Surprises & Snubs: 92nd Annual Oscar Nominations

 I found two pleasant surprises and three unpleasant snubs in the Oscar nominations list this morning. Below is my poem of explanation.

There are nine Best Pictures on the list

but Gerwig as Director missed.

It’s five men’s names all we can see.

So how did this snub come to be?

But KLAUS gets recognized at last

for animation. It’s a blast!

And Johansson earns two nods here.

That’s a reason for fans to cheer.

Why is Lupita without one?

In US her work was so well done.

And THE FAREWELL must say goodbye

No Oscar nod. They sure did try.

Just another awards event.

2020 – it came and went.

For statuettes we must await.

February Ninth -- don’t be late.

Here’s the IMDb link with all the nominations:  https://www.imdb.com/oscars/nominations/

An Eye for Beauty

When a brilliant artist and an understanding subject share the same love of beauty, a unique masterpiece can be created. Girl with a Pearl Earring (2004) relates a simple story illustrating that point -- and does so with breathtaking cinematography befitting the life and times of Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. Because of its slow pace, this period costume drama may not be to everyone's liking, but Colin Firth as Vermeer and Scarlett Johansson as the "girl" fascinated me with the depth of their performances here. He's the perfectionist artist; she's the quiet servant who mixes his paints and poses for him, much to his wife's dismay. 

It usually takes time to fully appreciate a great painting. One must view it from different angles, search out its particular shadings and touches of light, its balance of color and form, its emotional impact. The same holds true for this unusual film. Taking time to show viewers the sights and sounds of Delft, Holland, during the mid-1600s, Girl with a Pearl Earring seems like a Vermeer painting come to life. Scenes of inhabitants riding in gondolas on canals, shopping in the open markets, dining by candlelight, and carrying on everyday activities form the backdrop for the intense relationship between Vermeer and his peasant model -- a relationship blooming steadily under the watchful eye of the painter's greedy mother-in-law (played magnificently by the regal Judy Parfitt). 

Like Vermeer, first-time director Peter Webber and veteran cinematographer Eduardo Serra pay painstaking attention to the visual details of their creation. Based on the novel by Tracy Chevalier, Girl with a Pearl Earring may not be a true story, but it emerges as true cinematic art. 

Read my full review by clicking on the link below.
http://www.reeltalkreviews.com/browse/viewitem.asp?type=review&id=683