Finally watched this all the way through after catching a fair amount in school, and I’m quite glad I did. An unflinching portrayal of some of the ugliest moments in American history, complete with imagery that’ll be seared into my brain for life. Wouldn’t have been my personal Best Picture pick (that distinction always falls to Her), but it’s a damn good selection regardless, and a truly important winner to boot.
2013 Ranked
Best Picture Winners Ranked
Best ing Actress Winners Ranked
I totally understand how some of the initial “shock” of The Exorcist has worn off in the past 46 years for some viewers, but even in spite of its age, the titular climatic exorcism remains one of the most viscerally thrilling and primally horrifying setpieces in any horror film and any film period.
Remarkable filmmaking from top-to-bottom and an immediate classic for good reason.
I am no longer hot trash as I have FINALLY fixed this glaring, cinematic blindspot!
Beautiful, immaculate filmmaking underscored by a poignantly melancholic romance for the ages. It took a bit for me to fully become invested in the story and the central relationship, but once we started delving deeper into Rick and Ilsa’s history, I was entirely sold on the emotions onscreen (particularly thanks to Bogart’s and Bergman’s outstanding chemistry).
Not a new favorite persay, but certainly deserving of the endless acclaim it’s received over the years.
“I’d just like to know your opinion of him. In general. Just how dangerous is he?”
“Compared to what? The bubonic plague?”
We’re all in agreement that Bardem is one of the top 5 Best ing Actor winners in Oscar history, yeah?
Favorites
2007 Ranked
Best Picture Winners Ranked
Best Director Winners Ranked
Best ing Actor Winners Ranked
Coen Brothers Ranked
This is Ennis & Jack’s story through and through, and I certainly think a lot about Ledger & Gyllenhaal’s awards snubs every day, but I believe that Michelle Williams is *criminally* overlooked when we discuss this movie. I will never forget her expression when she catches Ennis & Jack kissing for the first time; the subtle mix of shock and pain that so effortlessly washes over her face is heartbreaking.
With what could’ve been a mere stereotypical “homophobic Southern wife” stereotype, Williams really elevates…
The scene where Ali’s Juan unpacks the meaning of the word “faggot” to Chiron is one of the most well-written, well-acted, and well-directed scenes of the past decade - hell, maybe even the past century. I had such a visceral reaction to it on my first watch, and the impact still remains, almost three years later. Definitely my favorite Best Picture winner in recent memory, by FAR.
Barry Jenkins, never stop making movies.
Favorites
2016 Ranked
Best Picture Winners Ranked
Best ing Actor Winners Ranked
Favorite Screenplays
A24 Ranked
BlacKkKlansman is a riotous, unsettling, and somehow continually hilarious look at the history of racism and bigotry in America, all through the story of one larger than life sting operation.
Spike Lee is never the most subtle filmmaker, but this is by far his strongest and most coherent work in years. Although the movie does fumble a few tonal shifts and could afford to lose a few scenes, for the most part, Lee keeps audiences engaged as the tense narrative…