Get Out - 4 nominations

Best Picture - Sean McKittrick, Jason Blum, Edward H. Hamm Jr. and Jordan Peele
Actor - Daniel Kaluuya
Director - Jordan Peele
Original Screenplay - Jordan Peele

Get Out is the social commentary psychological thriller we all needed.  A modern day Stepford Wives where Chris, a young African American man (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) make their way to the uber-white, wealthy, seemingly liberal home of Rose's parents.  But there's a weird vibe to everyone they meet and talk to, and Rose's mom weirdly keeps wanting to psychoanalyze Chris, and the workpeople in the house have a crazy far away look in their eyes.  Nothing about this town nor these people makes sense and as Chris becomes more suspicious, it is clear that something in this place is just not right.

This film is magical.  Every actor is at the top of his/her game.  Every line (at least at the top of the script) is something we have all heard before.  To hear Bradley Whitford (who plays Rose's father) say to Chris, "I would have voted for Obama for a 3rd time if I could have" with utterly no context to that statement reminds of us of every awkward white person eager to prove his liberal credentials to a new black acquaintance.  (I'm betting Jordan Peele took that line from real life experience.)  It's these cringeworthy moments that capture the other side of the racial divide with people so desperate to connect that they alienate by default.

One of the taglines of this film is, "Just because you're invited, doesn't mean you're welcome."  There is a brilliance to the title of the film - who can forget Eddie Murphy's explanation for why there are no black leads in horror films because the black couple would enter the house praising it and excited to move in and that the house would say "Get Out" in a menacing whisper and instead of fighting the demons would turn to each other and say, "too bad we can't stay."  But I'm convinced that the "Get Out" admonition is at least ALSO a commentary on the way that dominant culture may signal a warm reception to people of color and others who are not like them, but then fail to recognize cultural messaging that secretly tells the other to leave.  To "be like us or get out."

With these nominations, the Academy has successfully signaled the opposite.  Jordan Peele is the first African American man with nominations in three categories in a single year.  That's the right direction in my book.

It's well worth every minute of your time.  (and not too scary, I promise!)

Welcome Back to a Fantastic Crop of Films

The Oscars sent some resounding messages this morning, with some exciting and surprising choices. Personally, I barely slept last night worried that I would oversleep and miss seeing the nominations live.  Before we get into reviewing each individual film, let's make some overall observations about those included and those snubbed.

First, I'm sorry that The Greatest Showman got so little love from the Academy.  I loved that film - the easy and obvious categories included Original Score, Makeup and Hairstyling, Costume Design, and Production Design.  At least the song that was nominated is spectacular.  When I was in the theater and that song concluded, I leaned over to my husband and said, "that's the Oscar winner."  We'll see.

I have been predicting a screenplay nomination for Get Out since it came out, thinking that this is often a way that the Academy honors movies that aren't quite Best Pictures but are still creative and outstanding (see: In the Loop).  I'm thrilled to see it get attention, same with The Big Sick.  Get Out is significant because Jordan Peele is the first African American to be nominating for directing, producing, and writing all in the same year.  That's an accomplishment for anyone, and this film is worthy of this recognition.

People are already making a lot of Martin Mcdonagh not being nominated for 3 Billboards - a film that has a decent chance of taking Best Picture.  (Barbra Streisand, Prince of Tides anyone?)  I think the real snub is Joe Wright for The Darkest Hour that had some of the best directing this year.  But I'm still protesting the Best Picture list having more than 5 nominees.  I don't like it, I've never liked it, I'm waiting for it to get back in line with the rest of the categories.  Last year was the single year since the revival of "up to 10" options that I couldn't pick an obvious 5 that would be the nominees. This year, it wouldn't be easy, but it could be done.

One nomination that truly pleases me is Woody Harrelson for Best Supporting Actor.  I know Sam Rockwell has gotten all of the attention, but I thought this was some of Harrelson's best work in 3 Billboards, and I'm delighted to see him nominated.

There's a lot more diversity among the nominees this year, but we all have to be thrilled to see Rachel Morrison receive the first ever nomination for a woman cinematographer.  This is not particularly about the recognition, but also about more women receiving behind the scenes jobs to even have the opportunity to be nominated.  And, if you really want to enjoy a moment, you have to love that Jacqueline Durran is competing against herself, having received a nomination for her work in Beauty and the Beast AND for her work in The Darkest Hour.

I have a lot more to say about each individual film, but that's to be savored over the next 5 weeks.

Finally, I do this blog solely for the love of the Oscars and to share that love with you.  I would be most grateful for any support, posting, reposting, retweeting that you would be inclined to do over the coming weeks.  If you like a blog post, or if you like the blog, please become a follower, or follow me on Twitter so you don't miss a single post!  (@jodibee)

Welcome back film lovers - this is going to be a great Oscars season!  (and now, to get some sleep!)