Rss

  • linkedin

Archives for : cinematography

Predicting the Winners: 96th Academy Awards

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 2, 2024
0

Category: Movie Reviews, Special Events, Special Features

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

  • Bradley Cooper in “Maestro”
  • Colman Domingo in “Rustin”
  • Paul Giamatti in “The Holdovers”
  • Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer”
  • Jeffrey Wright in “American Fiction”

Will Win: Cillian Murphy

Could Win: Paul Giamatti

Want to Win: Bradley Cooper or Jeffrey Wright

Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

  • Sterling K. Brown in “American Fiction”
  • Robert De Niro in “Killers of the Flower Moon”
  • Robert Downey Jr. in “Oppenheimer”
  • Ryan Gosling in “Barbie”
  • Mark Ruffalo in “Poor Things”

Will Win: Rober Downey Jr.

Could Win: No Contest

Want to Win: Ryan Gosling

Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

  • Annette Bening in “Nyad”
  • Lily Gladstone in “Killers of the Flower Moon”
  • Sandra Hüller in “Anatomy of a Fall”
  • Carey Mulligan in “Maestro”
  • Emma Stone in “Poor Things”

Will Win: Lily Gladstone

Could Win: Emma Stone

Want to Win: Carey Mulligan or Lily Gladstone

Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

  • Emily Blunt in “Oppenheimer”
  • Danielle Brooks in “The Color Purple”
  • America Ferrera in “Barbie”
  • Jodie Foster in “Nyad”
  • Da’Vine Joy Randolph in “The Holdovers”

Will Win: Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Could Win: No Contest

Want to Win: Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year

  • “The Boy and the Heron” Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki
  • “Elemental” Peter Sohn and Denise Ream
  • “Nimona” Nick Bruno, Troy Quane, Karen Ryan and Julie Zackary
  • “Robot Dreams” Pablo Berger, Ibon Cormenzana, Ignasi Estapé and Sandra Tapia Díaz
  • “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Amy Pascal

Will Win: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Could Win: The Boy and the Heron

Want to Win: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Achievement in Cinematography

  • “El Conde” Edward Lachman
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Rodrigo Prieto
  • “Maestro” Matthew Libatique
  • “Oppenheimer” Hoyte van Hoytema
  • “Poor Things” Robbie Ryan

Will Win: Oppenheimer

Could Win: Poor Things

Want to Win: Maestro

Achievement in Costume Design

  • “Barbie” Jacqueline Durran
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Jacqueline West
  • “Napoleon” Janty Yates and Dave Crossman
  • “Oppenheimer” Ellen Mirojnick
  • “Poor Things” Holly Waddington

Will Win: Barbie

Could Win: Poor Things

Want to Win: Barbie

Achievement in Directing

  • “Anatomy of a Fall” Justine Triet
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Martin Scorsese
  • “Oppenheimer” Christopher Nolan
  • “Poor Things” Yorgos Lanthimos
  • “The Zone of Interest” Jonathan Glazer

Will Win: Christopher Nolan

Could Win: No Contest

Want to Win: Christopher Nolan

Best Documentary Feature Film

  • “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” Moses Bwayo, Christopher Sharp and John Battsek
  • “The Eternal Memory” Nominees to be determined
  • “Four Daughters” Kaouther Ben Hania and Nadim Cheikhrouha
  • “To Kill a Tiger” Nisha Pahuja, Cornelia Principe and David Oppenheim
  • “20 Days in Mariupol” Mstyslav Chernov, Michelle Mizner and Raney Aronson-Rath

Will Win: 20 Days in Mariupol

Could Win: Four Daughters

Want to Win: 20 Days in Mariupol

Best Documentary Short Film

  • “The ABCs of Book Banning” Sheila Nevins and Trish Adlesic
  • “The Barber of Little Rock” John Hoffman and Christine Turner
  • “Island in Between” S. Leo Chiang and Jean Tsien
  • “The Last Repair Shop” Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers
  • “Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó” Sean Wang and Sam Davis

Will Win: The Last Repair Shop

Could Win: The Barber of Little Rock

Want to Win: The Last Repair Shop or The ABCs of Book Banning

Achievement in Film Editing

  • “Anatomy of a Fall” Laurent Sénéchal
  • “The Holdovers” Kevin Tent
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Thelma Schoonmaker
  • “Oppenheimer” Jennifer Lame
  • “Poor Things” Yorgos Mavropsaridis

Will Win: Oppenheimer

Could Win: Poor Things

Want to Win: Oppenheimer

Best International Feature Film of the Year

  • “Io Capitano” Italy
  • “Perfect Days” Japan
  • “Society of the Snow” Spain
  • “The Teachers’ Lounge” Germany
  • “The Zone of Interest” United Kingdom

Will Win: The Zone of Interest

Could Win: Society of Snow

Want to Win: The Zone of Interest

Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling

  • “Golda” Karen Hartley Thomas, Suzi Battersby and Ashra Kelly-Blue
  • “Maestro” Kazu Hiro, Kay Georgiou and Lori McCoy-Bell
  • “Oppenheimer” Luisa Abel
  • “Poor Things” Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier and Josh Weston
  • “Society of the Snow” Ana López-Puigcerver, David Martí and Montse Ribé

Will Win: Maestro

Could Win: Poor Things

Want to Win: Maestro

Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original score)

  • “American Fiction” Laura Karpman
  • “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” John Williams
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Robbie Robertson
  • “Oppenheimer” Ludwig Göransson
  • “Poor Things” Jerskin Fendrix

Will Win: Oppenheimer

Could Win: Poor Things

Want to Win: American Fiction

Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original song)

  • “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot”
    Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
  • “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie”
    Music and Lyric by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt
  • “It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony”
    Music and Lyric by Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson
  • “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon”
    Music and Lyric by Scott George
  • “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”
    Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell

Will Win: “What Was I Made For”

Could Win: “I’m Just Ken”

Want to Win: “I’m Just Ken”

Best Motion Picture of the Year

  • “American Fiction” Ben LeClair, Nikos Karamigios, Cord Jefferson and Jermaine Johnson, Producers
  • “Anatomy of a Fall” Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion, Producers
  • “Barbie” David Heyman, Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, Producers
  • “The Holdovers” Mark Johnson, Producer
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Martin Scorsese and Daniel Lupi, Producers
  • “Maestro” Bradley Cooper, Steven Spielberg, Fred Berner, Amy Durning and Kristie Macosko Krieger, Producers
  • “Oppenheimer” Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Christopher Nolan, Producers
  • “Past Lives” David Hinojosa, Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, Producers
  • “Poor Things” Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone, Producers
  • “The Zone of Interest” James Wilson, Producer

Will Win: Oppenheimer

Could Win: Barbie

Want to Win: Barbie or American Fiction

Achievement in Production Design

  • “Barbie” Production Design: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Adam Willis
  • “Napoleon” Production Design: Arthur Max; Set Decoration: Elli Griff
  • “Oppenheimer” Production Design: Ruth De Jong; Set Decoration: Claire Kaufman
  • “Poor Things” Production Design: James Price and Shona Heath; Set Decoration: Zsuzsa Mihalek

Will Win: Barbie

Could Win: Poor Things

Want to Win: Poor Things or Barbie

Best Animated Short Film

  • “Letter to a Pig” Tal Kantor and Amit R. Gicelter
  • “Ninety-Five Senses” Jerusha Hess and Jared Hess
  • “Our Uniform” Yegane Moghaddam
  • “Pachyderme” Stéphanie Clément and Marc Rius
  • “WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko” Dave Mullins and Brad Booker

Will Win: WAR IS OVER!

Could Win: Letter to a Pig

Want to Win: WAR IS OVER or Our Uniform

Best Live Action Short Film

  • “The After” Misan Harriman and Nicky Bentham
  • “Invincible” Vincent René-Lortie and Samuel Caron
  • “Knight of Fortune” Lasse Lyskjær Noer and Christian Norlyk
  • “Red, White and Blue” Nazrin Choudhury and Sara McFarlane
  • “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” Wes Anderson and Steven Rales

Will Win: Red, White and Blue

Could Win: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar

Want to Win: Red, White and Blue

Achievement in Sound

  • “The Creator” Ian Voigt, Erik Aadahl, Ethan Van der Ryn, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic
  • “Maestro” Steven A. Morrow, Richard King, Jason Ruder, Tom Ozanich and Dean Zupancic
  • “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” Chris Munro, James H. Mather, Chris Burdon and Mark Taylor
  • “Oppenheimer” Willie Burton, Richard King, Gary A. Rizzo and Kevin O’Connell
  • “The Zone of Interest” Tarn Willers and Johnnie Burn

Will Win: Oppenheimer

Could Win: The Zone of Interest

Want to Win: Maestro

Achievement in Visual Effects

  • “The Creator” Jay Cooper, Ian Comley, Andrew Roberts and Neil Corbould
  • “Godzilla Minus One” Takashi Yamazaki, Kiyoko Shibuya, Masaki Takahashi and Tatsuji Nojima
  • “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” Stephane Ceretti, Alexis Wajsbrot, Guy Williams and Theo Bialek
  • “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” Alex Wuttke, Simone Coco, Jeff Sutherland and Neil Corbould
  • “Napoleon” Charley Henley, Luc-Ewen Martin-Fenouillet, Simone Coco and Neil Corbould

Will Win: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Could Win: Godzilla Minus One

Want to Win: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Adapted Screenplay

  • “American Fiction” Written for the screen by Cord Jefferson
  • “Barbie” Written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach
  • “Oppenheimer” Written for the screen by Christopher Nolan
  • “Poor Things” Screenplay by Tony McNamara
  • “The Zone of Interest” Written by Jonathan Glazer

Will Win: Barbie

Could Win: American Fiction

Want to Win: American Fiction or Barbie

Original Screenplay

  • “Anatomy of a Fall” Screenplay – Justine Triet and Arthur Harari
  • “The Holdovers” Written by David Hemingson
  • “Maestro” Written by Bradley Cooper & Josh Singer
  • “May December” Screenplay by Samy Burch; Story by Samy Burch & Alex Mechanik
  • “Past Lives” Written by Celine Song

Will Win: Anatomy of a Fall

Could Win: Past Lives

Want to Win: May December

THE OSCARS ARE SET TO AIR LIVE, MARCH 10, ON ABC

Movie Review: “The Green Knight” and “Paper Spiders”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : July 28, 2021
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

David Lowery is an Irving High School alum who has gone on to make critically acclaimed films like “Pete’s Dragon” and “A Ghost Story”. His new movie, “The Green Knight,” is a Medieval, fantasy re-telling of Sir Gawain based on the 14th century Arthurian poem. Watch the video below to find out my thoughts on the movie, along with a review of the independent film, “Paper Spiders”, starring Lili Taylor (“The Conjuring”).

“The Green Knight” opens in theaters July 30, 2021 and “Paper Spiders” is available to rent on various VOD platforms.

Share

Movie Review: “Voyagers” Gets Lost in Space

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 9, 2021
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Neil Burger’s new sci-fi thriller, “Voyagers” fails to make any significant impact.

The start of the film explains how earth is growing hotter. Drought and disease have caused severe damage to the population. Scientists are looking for a new planet that can support human life, and they find one in 2063. They decide to send a group bioengineered teens into space in order to populate the new world that is hundreds of light years away. The trip will take them 86 years. Meaning their future grandkids will be the ones carrying out the end of the mission. The only adult on board is Richard (Colin Ferrell), who leads and counsels the kids as if they were his own. To prevent chaos and create order, the teens are given a “blue drink” that has essentially been drugging them, and inhibits them from feeling, really, anything. Two of the voyagers, Christopher (Tye Sheridan) and Zac (Fionn Whitehead), figure this out. Zac angrily stops taking the substance, then all hell breaks loose.

Suddenly, the movie turns into “Lord of the Flies” IN SPACE. It becomes so predictable and wild, that you just want to skip to the end. It’s not that the storyline is boring. In fact, at times it can be engaging; but it offers nothing new. The beginning makes you think this familiar tale will have a refreshing spin. But when it’s over, you’re left wondering if this really needed to be a movie?

Story wise, “Voyagers” is nothing special. But perhaps, the purpose was to showcase the talented, young actors. However, most of their impressive diverse cast were merely background noise. The film primarily focuses on Sheridan, Whitehead and Lily-Rose Depp, who plays Sela. Depp and Sheridan play off each other well and have great chemistry, but the film never dives too deep with its characters. We get to know everyone at a surface level, except for maybe Zac whose villain-like qualities gradually grow, the more jealous he gets of Christopher.

“Voyagers” is well shot. The cinematography by Enrique Chediak is beautiful. The music by Trevor Gureckis compliments the tone of the film, and provides the right amount of suspense.

Burger’s script is not bad, either, it just feels derivative. It’s disappointing when the premise of the film allowed for so much more. I mostly wish we explored the other world. The concept is realistic, and it would have been interesting to learn more about why they chose to create new life on this particular planet. Instead, “Voyagers” chooses to focus on the characters resenting their isolation, and their lack of “feeling”. They want to take advantage of getting to experience pain and all sorts of pleasure. This raises the question of whether or not they prefer a wild-life of “freedom”, or to go back to their routine, monotonous life that serves a greater purpose; one they won’t be alive to see come to fruition.

“Voyagers” may still be worth the watch for purely entertainment purposes. It’s plays out like a teen drama you’d watch on the CW. So if that’s your cup of tea, then this film is right up your alley. Otherwise, keep your expectations low, and be prepared for a rushed and underwhelming ending.

Rating: 2/5

Share

Movie Review: News of the World is an Enjoyable Ride

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : December 19, 2020
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The last time director Paul Greengrass and Tom Hanks worked together was for “Captain Phillips”. A solid movie that was strong in its performances, but lacking in its story. Now, the two have teamed up again, and Hanks plays an even better Captain in the film, “News of the World”.

Hanks stars as Captain Kyle Kidd, a war veteran who travels from town to town five years after the Civil War, to read the news across Texas. But this man doesn’t just read the news, he brings life to it with his energy and storytelling; almost like a performance. He entertains the crowds at each stop with his loud, commanding voice.

While on his news tour, Kidd stumbles across a 10-year old girl which he names Johanna (Helena Zengel). She’s found abandoned on the road. She was raised by the Kiowa tribe, and doesn’t speak any English. Once Kidd realizes Johanna has no one to help her, he takes it upon himself to get her to her aunt and uncle’s farm near San Antonio. But this is no easy journey, and Kidd still must complete his work. Johanna tags along and watches in admiration as Kidd reads his “stories” to the towns they visit before their final destination.

“News of the World” does have some action, and there is enough intensity to keep you engaged. But be prepared for a lot of quiet and slow moments. With the exception of one shoot-out, this isn’t a very wild western. The enjoyment of the film comes from Kidd and Johanna. The two have great chemistry, and a very natural father/daughter like relationship. The dialogue between them is never forced or cheesy. The progression of the care and trust they build is incredibly heartwarming. They are both troubled and lost, but they find a home in each other.

The film is beautifully shot with luminous cinematography by Dariusz Wolski, and has a fantastic production design by David Crank. The exteriors of this film are wonderful, but what gives this movie life is the heart behind the two lead characters.

“News of the World” is an unconventional western. But regardless of your genre preference, Hanks and Zengel will win you over.

Rating: 4/5

“News of the World” opens in theaters December 25 and On Demand in January.

Movie Review: “The Other Lamb” Needs more Meat

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 3, 2020
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lots of intrigue from the start, only to fall flat in the end. “The Other Lamb” fails to seek it’s full potential.

“The Other Lamb” begins with two young girls eerily sitting by a waterfall. It is clear there is something off with them. When they return home, it is to one man and a bunch of different women; some who may have been conceived out of incest. Michiel Huisman (Game of Thrones) plays the cult leader who goes by Shepard. He has taken in weak and vulnerable women, brought them into a secluded forest to brainwash and isolate them from the modern world. The film follows, Selah (Raffey Cassidy), a young girl who is questioning the Shepard’s teachings.

The only real storyline is Selah’s slow realization that the women’s treatment is not right and what she discovers about her mother’s death. Director Malgorzata Szumowska and writer C.S. McMullen opt to give more of a visual telling over a compelling narrative. This allows the audience to stay interested in the movie, but not invested in the story or its characters.

Though we gain some sort of background from Selah, it’s not enough to really know how she ended up here in the first place? Who was her mother? What led to her meeting the Shepard? How did any of these women get sucked into this warped reality? These questions and much more are left unanswered. The film even shys away from showing the extent of the Shepard’s cruelty. We’re aware of his sexual and violent acts, but being able to witness just one horrendous action would strike more anger and empathy for these women.

However, not all is lost. The cinematography by Michal Englert successfully utilizes graphic shots of mangled animals to parallel Selah’s growing body and her inner conflicts. The film is beautifully shot and at times leads you to believe something bigger is going to happen here.

The film relies too much on it’s visuals and score (Rafael Leloup & Pawel Mykieytn) to make up for it’s lack of content. The performances are decent, but that actors aren’t given enough meat to chew. Cassidy has her moments, but even the talents of Huisman are under utilized.

The slow-burn intensity of “The Other Lamb” mildly entertains, but ultimately leaves you unsatisfied.

Rating: 2.5/5

“The Other Lamb” is available on VOD and other digital platforms on April 3

Share