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Putting (blind) faith in the Academy In the afterglow of the Oscars, the films that made the cut, and even those that bagged a few gongs in their own right, appear slightly garish in our multiplexes. Seeing the posters of ‘Avatar’ and ‘The Hurt Locker’ emblazoned over the cinema walls may still be okay: they are action blockbusters in their own right, and can function freely of any desire to please the polished, deflated middle-ground the Oscars so scrupulously reward each year. But ‘The Blind Side’, trailing along after its star, Sandra Bullock, secured a Best Actress award, now appears out of place. It’s clear that this sports drama – packing an Erin Brockovich-y true story and padded with so much good intentions it practically suffocates the audience – was intended to worm its way into our hearts, as well as the shallowest of our ethical codes and political conundrums. And so assured is director John Lee Hancock in this formula that he just lets the story roll on for a good two hours, barely remembering to throw in some conflict and drama. And why would he? As its Best Picture nomination (not to mention Bullock’s triumph) shows us, he’s the one basking in glory, while we waste two hours of our life. Any comments? |
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Serving God and Mammon
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