Sunday, October 6, 2013

Sandra Bullock in "Gravity"

Houston, we have a problem.  Now having seen both Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine and Sandra Bullock in Gravity, doubts are increasingly building in my mind for Meryl's chances to be a threat in the Best Actress Oscar race this year.  Yesterday my friend Scooter and I sprung for 3D IMAX tickets to Gravity, and needless to say, both of us were very impressed.   

The true star of this film is without question its spectacular cinematography.  Bullock however does a fantastic job in the role of Dr. Ryan Stone, who gets marooned in space following a debris collision.  I'm sure it's a challenging prospect to have so much time alone onscreen.  Much of the film has little dialogue, with Bullock basically having to portray someone in a constant state of fear and anxiety.  In that sense Bullock was particularly effective at drawing me in.

An enormous asset to Bullock's chances is going to be the tremendous box office returns her film will garner.  Already in its opening weekend Gravity set an October record with $50 million earned.  With the moderate reviews that we had for August: Osage County out of the Toronto Film Festival, Meryl will likely have nowhere near the word of mouth publicity when her film is released at Christmas.  I expect August to do well, but $100 million would be a tall task, something Gravity will accomplish in a matter of three weeks.   Add that to the fact that Meryl's performance reviews, while good, aren't amazing.  I still expect a nomination but vying for the win right now seems like a very tall task.

    


7 comments:

  1. I can't stand the thought of Bullock with 2
    Oscars. Her Blind Side win was a huge
    blunder by the academy. I find myself
    pulling for Amy Adams to really deliver a knock out turn in American Hustke...

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    1. Agreed. Bullock with two best actress wins seems weird. Not unprecedented though. Think Sally Field and Hilary Swank for basically winning in short spans for only two nominations.

      From what I've read so far from screenings, Adams is good but not that standout. More attention given to Lawrence and Cooper. Adams borderline supporting.

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  2. Jeff, Run dont walk to see the brilliant stunning August Osage County. We saw it at the San Diego film festival Saturday nite to a sold out crowd. Its a stunning film that equals the play and the performence of the year given by Meryl Streep one of her greatest roles win or lose this years oscar race. Its on the same level as Cate Blanchett as they are the actresses to beat. By the way i saw Gravity with several film friends and we all agree she is good but not great and all of us think she will not even get nominated let alone win.You need a great performence to enter best Actress this year but hey thats our thoughts on her. Back to August this film is more of a audience and actors branch film then critics and voters will eat this movie up. I believe its going to get a best pic and screenplay nomination but its the actors that will blow u away. Julia Roberts delivers her best work ever on screen and lets see if she actually goes supporting. Margo Martindale is a lock for nomination and Chris Cooper desevest one as well. The new ending works for audiences who dont want a depressing final scene but i can live with either. Will need to watch this again to see if theres any changes but am happy with what i saw Expect it to walk away with the ensemble award ar the screen actors guild awards. Ken

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    1. Wow! That's quite the endorsement! I'm happy you were able to see the film. Glad to hear that you though Streep was fantastic. I'm getting a good impression that while the film may be moderate to good from critics' viewpoints, actors and audience will really respond.

      I probably won't be able to see it when it comes to Minneapolis in a few weeks as I'll likely be out of town. Regarding Bullock, I'd be shocked if she weren't nominated but can totally see the situation where the film itself is more appreciated than the acting performance.

      Thanks for the feedback on "August"!

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  3. A: OC just named to receive the Hollywood Film Ensemble Award...

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  4. What if Cate & Sandy split the vote --- Meryl would take it in a walk.

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    1. Even if that were the case, many think Meryl is probably 4th behind Cate, Sandy and Judi Dench.

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