The world views the annual Oscar show, but it's still an "insiders" evening filled with inside jokes and asides that aren't funny if you are on the outside. We (ordinary viewers) don't know these people the same way they know one another, so making jokes at each other's expense fails to make viewers laugh.
Billy Crystal tried to lighten up the evening, but I wasn't in on the jokes he used in the effort, so it felt unfunny and forced. He made insiders uncomfortable, too, with his efforts at "Billygelina" and the Clooney kiss. The Jewish references are uncomfortable for everyone because we aren't supposed to make fun of other people's race or religion, especially on a world-wide stage, nor should we make fun of our own religion! If it's going to be raucous, then let the fun fly, but by playing it straight while trying to be funny, it becomes offensive.
I enjoyed the Cirque 'd Soleil's unique performance as a refreshing break from the endless parade of presenters who try desperately to make their Oscar presentation a personal moment, rather than simply making the presentation to the contenders and the winner. It was also appreciated that the song nominees were shortened, as well as the best picture noms: clips should be short and pertinent, not the theater trailer, and this year it worked better. Of course, the best moment each year is the memorial to those who have gone to the big theater in the sky, and this year's tribute was especially moving and well-done because it was simple and tasteful.
Winners and losers? I'm glad that the movies that weren't all that great did not win the Oscar, such as Descendants, Bridesmaids and Moneyball, as well as the big name stars that went along with the films. I'm sorry that the incredible performances from Albert Nobbs didn't win, as well as the supporting performances from the older masters who took second chair to some younger one-hit wonders. When it comes to the big categories, the politics really shine through, rather than the performances.
All in all, someone got the Oscars more right this year, but there is room for improvement. I'm surprised that it's taken 84 years to fall so short as I kinda thought someone would have figured it out by now and know how to do the Oscars well, rather than just better than last year.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
What I would do is this: Have a host who also presents. No more presenters. Have one person who presents the SHOW, not MC's the night.
The "funny" bits with the presenters rarely work; most aren't comedians, most have one or two walk throughs before having to go, and few can pull it off. So drop them. Entirely. Making that one change would probably cut 30-60 minutes out of the entirety of the show.
I thought Crystal was fine, kept it moving decently well, and was funny enough. I agree that this year's in memorium was the best ever-- the way it was presented you didn't have half-hearted clapping for the few people the audience knew; instead, everyone held applause until the end, which was nice.
I like it when they have the original artists sing the best song noms. Just a preference. But I did like that the clips they showed were short and sweet whenever they did show clips.
Post a Comment