Oscar’s top films about adapting to change
In the weirdest 365 days any of us will ever experience, movies have undoubtedly provided an escape.
However, in another cruel twist of fate, said escape had to take place in our homes, from which most of us could not escape.
But after seeing only two films in theaters between March 2020 and March 2021, I saw three in the first week of April.
This year’s best picture Oscar nominees all seem to have the same common theme: individuals deeply set in their ways must adapt to major challenges to their lifestyles. I enjoyed the six films I got to see. I did not get a chance to see Judas & the Black Messiah or The Father.
Mank. With a script written decades ago by his father, David Fincher nails this ode to classic Hollywood. Shot in stunning black and white, Mank tells the fascinating story of screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz and his time spent while writing Citizen Kane. Flashbacks show us how he ingrained himself into Hollywood elite’s inner circle, winding up with a job for the ages. A
Trial of the Chicago 7. Aaron Sorkin brings together a fantastic cast to shine a light on the absolute sham of a “trial” involving seven men accused of starting anti-war riots in 1968 Chicago. Frank Langella is dynamite as the pathetic Judge Julius Hoffman. Sacha Baron Cohen is rightly nominated as best supporting actor for his portrayal of Abbie Hoffmann. Criminally overlooked was the best performance of the movie, Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden. A
Minari. Steven Yeun (“Walking Dead”) earns his best actor nomination as Jacob Yi, a Korean immigrant who moves his family from California to the countryside of Arkansas in the 1980s. Jacob’s wife does not believe in his plan to create a Korean farm, and the Americanization of their kids is a constant presence for both parents. This film is beautiful, even when not a lot happens. A
Nomadland. The recession of 2008 dooms Fern (Frances McDormand) to a life of wandering. She picks up odd jobs and meets captivating people mostly played by real-life nomads. The stories of those who weave in and out of Fern’s life are more intriguing than her own; perhaps that was the point. A-
Promising Young Woman. Carey Mulligan plays a woman hell-bent on turning the tables on men who take advantage. Her personal life takes a backseat to her agenda. If there is such a thing as an elegant rape-revenge movie, this is it. B+
Sound of Metal. In a mostly one-note performance, Riz Ahmed portrays a drummer who recently lost his hearing. Ahmed is not asked to stretch his acting chops. He does fine work, but his character Ruben does not show much emotion. The best scenes are when he interacts with the deaf children and adults at a summer camp. B-
Lastly, if you’re ready to return to theaters, Godzilla vs. Kong is a perfect welcome-back movie. B+
Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. He lives in Concord. Email comments to editor@pioneerpublishers.com.