For movie buffs and award show junkies, the first few months of the year are a blur of nomination short lists and endless conjecture about the best films and performances of the previous year. Looking back on 2011, there was an abundance of great films that could score a Best Picture nod at the 84th Academy Awards. The Artist being one of the most polarizing, and come February 26th will most likely take home the prize.
With less than a week until the nominations, there’s still some hope for Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn’s neo-noir thriller, Drive. The film just earned four BAFTA nominations including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Carey Mulligan), Best Director, and Best Editing. This British boost may foreshadow Best Picture recognition by the Academy.
Drive is an unconventional action film. It coasts with style, a sexy electro soundtrack, neon pink titles, and a relatively silent and nameless “hero.” As the plot pushes forward it turns into a 21st Century relative of Taxi Driver. Scorcese would appreciate the hero’s violent spiral into crime.
What about the Driver?
Ryan Gosling stars as the Driver, aptly referred to only by title and never by name. Some know him best as the handsome beau of Rachel McAdams in The Notebook (2004). Since then, Gosling has proven to be an electric actor. He was Oscar-nominated for his role as an inner city high school teacher addicted to drugs in Half Nelson (2007). Other noteworthy performances include his lead roles in The Believer (2001), Lars and the Real Girl (2008), Blue Valentine (2011), and The Ides of March (2012).
His performance as the Driver is not typical Oscar bait. It’s restrained, detached, and enigmatic. That’s the character, and Gosling lives in every inch of his skin. He is the most complex and compelling character onscreen this year. It’s not a secret the Academy tends to lean towards more showy performances, especially those portraying real people. It's highly unlikely Gosling will make it into the Oscar five this year.
What’s the good news?
Albert Brooks’ role as a small-time mobster netted a Critics’ Choice, Golden Globe, and Independent Spirit Award nomination. He has the best chances for Oscar love in the Supporting Actor category. Gosling has Critics’ Choice and Spirit Award nominations, while Drive is up for Best Feature at the Spirit Awards.
Come on Academy...shake it up.
References:
www.imbd.com (movie database)
Eric Olivieri - I've always enjoyed storytelling and expressing myself through writing. I'm passionate about all things entertainment, including film, ...
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