Just one more post about the 2024 Oscars

And then I'm done. I promise.

As I wrote on Monday, most of the Oscars were awarded in a way that agreed with my own preferences. That’s a rare thing in these last several woke-ified years.

Oppenheimer won in all the areas I expected except one: Best Sound. The sound in that movie was big, powerful, explosive, expressive, amazing. Especially notable was the sound that accompanied Oppenheimer’s imaginings of the atomic structure. Powerful and effective use of sound. Very good.

But I remember as the nominees were read out, thinking, “I kinda hope Zone of Interest wins this one.” That’s because it was almost the opposite use of sound as Oppenheimer. Very subtle. Very low-key. And even more powerful and moving because of it.

Zone of Interest is (to me) about the banality of evil. Also the bureaucracy of evil. I recommend it. But be warned, it’s not a lotta laughs.

I also recommend Poor Things and am glad that it won Oscars for Costume Design, Makeup and Hair Styling, and Production Design. The film is visually very beautiful and bizarre and unique. Emma Stone also won Best Actress for her performance of an extremely odd character.

A few major caveats: Poor Things is weird — uncomfortably so, sometimes. It’s almost pornographic in its sexuality. There is some very disturbing surgical insanity. There is also a very disturbing element of the sexualization of a child — kinda… sorta… but not really.

So be forewarned. I knew a little of the plot going in and expected to hate this film, but I didn’t. The journey of discovery made by the creature portrayed by Emma Stone was compelling and powerful and very interesting. I also think that Mark Ruffalo (who I wish would shut up about politics) delivers an excellent performance.

And finally, I heartily recommend American Fiction, which won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. As I said earlier in the week, it was my 2nd favorite nominated film after Oppenheimer.

Okay. There. I’m done with the Oscars for the year.

(he promised with his fingers crossed)

Naturally,

Adam