But if this is to be my first blog entry of the year, then so be it: I can always make up for it with plenty of things to say.
First off, I'm very excited about the many things that are about to happen. Like the start of my second year in uni. It's going to be fun, even when it's a tougher year. It's time to get that brain back to its working state again instead of falling into a clunk of clogging machinery that only thinks but doesn't produce much.
Personally, I feel that I work much better under pressure, where deadlines are breathing down my neck and all I get are weary eyes, late nights and jab-jab-jabbing at the keyboard until you're absolutely sure you've written a masterpiece of an assignment before you send it off.
Classes don't start until Tuesday, which still gives me tomorrow as my last day off.
The good news? It's Oscar day! Yay! XD
I told myself that I'd try to watch as many of the nominated movies for Best Picture this year before the big day itself. I suppose I'll have to close the list for now, which makes it a total of 5 films - hey, at least it's half of the entire list!
And while I've been having a blast, I've also thought about how these films I've seen will fare for the award-grabbing, and how they will turn out if they were real-life people walking the red carpet. They've all got personalities of their own, too.
Here's a good way to describe and allegorize my List of 5:
1. Inception - The dreamer; long-lost but never entirely forgotten
Don't be afraid to dream. That's what Christopher Nolan did when he created this awe-inspiring flick that makes just as much sense as my last Pyshics paper. But like the dreams it showcases all around, it's really original and won't get out of your head, floating about like some kind of a memory. The only problem is, it's being overshadowed by all the other great films which have made the nominee list, but perhaps it'll stand a chance at some of the lesser Oscar awards. Let's keep dreaming, folks.
2. Toy Story 3 - The big kid who's still young at heart
Growing up at the same time that the main character Andy does in the span of the three Toy Story movies, I definitely feel a sense of rekindled childhood and nostalgia coming back. Still, being the only exception amongst the other nominees, it stands out like the little kid amongst the more grown-up and mature films. Will win Best Animated Feature Film for sure, but unless you take away the kiddy ride with the training wheels, Best Picture will go to someone else.
3. The Social Network - The bad boy who likes to show off
Great story, a great deal of focusing on the guy who founded Facebook. I get it already. Will become a great discussion topic amongst media and communication students, I can tell. Okay, so you've bagged a number of Golden Globes, now back off and give the other films a fighting chance. Like Zuckerberg in the movie, it's not really about being an asshole; it's just trying real hard to be one.
4. Black Swan - The enigma that remains a shadow
A film that is so vivid and filled with imagery and meaning, it appears to be even darker than a Tim Burton movie. And BS stands out in the crowd with a great deal of unexplained eccentricity. Some may not be able to understand the depth of its context. And the rest will walk away feeling like they've missed out something very important, but just don't know where to put their finger on it. Plus, it's good to see another psych-horror film on the Oscar list ever since Silence of the Lambs. This film never leaves you, not once.
5. The King's Speech - The humble underdog with a regal status
I'm still blown away by how simple this film turned out to be, yet every second promised nothing more than the story of a leader that rose to fame. Who knew royal history could be that awe-inspiring? And I must admit - I felt a little tug at my heart with every second of the King's speech itself. Whether it was the accompanying music or the passion Colin Firth had, there's no denying what this film is going to bring to the round table. Long live the King!
The only thing I'm disappointed about is that I still never got to watch True Grit before the awards start pouring out. It really, really sucks.
Especially when there are only 6 cinemas in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley which are only showing this movie - and Pyramid and Summit aren't any of them. :(
To quote a comment I recieved on Facebook a while ago, perhaps a good reason why the cinemas haven't been so kind to allow such an accomodable facility is because of this:
They can't handle the awesomeness of Jeff Bridges and his gun-slinging ways. Yee-haw!
And though I may not be an expert predictor in films, here's my pick on who should win what at the Oscars:
Actor in a Leading Role: Colin Firth (The King's Speech)
Actress in a Leading Role: Natalie Portman (Black Swan)
Actor in a Supporting Role: Geoffrey Rush (The King's Speech)
Actress in a Supporting Role: Haley Steinfeld (True Grit)
I may be a little biased, but there has to be a reason why 14-year-old child stars don't often get the chance to win Oscars. Then again, I could be wrong.
Animated Feature Film: Toy Story 3
If you had released your own animated film at the same time Disney and Pixar did so, get ready to give up and kiss your Oscar-winning dream goodbye.
Cinematography: The King's Speech
Best Director: Darren Aronofsky
Any director who makes you think and ponder really hard about what he is able to portray through his works definitely deserves a leaf in my book. Sorry Nolan, I would have picked you if not for the other greater films.
Film Editing: Black Swan
Original Screenplay: Inception
And finally, Best Picture: The King's Speech!
Well, I must be off to bed. Got to get up early if I want to catch this momentous event live and exclusive! I guess it will also make a good study case for any communication related subjects, too. :)
On another note, I shall attempt to write and finish another story before I hit the big 2-O. What's it about, I won't say - I've got to put it down first. ;)
