Are We Crazy? Peering Ahead into the 2008 Oscars.
I know what you’re thinking. Doesn’t it seem just downright ridiculous to talk about 2008 Oscar contenders when the 2007 picture is anything but clear? Probably. But that won’t stop us anyway. Nowadays, people are always fascinated about “what’s next?” Often so much that they ignore the present. We’re going to make the same mistake here today. Besides, with news coming out everyday after future projects, wouldn’t it be fun to be the first ones to assess their Oscarworthiness? Here we go.
2007 was a year of big directors wielding big projects. You have Eastwood with “Flags of Our Fathers,” Scorsese with “The Departed,” Minghella with “Breaking and Entering,” and Stone with “World Trade Center.” As of now, 2008 figures to be a little more low key. Look for a lot more small films, novice directors, and some obscure stories. Also, be prepared for an onslaught of prestigious book adaptations. It’s been quite a while since a literary sensation (The English Patient) snagged top honors. 2008 could be the year.
Well, let’s start with the few big names first. No one can seriously discuss Oscar 08 without first considering Eastwood’s “Letters from Iwo Jima.” Clint’s “Flags of Our Fathers” follow-up, told from the Japanese perspective, is slated to debut in February. We think there’s a decent chance it gets pushed back to fall. Even if it doesn’t, remember that Eastwood’s 1993 Best Picture winning epic “Unforgiven” also premiered in the spring. “Flags” opened to very good reviews, but critics stopped short of calling it a masterpiece. If it ultimately loses to Dreamgirls or another contender, look for Clint to rebound quickly. Besides, the Japanese side of the story seems a bit more interesting, and original, anyway.
Two other films with big name pedigree and awesome star power are “Charlie Wilson’s War” and “American Gangster.” “War” stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, is directed by Mike Nichols, and tells the story about the United States’ influence in Afghanistan in the 1980s. It will be a highly anticipated film, but probably too political for Oscar. “Gangster” reunites Ridley Scott with Russell Crowe and adds Denzel Washington to the mix. The story deals with drug smuggling in Harlem. We have no doubt it will be an excellent film, but again, probably not the type of prestige picture that scores well with the Academy.
Shekhar Kapur’s “The Golden Age,” (a sequel to 1998’s “Elizabeth”) is exactly a prestige piece, which could profit from the momentum generated by this year’s surprise hit “The Queen.” It doesn’t hurt that the film brings back Cate Blanchett in the lead role and unites her with Clive Owen, who plays Sir Walter Raleigh. After getting edged out by Gwyneth Paltrow in 1998, Blanchett could finally nab her first Best Actress prize by playing the same character. Speaking of hot, nobody tops the ever suave and popular George Clooney. No, we’re not touting Ocean’s Thirteen for Best Picture! Clooney plays the lead role in a character drama entitled “Michael Clayton,” about a lawyer going through a personal crisis in the final days of his life. Sounds promising to us.
Which brings us to our endless list of literary adaptations. Let’s start with “The Kite Runner,” directed by Marc Forster. One of the most popular books in recent memory, it might suffer under the weight of heavy expectations. Still, we like Forster as a director and think he’s due for a breakout after “Monster’s Ball” and “Finding Neverland.” Peter Jackson returns to the movie-making world with the adaptation of Alice Sebold’s “The Lovely Bones.” He might suffer from the curse of the Best Picture follow-up, which unless you’re Clint Eastwood, is usually not that good. You just know Keira Knightley is an Oscar winner in training, and she continues to tackle challenging roles in the movie version of Ian McEwan’s acclaimed drama “Atonement,” from the director of Pride and Prejudice. Think that’s interesting? How about BOTH Natalie Portman AND Scarlett Johansson in “The Other Boleyn Girl,” about two sisters competing for the love of King Henry. Ron Howard tries to bounce back from “The Da Vinci Code,” with the adaptation of Oprah’s favorite “East of Eden.” Word is that it may not get finished on time, however. Finally, Sean Penn is back behind the camera, directing the true story adventure “Into the Wild,” based on Jon Krakauer’s bestseller.
Let’s close with one final contender – a movie that’s been in development for seemingly an eternity. That would be Frank Darabont’s “Fahrenheit 451.” At one time, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and even Keanu Reeves have been attached to this project. Given Darabont’s resume (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile), if “Fahrenheit” ever gets made, it could be something spectacular. But that’s a huge “if” right now. Keep your fingers crossed. It’s still scheduled for 2007.
Obviously, as we prefaced at the beginning, it is way too early to begin speculation. While many of these movies are in production now, some are still in development and could easily get pushed back a year or two. Still, it’s always fun to peer into the crystal ball. So we leave you with an early, early, EARLY prediction. Watch out for “Atonement.” If the movie’s anything as good as the book, Knightley might have a lot to smile about.
Sorry, we’ll have to wait until next time to talk about National Treasure 2.
Afan wrote:
Fahrenheit 451 in America today?
Unbelieveable.
Posted on 24-Oct-06 at 6:12 am | Permalink
amy wrote:
where are all the good movies???
Posted on 30-Oct-06 at 4:59 pm | Permalink
Tom wrote:
What?! Don’t be knockin’ National Treasure! And what’s with Howard “bouncing back” from the Da Vinci Code? You try directing one the most-read books of all time. It was bound to be criticized. Nobody could make it where every everyone was pleased. It was a well-written suspense-thriller, exactly what the movie was trying to be, nothing more. Don’t be coy with us, “Dave….”
Posted on 04-Nov-06 at 11:10 pm | Permalink
Mike wrote:
What about the film “Goodbye Bafana” starring Joseph Fiennes??? Looks amazing.
Posted on 16-Feb-07 at 9:59 pm | Permalink
Rayven wrote:
I’m sure if peter jackson’s lovely bones is released in time for next years oscars, it definitely will get a nomination in the adapted screenplay category…heavenly creatures, the first and third lord of the rings made it to screenplay nominations (even king kong should have made it)….he’s the man who achieved victory by doing the impossible – helping us understand the massive trilogy book much more better…look out for him next year!!!
Posted on 17-Feb-07 at 5:23 pm | Permalink
ashley wrote:
julie taymor’s “across the universe”, too.
Posted on 18-Feb-07 at 7:39 pm | Permalink
J wrote:
How about “There Will Be Blood”? P.T. Anderson and Daniel Day-Lewis working on a film based on an Upton Sinclair novel? Sounds like the front-runner to me.
Posted on 20-Feb-07 at 6:28 pm | Permalink
Patrick wrote:
Le Mome, the French film about Edith Piaf is getting raves right now (Feb 2007) in Paris. It also did well at the Berlin Film Festival. I’d expect to see some buzz for the film as a foreign entry, and for Best Actress.
Posted on 26-Feb-07 at 8:03 am | Permalink
Lisa Abboud wrote:
Does anyone know how or where to find the date of the 2008 oscars?
Posted on 12-Mar-07 at 7:53 am | Permalink
Anonymous wrote:
Here are the top 3 guaranteed nominations for Best Actress:
Angelina Jolie – A Mighty Heart
Marion Cotillard – La Vie En Rose
Cate Blanchett – The Golden Age
Posted on 10-Jun-07 at 8:20 am | Permalink
Amy Wong wrote:
I agree with Patrick, and the above!
Marion Cotillard – La Mome (aka La Vie en Rose)
that was an excellent performance… and pretty awesome film. my friend is a big Piaf fan, and left the theater in tears =P
I’ve also heard good reviews for
Julie Christie – Away from Her ^^
Posted on 29-Aug-07 at 10:23 pm | Permalink
gary of la wrote:
what about jodie foster’s performance in the brave one. one of the best & intense performance of an actress for this year
Posted on 29-Aug-07 at 10:54 pm | Permalink
Ava-Merie wrote:
Why no word about 3:10 To Yuma? It is the greatest western since Unforgiven and serves up two Oscar-worthy performances from Christian Bale and Ben Foster.
Posted on 16-Sep-07 at 12:43 pm | Permalink
Maria wrote:
I vote for La Mome, aka la vie en rose. Marion Cotillard deserves the Oscar for Best Actress. She performed the role of Edith Piaf without exageration and seemed totally natural, as if she really was Edith Piaf. A great Bravo for her oustanding performance, she’s an exemplary actress !!!
Posted on 29-Oct-07 at 3:46 am | Permalink
brian m wrote:
I think it’s time to revise the predictions since many of the films mentioned wont make it in time. Looks like American Gangster is the pony right now with so many anticipated films tanking. (Rendition, Lions for Lambs). Right now my short list would be American Gangster, Into the Wild, Charlie Wilson’s War, Atonement and maybe Sweeny Todd. The latter three have to first prove themselves at the box office otherwise look for No Country for Old Men
Posted on 11-Nov-07 at 3:49 pm | Permalink
hallo78 wrote:
What about Rescue Dawn? The direction and cinematograpy Were spectacular, add the music to that list as well.Jeremy davies was eccelent, as was steve zahn.And christian bale, he finally gets the great role he deserves. If tom hanks got a nomination for castaway, then Bale deserves one as well! It should garner picture,actor,director,supp actor,score,and cinematography noms.Face it , this year has been pretty weak for quality films
Posted on 26-Nov-07 at 10:05 am | Permalink
hallo78 wrote:
What about Rescue Dawn? The direction and cinematograpy Were spectacular, add the music to that list as well.Jeremy davies was eccelent, as was steve zahn.And christian bale, he finally gets the great role he deserves. If tom hanks got a nomination for castaway, then Bale deserves one as well! It should garner picture,actor,director,supp actor,score,and cinematography noms.Face it , this year has been pretty weak for quality films
Posted on 26-Nov-07 at 10:05 am | Permalink
hallo78 wrote:
What about Rattatouillie for best picture? It’s about time another animated movie gets that kind of attention, cause this was maybe the best film of the year and if you think im wrong well…… I write reviews for a living
Posted on 26-Nov-07 at 10:13 am | Permalink
hallo78 wrote:
Whats with this johnny depp stuff? Why does everything he puts out get so much praise? All of his stuff is overated. He’s no hanks or phillip hoffman. People just don’t care about quality anymore.
Posted on 26-Nov-07 at 10:18 am | Permalink
hallo78 wrote:
Sweeny todd?? Have any of you seen sleepy hollow? Expect the same type of film, a good story from another medium done completley wrong. This film dosn’t have oscar punch, that I can promise you
Posted on 26-Nov-07 at 12:36 pm | Permalink
ano wrote:
well….i think angelina jolie deserve the oscar …
Posted on 21-Dec-07 at 5:26 pm | Permalink
ano wrote:
yep i gree with u ANO angie hope ll win
and brad pit too should get a nomination
Posted on 21-Dec-07 at 5:28 pm | Permalink