the movie they agreed its a copy.Bhansali doesn't have guts to admit this!
With due respect to the makers of Brokeback mountain, the issue it tackled, while "powerful and brave" was as relevant as the one in Crash. Crash was filled with as much hope and hopelessness as its contender, the film was much more complex, and was edited perfectly. The best film won- and I don't think I'm alone in thinking this either.
Dear Mr. Sen, I throughly disagree with your column because in my opinion the best film did win on the night. I saw more than 400 films last year, including all of the nominated ones and very few left a lasting impact as "Crash" did. Yes, "Brokeback" is a very good film, but I think the Academy got it right by giving Ang Lee the director's prize, since it was his vision that was the main element. The film as such is not something which I may remember over the years. Movies are meant to be entertaining. After all they are in a business of making money. So I feel your attitude towards big budget pictures a little condescending. Academy chooses 5 best films of the year period. If they happen to be independent features, so be it. Else I am perfectly happy for them to be blockbusters like "Spiderman 2" which was in the end a very good movie. It is very easy for disgruntled people to say that Oscars are over-rated. Only those who don't have one say that. Even Altman who doesn't exactly see eye-to-eye with the powers, was humbled by the experience. Justice was done on Sunday night just as last year when "Million dollar..", although not my favorite film, was certainly the best one.
I would like to disagree with the author on the best movie award. Crash was a very well made film with an interesting plot. the director did an awesome job in potraying the lives in LA and to an extent in the USA.
I was so disappointed that George Clooney didnt get award for his direction. And worst thing was Good night and good luck didnt get any award...So bad!
Raja whatever you have mentioned not only makes sense but I agree to that in whole and soul quite ironically. Yes even I myself was thinking of the same 'keep everybody happy' attitude displayed at this year's Oscars. And your comments on brokeback mountain not being recognised as the best motion picture is quite justified even from my point of view. I guess the Oscars didnt want to take the risk of putting economics at stake and bringing social obligations and responsibilities to the forefront. Not quite expected of them.