Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Best Actress 2017: Judi Dench in "Victoria & Abdul"

I managed to get myself to the theater recently to catch a showing of Victoria & Abdul. It was 1997 when Judi Dench sort of burst onto the Oscar scene for her performance as Queen Victoria in Mrs. Brown. I'm sure to this day, many believe she was deserving of the award for Best Actress, which she lost to Helen Hunt in As Good as It Gets. Fast forward twenty years, and she's portraying the same character, this time in the queen's final years, when she meets and forms a bond with an Indian subject named Abdul Karim. 

The film itself is fine. I'm a big fan of movies depicting British monarchs, so I'd have been OK seeing it even if there weren't buzz around Dench. I definitely prefer Mrs. Brown, as V&A was pretty predictable and sanctimonious at times. They did a nice job of depicting how awful her family was to Karim (and to her), as her affections for this man disrupted the normalcy of the royal family. 

At this point in the season, Dench is most likely not going to crack the top five for Best Actress. But she does have a few things going for her: one, she's Judi Dench, and the Academy loves her. Two, it's a rather good performance from her, even if the film itself is only at 65% on Rotten Tomatoes. Three, it's been doing quite well at the box office (at least foreign), as it's taken in $60 million worldwide. 

This wouldn't be the first time an actor was nominated twice for the same role. Coincidentally, Cate Blanchett did it for portraying another English Queen, Elizabeth I in Elizabeth, and then nine years later for Elizabeth: The Golden Age. I happen to think both she and Dench were robbed for the former of their two films. 

Right now, although The Post has yet to screen (I believe the first will be for Academy members on Sunday in New York), the top five contending for Best Actress seem to be fairly firm at this point, with Meryl, Frances McDorman (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water), Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird) and Margot Robbie (I, Tonya). Even though there will apparently be an embargo on reviews after The Post's screening this weekend, I'll keep an eye out for any prediction changes from pundits who were privy to reactions from the Academy. 


35 comments:

  1. Totally agree with you about Blanchett and Dench. Loved Mrs Brown but feel she won't make it in this year - too much competition!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Do you sincerely think Meryl will get her 4th Oscar with the Post? competition seems pretty high and I don't know how good of a performance this one is...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I certainly hope she does, but I don't necessarily think she will. I do believe that it's highly likely she'll score her 21st nomination. After last night's screening, she's probably boosted herself into the top three.

      Delete
  3. Post screened last night in NY and LA- buzz is strong for movie and Meryl- Jamie

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have been rather lukewarm about her last few roles but this is the one I'm SO excited to watch and I haven't felt this way since Prada and if memory serves me, all her movies as far back as Kramer to Angels in America. I hope she gets nominated for this (sorry I'm getting ahead of myself)! And I'm hoping The Good House gets made with De Niro SOON! David

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David you're a man after my own heart with your reference to The Good House. Sadly, I doubt it'll ever happen, just like Mary Stuart, Daughter of the Queen of Sheba, Dewey, First Man and Dirty Tricks.

      Delete
    2. Jeff, I'll still hope for The Good House being made with Meryl until the author/studio says 'no deal'. It's too good a part based on what I've read. In fact, if the movie is as good as the book, I have the inkling this will be the 4th for Meryl. David

      Delete
  5. The arranging advisory group. This is the main advance in your arranging and you should relegate an individual to every one of the particular undertakings that must be cultivated for your function, which incorporate the Law and getting the proper licenses, finding the area and cooking for the function, getting supporters to help with the costs, getting blessings given, finding the right club organization, and who will deal with the cash.agen idnpoker

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks 배구중계

    ReplyDelete
  7. I was taking a gander at some of your posts on this site and I consider this site is truly informational! Keep setting up.. Judi QQ Online
    This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post. Judi QQ Online

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have a similar interest this is my page read everything carefully and let me know what you think. fx마진거래

    ReplyDelete
  9. I really like your take on the issue. I now have a clear idea on what this matter is all about.. คาสิโนออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  10. When you use a genuine service, you will be able to provide instructions, share materials and choose the formatting style. fortunabola

    ReplyDelete
  11. The law was meant to complement and support laws in the various states, focusing primarily on "being engaged in the business of betting or wagering" using wire communication to place bets or wagers on sporting events or similar contests.slot online

    ReplyDelete
  12. The long-lasting quality of our product and its ability to trendily yet classily enhance your style statement will make you return for more! Ask your queries, and our customer representatives will respond to them as soon as possible. Email us on the given email address, and we will respond to you effectively.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bagywagy is the second biggest export-oriented industry in the manufacturing sector and is third in its contribution to the overall exports of the World

    ReplyDelete
  14. i can see lots of free music on the internet but most of them are pirated. . read the article

    ReplyDelete
  15. At the point when the player has procured fundamental poker information, they should then move to the following degree of comprehension.เกมสล็อต

    ReplyDelete
  16. There are numerous magnificent instructional assets accessible for top poker players and creators who will share their insight and skill. agen bandarqq

    ReplyDelete
  17. Maybe sheer ubiquity is the thing that drives us to call famous actors, performers, and lawmakers big names.Nicki Minaj

    ReplyDelete
  18. Super site! I am Loving it!! Will return once more, Im taking your food likewise, Thanks. AEBetako Bisa Eskabidea

    ReplyDelete
  19. A great casino company will advise you if needed to reduce the number of tables originally suggested based on the number of guests, allowing them to be a great help to you and still make a profit. womensmusicevent.com.br

    ReplyDelete
  20. In intervention, an allure is uncommon, however it has occurred on something like two events with choices delivered by Judge Judy.paysafecard online casino

    ReplyDelete
  21. This information refers to the different developments in online poker industry. Online poker was so famous who's created a storm in the field of games. 보글파워볼

    ReplyDelete
  22. They are all approximately 1-1/2 inches across, but the weight varies; mainly on account of composite, design, and ways in which intense the dyes are. theoneholdem.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. This article walks you through the steps of entering world of online poker without too much of a hit to your wallet. We outline a few pitfalls where new players lose a bundle of money.  인싸홀덤

    ReplyDelete
  24. Online poker is a craze that has swept throughout the world in recent years, attracting many new players every day. There are numerous online poker rooms, many of which offer a poker bonus as an incentive to attract new members.  judi mpo

    ReplyDelete
  25. Millions of poker players around the world dream of bringing down a high stakes pot worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in an online poker game.  inssa33.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Position is extremely crucial to playing poker, that's why I always suggest new players to learn it as soon as possible. The need to that the worst position is under the gun and they need to protect themselves here. 더원홀덤

    ReplyDelete
  27. I’d need to check with you here. Which isn’t some thing I usually do! I love to reading a post that may get people to believe. Also, many thanks permitting me to comment! 온라인홀덤

    ReplyDelete
  28. Fun Casinos are a great entertainment option for corporate events.spbo

    ReplyDelete
  29. Online poker is a craze that has swept throughout the world in recent years, attracting many new players every day. There are numerous online poker rooms, many of which offer a poker bonus as an incentive to attract new members.  idn slot online

    ReplyDelete
  30. Online poker game websites have become more and more popular these days as a casino establishment alternative.  judi bola

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hollywood actresses genuinely carry on with the existence of a sovereign, the one that everybody longs for in the youth. There is work yet aside from that, there are likewise gatherings to join in, advancements and public capacities to visit and furthermore there a great deal of signatures to be agreed upon. There is a great deal of fabulousness to the gig. https://crackstreams.show/

    ReplyDelete