Remember when we were younger and simply enjoyed the show! In hindsight, I actually realize dynamics of the film(s) affected me, although I wasn’t thoroughly conscience of it at the time. The broadcast premiere of “West Side Story” was an event! I can still recall the excitement in my house, of it airing for the first time, over the course of two nights.
I immediately wanted to watch it again. In an era before VHS was available to the general public, my mom told me it was actually possible, just not to us yet. Seeing Rita Moreno as an honored presenter, at last night’s 90th Academy Awards, took me right back to my childhood. “Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” made me believe dreams were possible; “A Raisin in the Sun,” still makes me cry and I know every scene; “The Godfather” poster pulled me in as a kid, but because it was rated R, mom said it’s for adults, which is what she also said about “Lady Sings the Blues,” whose title had me intrigued.
There was a period during my teens that I became less interested in the Oscars because I felt they were politically motivated. Years passed before organizations like the NAACP began making a point of black thespians not being recognized. Now there’s so many award shows, that it feels as if one or two of the best are not noted at one, they’ll get recognition at another. I’ve loved Gary Oldman ever since he appeared in Luc Besson’s “The Professional.” Towards the end of the film as his crooked cop character is trying to take “Leon” down, he tells his crony to bring everyone, to the assassin’s home. The henchmen needs clarification – Oldman delivers…
Hats off and congratulations to him for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour” and all those that took home awards. Oldman is also my favorite “Dracula,” by way of Francis Ford Coppola’s version, that also starred Winona Ryder & Keanu Reeves. Note my reference to Coppola, for as I got older, I began to notice similarities in what I liked. The first director, that I realized was the person behind the concept of what I was watching, was Alfred Hitchcock. His classic “The Birds,” has me fascinated yet always cautious, about birds today. The horror flick made such an impact on me, I had to know, what else has this man made. Others I love include: “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” “Frenzy,” “Family Plot,” “Strangers on a Train,” “Dial ‘M’ for Murder,” “North By Northwest,” and the list goes on.
As time moves forward, Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee and Oliver Stone become my favorite directors. I affectionately refer to them as “The 4 S’s.” They’re later accompanied by Quentin Tarantino, Katheryn Bigelow, Antoine Fuqua, Darren Aronovsky, Kasi Lemmons, Danny Boyle and Mira Nair to name a few. Jordan Peele and Ry Coogler are now among filmmakers I admire. Their emotional and thought provoking endeavors are among the best I have EVER seen in film. Peele’s “Get Out” was a huge hit around the world and now so is Coogler’s “Black Panther.” A flick that has the Marvel brand for a “Super-Hero” movie, it and DC’s “Wonder Woman directed by Patty Jenkins, are so much more. Due to my emotional experience watching ‘Panther,’ I watched the duo of Coogler & Michael B. Jordan in “Creed” & “Fruitvale Station,” the following weekend.
Encouraged by those noted and victorious at last night’s ceremony, just made me a bit nostalgic, as I look forward to the future of cinema. More directors I love in the blog below.
Wonder Woman sequel news… https://www.elitedaily.com/p/who-is-kristen-wiig-playing-in-wonder-woman-2-the-comedian-is-going-dark-8403456
Most wins and nominations by actors and actresses here… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_actors_with_two_or_more_Academy_Award_nominations_in_acting_categories#Most_nominations_for_Best_Actor_and_Best_Supporting_Actor_combined
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15 FUNKY MUSIC BIOPICS – honorable mentions, dream ‘pics & conflicts
