So the Brits didn't fare as well of they might have at the recent Oscars... Never mind, Dame Helen still grabbed the gold statuette for Best Actress. The Best Actor Oscar also went to a British film. This time to Forest Whittaker for his powerhouse performance in Kevin Macdonald's The Last King of Scotland.
Should we really worry about overseas recognition for British films? Should they be made to compete internationally? Should we stick to making films about what it means to be British for a British audience? Your comments...
10 comments:
I think its great that a slightly lower key actor such as Forest Whittaker would win the award. I personally think that we should not compete overseas, as enough films are from America and other overseas countries without us having to compete to sell to them. I think we should be proud of our own films and keep them largely in Britain.
Interesting thoughts Neo. I share some of your sentiments about competing overseas; if British films do well overseas then that's all well and good but it should not be the main motivation for making them.
I think I know what you mean about Forest Whittaker but his performance in Last King was anything but low key! A real tour de force.
It sounds like he entirely deserved it but sorry, Pirates of the Caribbean - best Special Effects - and not 1 oscar nod for Casino Royale, not even one for best adapted screenplay - what a joke!
But who else for Visual Effects? Superman. Meh. Poseidon. Please. It deserves it for Bill Nighys' Davey Jones squid face alone.
Pity there isn't a Oscar for best opening sequence; then they would not have any choice but to give it to Casino Royale.
I think Paul meant that Forest Whittaker was a low key actor rather than it being a low key performance as such. And I agree i do think it's good that its not all the Hollywood power players getting the awards, those with lesser known names but equally outstanding performances are getting the accolades for their work!!
I'm gonna have to see Last King of Scotland... as the only thing I have seen of Forest Whittaker is his guest role on E.R, which is pretty good! ha ha.
alex fouracre
I don't really see why we should compete in overseas award competitions. On a personal note, I have never seen the attraction in such awards ceremonies, or any for that matter. Whilst competition can encourage improved film production the outcomes of such ceremonies are generally quite predictable and although this sounds cynical, probably biased to some extent. What is more important is the recognition gained at the Box Office, not what a panel of judges who are out of touch with the real world think. Although lesser known actors etc are winning awards, looking back on past ceremonies shows this is either a one-off or perhaps a turning point. Who knows?
I never said Whitaker's performance was low key or he was a low key actor. "Neo" did... From clips I've seen he looks deserving of the best actor award. I have always thought he needed a bigger role. One of his next films sounds like it will be good - Vantage Point.
Good to see some comments flowing - remember to read them carefully so we don't misquote people...
Anone see Forest W. in 'The Crying Game'? A very different role for him and a fantastic little British film writen and directed by Irishman Neil Jordan who won both a BAFTA and an OSCAR for it.
Also 'Ghost Dog: the way of the Samurai' by Jim Jarmusch is another interesting role for the low key (i agree) Whittaker.
Alex, he's been very good in ER; brilliant in the flashbacks. Do you think Luka is losing it??
Luke, not at all cynical...The Oscars will generally be predictable and almost certainly biased. The amount of utter drek that continues to win the 'highest' honours is consistently laughable. Remember, it is Hollywood...they can't help it.
sorry paul.... misread name.... neo looks so similar to paul . *ahem* whooops.
oh and no Mr M, I don't think Luka is losing it! I hope not anyway... I think Ames is playing mind games... we shall see.
I know this is a bit of a tangent, but the Hospital Drama is one thing America certainly do bet
ter than the ole UK, in my opinion!
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