Just Because a film has been super hyped doesn’t mean that’s it’s a ten.
Just Because a film is about Jewish immigration doesn’t mean it’s a ten.
I worry this year’s Oscars is going to be the opposite of my Just Becauses: Emilia Perez (a 9 in creativity and an 8 story telling) and now The Brutalist (same as Emilia) will be rewarded because it’s the social cause du jour.
The real Oscar snub is Sing Sing for not getting a Best Film nom and for Clarence (same film) not getting a Best Supporting Actor nom.
This is not to say those two issues: prejudice against Jewish people (or anyone for that matter) and trans rights aren’t important. The issues are very important. But I believe film should help guide us to new heights and Sing Sing made me feel deeply the plight of remorseful and rehabilitated criminals, where neither of the aforementioned films gave me anything fresh or that poignant to hang on.
The Brutalist is a high achievement in film, both in scope and SOME of its cinematography. But a large swath filmed out on the manse in Pennsylvania had a weird red and green outline on the characters faces, mouths and hands.
What’s great: Guy Pearce (but please, do not give a rapist an Oscar, meaning his character), Adrian Brody, and Felicity Jones. The score was also very impressive. But I never teared up in this at all. The theme of America is full of mean people is probably true for some folks, but hating America is not going to change it.
Also women and men degrading men for an entire film again does not make people want change, but rather just want to be angry. Worth seeing, but no where near a home run.
