True Detective

As some of you know, I’m not an avid television viewer. No judgment here if you are, I just have difficulties committing to anything. At one time, I was watching four different Law & Order shows throughout the week. Without cable, Tivo, or DVR it’s even more difficult to keep up with TV shows. I decided last year that I would try watching the entire series of Angel. It’s taken me six months to get to season four. I just don’t have the time or patience anymore to keep up with a series. However, I fell hard for True Detective.



I was immediately interested upon hearing the two main characters were being played by Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey. Could there be a more perfect pairing? I knew I was in for a doozie after the first episode. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the story. I haven’t felt this much affinity and personal investment for a television show since Twin Peaks.



*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The similarities with Twin Peaks run very deep. They’re both about solving a bizarre murder case. Both have unusual characters that talk in cryptic riddles. Sardonic humor is prevalent in both shows. Both shows center on a mysterious boogeyman; the Yellow King was just as frightening as Bob. Most importantly, both shows have a unique and rich style of writing that culminates into a truly thought provoking show.



While watching True Detective, I constantly searched for clues and re-watched the episodes for answers. I became so focused on the details; I failed to see the bigger picture which is why the finale caught me off guard. Some people were disappointed with the finale. It certainly took my breath away. In a way, I expected a bigger showdown between the Yellow King and Rust, but it would take away from the mystique that character created. The fewer details we know about the Yellow King, the scarier he is. It almost creates a mythological fantasy about him and how he came to be a serial killer.



Towards the end of the series, I was convinced that Rust & Marty would be killed off and they almost were. Then I realized the show was never about a serial killer or satanic ritual, it was about Rust & Marty all along. It was about Marty’s struggle with infidelity and isolation. It was always about the role he played in the lives of the women around him. Notably, the show was also about Rust’s personal conflict with existence and god. The show never felt preachy or self righteous, but it certainly brought new ideas to the table regarding existentialism.



Early on, I read several articles accusing True Detective of misogyny. There were complaints that there were no strong female characters. I feel like this is completely untrue. To dismiss the roles based on gender, you completely undervalue the show. Remember it’s the bigger picture with True Detective. All the female characters were empowered in their own right. Michelle Monaghan was absolutely amazing as Marty's long suffering wife. I never felt sorry for her because she always had the upper hand in the marriage. I suspect Maggie never felt sorry for herself either. I’ve heard lots of rumors swirling around regarding the potential new cast. McConaughey said early in season one that he would not return for a second season. Nic Pizzolatto hinted at a pair of female detectives. Nothing has been confirmed just yet. I’m not sure female detectives will work. I just don’t see two women having the same partnership that Rust & Marty had. That type of organic rapport is not easy to find and the creators certainly have their work cut out for them.



I just really loved how the entire story and the relationships within came full circle at the end. The themes of power and control were so gripping. Kudos to Nic Pizzolatto for pulling a fast one on me. I can only hope that next season is as great. This show will certainly obtain cult status in no time. If you haven't watched True Detective, I cannot recommend it enough. If you have seen it, please feel free to share your ideas.

2014 Oscar Predictions

Here it is, the moment we have all been waiting for…The Oscars! I love The Academy Awards more than any other special event. For one thing, I always have a fun party planned, but I mostly love doing research for The Oscars. I love catching up on any and all films I may have missed the previous year. I also love predicting who will win the coveted statue. So here goes:

BEST PICTURE: 12 YEARS A SLAVE
This film chilled me to the bone. As I posted in my film review, I think it is the most important films of the year if not the past decade. Director, Steve McQueen has a way of grabbing the audience by the balls and this film is no exception. Nearly all of his films have a frightening darkness to them, but there’s beauty in that. Don’t get me wrong, I loved most of the other films nominated (except the pirate movie), but I think 12 YEARS A SLAVE is a cut above the rest.



BEST DIRECTOR: ALFONSO CUARON
Cuaron has well established himself in his native Mexico, but GRAVITY put him on the map here in the US. He’s made a slew of critically acclaimed films that have mostly flown under the radar. I think the Academy will finally recognize this. I would love to see Steve McQueen win this award, but I know 12 YEARS is not the last we have heard of him. He has the potential to be the next Kubrick or PTA. McQueen only gets better and better.



BEST ACTOR: TEXAS T-REX
It’s Leo’s time to get an Oscar and he most assuredly deserves one especially after his WOLF OF WALL ST performance, but this year belongs to Matthew McConaughey. TX T-REX blew everyone away with his role in DALLAS BUYERS CLUB including myself. He is on such an amazing streak of great films I can’t wait to see what he does next. His small cameo in WOLF was perfect. It’s so hard for me to pick one of these two, but I suspect McConaughey will take the statue. I only pray that his acceptance speech is as good as the one he gave at the Globes where he quoted David Wooderson. L-I-V-I-N!



BEST ACTRESS: CATE BLANCHETT
Every lady nominated for Best Actress already has an Oscar so this is some stiff competition. Blanchett’s performance in BLUE JASMINE was incredibly bittersweet. The film itself received mixed reviews, but there was no doubt about Blanchett’s stellar performance. I really enjoyed this film despite the criticism. I liked the portrayal of the other side of money and the resulting effects on one’s life. I don’t think many films address that scenario and I think Allen did a great job of making the characters relatable, but kept it in perspective of their roles. And just when you feel a happy ending coming on, NOPE we are reminded that this is still a Woody Allen film and there are no happy endings.



BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: JARED LETO
My near 20 year crush on Jordan Catalano has profoundly affected my judgment this Oscar season. Before I suspected Leto was even a nominee, I would have given this award to my other love, Michael Fassbender. His haunting portrayal as a sadistic slave owner in 12 YEARS was disturbing and compelling. Fassy is not only unbelievably attractive, but he’s exceptionally talented. He too has a great career ahead of him. As far as Leto goes, acting has not always been his main priority. I feel like music takes precedent in his life so this may be his one big chance at an Oscar. His portrayal as an AIDS stricken transvestite was heartbreaking. Both McConaughey and Leto underwent drastic physical changes for their respective roles. That is something the Academy always considers and rewards.



BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: LUPITA NYONG’O
Before the film was even over, I was sold on Nyong’o. She has a beautiful presence that is unmatched. The other performances in this category pale in comparison to this emotionally and physically demanding role that was portrayed flawlessly. Nyong’o is poised to become Hollywood’s it girl as she should be.



BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: HER
I did not enjoy HER one bit, but I will admit that the script was unique and original. Is it enough to merit and Oscar? Not in my book, but I am not a member of the Academy. I generally enjoy the films of Spike Jonz, but this just fell flat for me. I didn’t even realize it was supposed to take place in the future! I was also praying that Joaquin would kill himself at the end of the film to at least offer some kind of impact in a lukewarm story that felt way too long. I could see AMERICAN HUSTLE taking this award and I would say that film is more worthy, but for some reason I feel like HER will be the curveball the Academy throws us this year.



BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: 12 YEARS A SLAVE
I really think 12 YEARS is the front runner here. Solomon Nortup’s book is such a harrowing tale of unfortunate circumstance and civil injustice. I can’t imagine any other screenplay in this category having as much of an impression on an audience as 12 YEARS.



BEST DOCUMENTARY: THE ACT OF KILLING/ THE SQUARE
I still cannot decide which film should win this category. Initially, I felt like ACT OF KILLING would be the lead, but now I’m not so sure. ACT OF KILLING was one of the most horrifying pieces I’ve seen in years, not necessarily because of the content or subject, but because of the lack of empathy and remorse from the film’s main stars. The relevancy of THE SQUARE and how it relates to current events in Egypt leads me to believe that it could take the honor. Honestly, I would have loved to see BLACKFISH in this category, and win the Oscar. I certainly think that documentary had one of the most insightful social commentaries on something that has not often been discussed. It was definitely the most eye opening documentary of the year.





BEST FOREIGN FILM: THE GREAT BEAUTY
I loved this film so much. It has drawn many comparisons to LA DOLCE VITA which I can understand. However, the occasional, raw, sardonic themes in this film remind me of early Woody Allen. This epic tale of Jep Gambardella’s life and love is parallel to the protagonist in THE TREE OF LIFE. I really can’t see any other film in this category topping THE GREAT BEAUTY.



BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM: FROZEN
I rarely watch any of the animated features; it’s one of my least favorite categories. Actually, animated films in general are low on the list of film genres for me. I usually bet on Disney because let’s face it; they’ve cornered the market in this category. However, I do enjoy the films of Hayao Miyazaki. I recently got to see an advanced screening of THE WIND RISES and without any knowledge of the other films in this category, I think it should win. THE WIND RISES is much different from the other well known Miyazaki films, but his same style of epic tales is still very prevalent. This was such a great and endearing story! I especially love animated JGL and the super cute Werner Herzog sing along. It’s unfortunate if this really his last film.



EVERYTHING ELSE: GRAVITY
I have GRAVITY taking pretty much all of the technical awards and rightfully so.



I also really hope that there is a respectable tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman. I'm still pretty torn up about it and struck with disbelief. When someone in the public eye dies suddenly, it's a cliche to rave about how talented that person was (even if they weren't). Hoffman was the epitome of true artistry and definitely contributed an unbelievable amount of talent to the film industry. He was in his prime and would have continued to grow with so many upcoming roles. It truly is a shame and a huge loss for any film fan.



There you have it; my picks for this year’s Academy Awards. Who do you think will win? See you all on March 2nd!