Oscar Season with Talk Easy
In this episode of Revisionist History, the discussion centers on the trends among the 2023 Oscar Best Picture nominees. The analysis reveals a shift away from "middle brow" movies towards blockbusters and indie films, reflecting broader market and societal changes. The conversation touches on the omission of American regional life in cinema and the underrepresentation of women and minority directors.
The episode also delves into the analysis of specific Best Picture nominees, exploring the themes and narratives of films like "Barbie," "Oppenheimer," and "Killers of the Flower Moon." Additionally, the role and importance of film criticism are explored, highlighting the necessity of connecting audiences to broader cultural and societal themes through nuanced and thoughtful criticism.
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1-Page Summary
Film Industry Trends in 2023 Oscar Best Picture Nominees
The trends among the 2023 Oscar Best Picture nominees signal a definitive lean away from what Wesley Morris calls "middle brow" movies towards blockbusters and indie films. This shift reflects broader market and societal changes, including the pursuit of international appeal and the omission of American regional life in cinema. Conversations about these trends also bring to light the stark underrepresentation of women and minority directors, with figures like Ava DuVernay feeling the weight and resistance of pushing for diversity in Hollywood.
Analysis of Best Picture Nominees
The analysis of the Best Picture nominees reveals a diverse range of films. "Barbie," a satirical take on the Barbie franchise, explores themes of identity and womanhood. Despite its impact and conversation-stirring nature, the film's director, Greta Gerwig, and lead actress, Margot Robbie, failed to secure Oscar nominations. Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" is a biopic that, despite its ambition, has been criticized for its emotionally flat portrayal and history lesson narrative. Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" stands out as a powerful drama about the 1920s murders of Native Americans, showcasing Scorsese's storytelling abilities in an unconventional narrative for the director.
The Magic of Movies and Film Criticism
Film critics like Wesley Morris and Sam Fragoso explore the emotional resonance, imagination, and escapism offered by cinema. Their role is seen as vital for connecting audiences to broader cultural and societal themes, with Morris highlighting the necessity and almost magical quality of the writing process. Both express a shared concern for the disappearing middle ground in moviemaking and film criticism, highlighting the decline of nuanced criticism and the increase in divisive opinions. Yet, there is hope for the future of cinema and critical discourse with the emergence of new creative voices capable of reflecting and affecting societal change.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- "Middle brow" movies typically fall between highbrow (intellectually challenging) and lowbrow (entertainment-focused) films. They often aim for a balance of artistic merit and commercial appeal, appealing to a broad audience. These films may tackle serious themes but in a more accessible manner than highbrow cinema. The term "middle brow" can also imply a level of cultural sophistication without being overly elitist.
- Christopher Nolan's film "Oppenheimer" faced criticism for its emotionally flat portrayal, suggesting that the characters and their emotional depth may have been lacking. Additionally, the narrative was described as more focused on delivering historical facts rather than engaging the audience on a deeper emotional level. This critique implies that the film may have prioritized historical accuracy and storytelling over creating a strong emotional connection with the viewers.
- Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" showcases his storytelling abilities in an unconventional narrative by delving into the 1920s murders of Native Americans, a historical event that is not commonly explored in mainstream cinema. Scorsese's approach in telling this story highlights his skill in weaving together complex themes of injustice, power dynamics, and historical truths within a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. The film's focus on this lesser-known historical event allows Scorsese to offer a fresh perspective on a dark chapter in American history, demonstrating his ability to engage audiences with challenging subject matter in a visually striking and emotionally resonant manner.
- Wesley Morris and Sam Fragoso are film critics who analyze movies, exploring their emotional impact and societal relevance. They play a crucial role in connecting audiences to broader cultural themes through their reviews and critiques. Morris emphasizes the importance of the writing process in film criticism, while both critics express concerns about the changing landscape of moviemaking and criticism. They highlight the need for nuanced analysis and the emergence of new voices in cinema to drive societal change.
- The disappearing middle ground in moviemaking and film criticism refers to the diminishing space for films that are neither big-budget blockbusters nor small independent productions. This trend raises concerns about the lack of diverse storytelling and critical perspectives in mainstream cinema. It suggests a shift towards polarized opinions and a narrowing of the range of films that receive significant attention and analysis. This phenomenon impacts the variety and depth of discussions around movies, potentially limiting the exploration of nuanced themes and styles in filmmaking.
Counterarguments
- The trend towards blockbusters and indie films may not necessarily omit "middle brow" movies but could indicate a diversification of the types of films being recognized.
- The pursuit of international appeal in cinema can also lead to a richer diversity of storytelling and may not always result in the omission of American regional life.
- The underrepresentation of women and minority directors in Hollywood is a complex issue that may be influenced by a variety of factors beyond resistance to diversity, including systemic issues within the industry and historical biases.
- Ava DuVernay's efforts for diversity are commendable, but there are also other individuals and organizations actively working towards this goal, suggesting a broader movement rather than the efforts of a single person.
- The lack of Oscar nominations for Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie for "Barbie" could be due to a variety of factors, including the competition in their respective categories and the subjective nature of the voting process.
- Criticisms of "Oppenheimer" for its emotionally flat portrayal could be countered by the argument that a more subdued emotional tone might be an intentional artistic choice to reflect the gravity of the historical events depicted.
- While "Killers of the Flower Moon" is praised, some may argue that it does not stand out as much as other works by Scorsese or within the genre of historical drama.
- The role of film critics is important, but audiences also have the agency to interpret and connect with films independently of critical analysis.
- The concern about the disappearing middle ground in moviemaking and film criticism could be seen as a natural evolution of the industry and discourse, reflecting changing audience tastes and the democratization of film criticism through online platforms.
- The increase in divisive opinions in film criticism might be interpreted as a sign of a healthy and vibrant discourse where diverse viewpoints can coexist.
- The emergence of new creative voices in cinema is positive, but it is also important to acknowledge the contributions of established filmmakers who continue to evolve and impact the industry.
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Film Industry Trends in 2023 Oscar Best Picture Nominees
As the Oscars approach, conversations about the film industry's trends become increasingly relevant, particularly when examining the Best Picture nominees. Wesley Morris and others offer insights into the decline of "middle brow" movies, the overwhelming presence of blockbusters, and the continued underrepresentation of women and minority directors.
The Decline of "Middle Brow" Movies and Focus on Blockbusters and Indies
According to Wesley Morris, the film industry no longer produces "middle brow" movies or films that explore American regional life. Instead, there is a dichotomy between the settings of major cities or extremes like space or the past. Morris points out the declining presence of the middle, which reflects not only in cinema but also in the erasure of mixed criticism and societal discourse.
2008 stands out as a significant year with the release of "Iron Man," denoting the onset of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sam Fragoso views this as a sea change in box office trends and industry focus, while Morris emphasizes the shift towards catering to international markets, with blockbuster hits prioritizing broad marketability. This trend has led to the focus on either big-budget blockbusters, exemplified by "Barbie," or independent films like "Oppenheimer," which uniquely opened in the middle of the summer.
Underrepresentation of Women and Minority Directors in Hollywood
The conversation shifts to the experiences of Ava DuVernay, a prominent Black American woman filmmaker who faces the burden of paving the way for more Black, non-white, and non-straight individuals in the film industry. The toll of enacting change within a resistant system is heavy, leading many activists like DuVernay to feel burned out.
Despite serving on high-profile boards such as Sundance and the Director's Guild of America, and even as a governor of the Academy, DuVernay feels that her work for diversity has not had a real impact. She views the incremental changes in Hollywood as too meager to be considered true progress, elucidating the entrenched nature of underrepresentation of women an ...
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Film Industry Trends in 2023 Oscar Best Picture Nominees
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- "Middle brow" movies typically refer to films that fall between highbrow (intellectually or artistically sophisticated) and lowbrow (entertainment-focused with little depth) categories. These movies often aim to strike a balance between artistic merit and commercial appeal, appealing to a broader audience. They may explore relatable themes, characters, and settings that resonate with mainstream viewers while also offering some level of depth or complexity in storytelling. The term "middle brow" is subjective and can vary depending on individual perspectives and cultural contexts.
- "Iron Man" is a 2008 superhero film that marked the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a franchise of interconnected superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The success of "Iron Man" set the stage for a series of blockbuster films featuring various Marvel superheroes, creating a shared universe where characters and storylines intersect. The MCU's approach of weaving together individual superhero stories into a larger narrative has been a significant trend in the film industry, influencing how studios approach blockbuster filmmaking. This shift towards interconnected storytelling and building a cinematic universe has had a profound impact on the industry's focus and audience expectations.
- Ava DuVernay is a prominent Black American filmmaker known for her work in advocating for diversity and representation in the film industry. Despite her efforts and positions in influential organizations, she has faced challenges in breaking through systemic barriers for women and minority directors. DuVernay's experiences highlight the ongoing struggles for underrepresented groups in Hollywood and the complexities of enacting meaningful change within the industry. She has expressed feelings of frustration with the slow progress and has chosen to focus on creating opportunities outside of traditional structures to make a lasting impact.
- The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organizes the Oscars, has faced criticism for its lack of diversity in nominations an ...
Counterarguments
- The production of "middle brow" movies may not have declined but rather evolved with changing audience tastes and the rise of streaming platforms, which offer a new avenue for such films.
- The dichotomy between major cities or extremes in film settings could be seen as a reflection of audience preferences for escapism or stories that differ from their everyday experiences.
- The focus on blockbusters and indie films might be a response to market demands and the financial realities of the film industry, where such films are more likely to turn a profit or gain critical acclaim.
- The international market focus is not solely a trend of catering to broad marketability but also a recognition of the global nature of the film audience and the diverse stories that resonate across cultures.
- The success of films like "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" could indicate a healthy variety in the types of films being produced, rather than a strict dichotomy between blockbusters and indies.
- The underrepresentation of women and minority directors in Hollywood is a complex issue that may involve factors beyond the industry's resistance, such as systemic issues in society at large.
- While progress for diversity in Hollywood may be slow, it is possible that the changes made are more significant than they appear and will have long-term positive effects.
- The widening of the Academy's membership and the slow progress for women and minority directors could be seen as a step in the right direction, with the potentia ...
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Analysis of Best Picture Nominees
The best picture nominees at the Oscars always spur a wealth of conversation and analysis, from their themes and execution to their receptions and the controversies surrounding their nominations.
"Barbie"
"Barbie" stands as an ambitious, satirical film that has upended expectations of what a franchise movie can be. The film has contributed significantly to cultural conversations, leading to a variety of reactions, from mocking and memeing to overthinking and defending the film's aspects.
Wesley Morris notes that "Barbie" is about the difficulty of shedding harmful values instilled from birth. He suggests that the film deals with themes such as the politics of girlhood and the evolution into womanhood. He interprets "Barbie" as a journey towards an understanding of identity, a narrative of awakening and self-discovery through the title character.
The film, which involves influences from various genres, is acknowledged by Morris to be extremely well-made and reflective of Greta Gerwig's vision and interests. It explores profound themes while still being a Barbie film. However, despite this depth, the academy did not nominate Gerwig for best director, nor did it nominate Margot Robbie for best actress, leading to public reactions, including a comment from Hillary Clinton. Morris also suggests that Ryan Gosling's performance as Ken may have inadvertently overshadowed Margot Robbie's portrayal of Barbie.
Failed to get expected Oscar noms for Gerwig and Robbie
Despite the fact that "Barbie" delivered an impressive story and filmmaking, Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie did not receive the expected Oscar nominations for their work on the film.
"Oppenheimer"
"Oppenheimer," directed by Christopher Nolan, is another film that proved theater-going is still viable and profitable. While the film sparked significant cultural discourse, Sam Fragoso questions its significance, and Morris expresses disappointment in it. Morris criticizes "Oppenheimer" for feeling like a series of talking heads rather than active, engaging cinema. He found the film to be more of a recap than a work that engenders questions or reflection from the audience. He also notes that the movie lacks a coherent narrative from the creation of the atomic bomb to the McCarthy hearings, including the treatment of the character Louis Strauss and a depicted scene with Albert Einstein.
Ambitious biopic by Christopher Nolan, yet emotionally flat; more a series of history lessons
Morris remarks that "Oppenheimer" feels emotionally flat and resembles a series of history less ...
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Analysis of Best Picture Nominees
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The film "Barbie" is praised for its depth and exploration of themes related to identity and womanhood, but there was disappointment over the lack of Oscar nominations for its director, Greta Gerwig, and lead actress, Margot Robbie.
"Oppenheimer" received criticism for feeling emotionally flat and more like a series of history lessons, lacking a compelling narrative and depth in character exploration.
"Killers of the Flower Moon" is commended for its portrayal of a lesser-known historical event and its focus on moral complexities, deviating from the director's usual style, showcasing a different storytelling approach by Martin Scorsese.
- The Oscar nominations are highly anticipated in the film industry, with recognition often seen as a significant achievement. Reactions to nominations, or lack thereof, can vary widely, influencing public perception and generating discussions about the choices made by the Academy. In the case of "Barbie," the absence of nominations for Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie sparked commentary and disappointment, highlighting the subjective nature of award selections. Similarly, the reactions to the nominations for other films like "Oppenheimer" and "Killers of the Flower Moon" also contribute to the ongoing dialogue around the Oscars and the recognition of cinematic achievements.
- The comparison of the films to the directors' previous works or styles provides insight into how the directors' established filmmaking approaches may have influenced the reception and critique of their latest projects. It helps viewers and critics understand the evolution or departure from the directors' signature styles and thematic preferences in the context of the new films. This comparison can highl ...
Counterarguments
- "Barbie" may not be as revolutionary as suggested; some could argue that it simply repackages familiar themes in a new context.
- The lack of Oscar nominations for Gerwig and Robbie could be seen as a reflection of a highly competitive year, rather than an oversight or snub.
- "Oppenheimer" might be appreciated by those who value historical accuracy and a more intellectual approach to biopics over emotional engagement.
- The criticism of "Oppenheimer" for being a series of history lessons could be countered by the argument that this approach is intentional, aiming to educate as well as entertain.
- "Killers of the Flower Moon" might be criticized for not providing enough action or i ...
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The Magic of Movies and Film Criticism
Wesley Morris and Sam Fragoso delve into the transcendent experience of films, the integral role of film criticism, and their concerns about the disappearing middle ground in both moviemaking and criticism.
The emotional power, imagination, and escape of movies
Morris shares his discovery of film as a medium that opened up a world much broader than his own, noting the emotional resonance and transformative power of watching "Fatal Attraction" multiple times in his youth. He also discusses how the creative process of making art is "life-giving" and allows for personal connections and revelations, describing moments in art that offer "lost connections, displaced desires, [and] personal revelation epiphany."
The role of the critic to guide audiences, make connections about culture/society
He sees his role as a critic as responding to art, connecting the past and the present while maintaining a bigger picture, and understanding the progression of cultural experiences.
Morris also opens up about writing as having a magical quality, sharing that the act of writing about cultural phenomena is crucial despite sometimes questioning its value. This stresses the critic's part in guiding the audience and fostering understanding about culture and society.
He reviews the film "The Holdovers," connecting it to Alexander Payne's evolution as a filmmaker, who now creates pieces that reflect and teach audiences about societal interactions. Morris mentions that Payne's films tell audiences about themselves as a culture and as a civilization.
As a critic, Morris compares his role to reviving "ancient civilizations to aching life," much like Paul Giamatti's teacher character in "The Holdovers," but without losing sight of the present.
Concerns that the middle ground of movies - and criticism - is disappearing
Morris and Fragoso discuss the erosion of mid-tier movies like dramas or comedies, which didn't necessarily aspire for awards but formed a staple in the market. Fragoso questions the intertwined decline of movie-making and film criticism, pondering whether one led to the other's decrease.
Morris speaks on the decline of nuanced criticism, where there isn't much room for balanced reviews that explore both strengths and weaknesses. He laments t ...
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The Magic of Movies and Film Criticism
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Film critics play a crucial role in guiding audiences by analyzing and interpreting art, connecting it to broader cultural and societal contexts. They aim to provide insightful reviews that balance both strengths and weaknesses of a film, fostering understanding and appreciation for the art form. However, there is a concern about the decline of nuanced criticism and the disappearance of middle-ground reviews in an industry that is increasingly polarized in its critiques. This shift poses challenges for critics in maintaining a big-picture cultural perspective and adapting to changes in the film landscape.
- The connection between film criticism and the decline of mid-tier movies can be understood as follows: As film criticism trends towards extreme critiques, there is less room for nuanced reviews that appreciate the strengths of mid-tier movies like dramas and comedies. This shift in criticism can influence audience perceptions and industry priorities, potentially leading to a decrease in the production and promotion of mid-tier films. The decline of mid-tier movies may be exacerbated by a lack of critical support and recognition, as extreme critiques dominate the discourse and shape audience expectations. This dynamic can contribute to a challenging environment for mid-tier films to thrive in the current movie landscape.
- Nuanced criticism involves reviews that carefully analyze both the strengths and weaknesses of a film, providing a balanced perspective. On the other hand, extreme critiques tend to be more polarized, focusing heavily on either praising or condemning a movie without much middle ground. ...
Counterarguments
- While Morris emphasizes the transformative power of films, one could argue that not all films aim to be transformative, and some audiences may seek entertainment rather than transformation.
- The role of the critic as a guide might be seen as paternalistic or outdated in an era where audiences have direct access to a plethora of reviews and opinions online.
- The importance of writing about cultural phenomena could be challenged by the rise of other mediums, such as video essays or podcasts, which also foster understanding and are increasingly popular.
- The connection Morris makes between "The Holdovers" and Alexander Payne's evolution might be seen as subjective, and others may interpret Payne's work differently or emphasize different aspects of his filmmaking.
- The concern about the disappearance of mid-tier movies could be countered by pointing out the rise of independent films and streaming platforms that offer a wide range of content, including dramas and comedies that don't necessarily fit into the traditional studio model.
- The erosion of nuanced criticism might be disputed by highlighting the existence of many critics who continue to offer balanced and thoughtful reviews, despite the perceived trend towards extreme critiques.
- The Oscars could be defended as an institution that, despite its flaws, still celebrates cinematic achievements and can inspire filmmakers and audiences.
- The ...
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