American Beauty

  • I wrote a pan of Atonement in early January, and had this to say about the Oscars:
    [Atonement] felt like it was pushing all the right Oscar-buttons, from its sweeping typewriter soundtrack to its lush cinematography, but having seen it I wonder about its chances for the big prize. But then what will take the traditionally poorly doled-out prize? Juno? No Country for Old Men? Those are guaranteed noms, but don't seem like traditional winners.
    Well, the only Oscar Atonement won was for its soundtrack, so at least the Academy was with me on that one. As for No Country, I'm glad a non-traditional film was able to take Best Picture. For me, it was the first film to deserve the big prize since American Beauty in 1999. (I'm sure we could bicker about Return of the King.) (57) #
    2/25/2008