comment #1

BurmaShave says ...

SICKO is a film that I feel has been largely forgotten, but is in my estimation one of the major works of the year, regardless of your values or persuasion. While it is not the brilliant sign of the times that BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE or the incisive and brilliantly angry FAHRENHEIT 9/11, it's still a great piece, heartbreaking and entertaining. I hope it ends up on some year-end lists.

comment #2

The Winchester says ...

Can someone inform me again as to why King of Kong is ineligble for the doc award?

comment #3

Scott Feinberg says ...

Jeff, I haven't seen the screener yet, but from what I hear Taxi to the Darkside is a strong contender for Best Docu, as well--it has shown up on a number of other shortlists.

comment #4

T. Holly says ...

Can't we disqualify "Sicko" on the grounds that Moore didn't investigate whether or not Germany is the only country that has managed to migrate to a hybrid (private/universal) health care system, and we might have much to learn from it?

comment #5

MiraJeffAICN says ...

I saw The Orphanage last night. Thought it sucked.

comment #6

kingofnails says ...

I for one am very much looking forward to EDGE OF HEAVEN. The director's previous film HEAD ON is a fiery and unfortunately forgotten little gem. Has anyone seen it? Has anyone seen EDGE OF HEAVEN? Anyone know when it's coming out?

comment #7

Karsten says ...

I've seen both HEAD ON and EDGE OF HEAVEN, and they're both magnificent, touching and energetic films - and also outstanding, modern european stories from Akin's unique perspective. He's about to become the most important socially conscious young filmmaker working in Europe today. A nomination would be wonderful, and well-deserved. But I hope he's not enticed to begin working in Hollywood. His projects in Europe are fare more important.

comment #8

source188 says ...

The Orphanage is unoriginal and plain dull. The movie commits to one of the most tired clichés in horror, creepy children, (and does nothing to absolve from it) and is horribly paced with an absolutely annoying lead performance.

comment #9

dixiedugan says ...

Of course I haven't seen it, but didn't the Norman Lloyd doc open in New York? Could it be a contender?

comment #10

Armin Tamzarian says ...

So sad that there seems to be no love for the Mexican entry, SILENT LIGHT, which was probably the best film I saw this year.

comment #11

lawnorder says ...

Tornatore's THE UNKNOWN (La Sconosciuto) is a masterpiece. Amazing performances, score, direction. From the director of Cinema Paradiso, The Star Maker, The Legend of 1900 and Malena - it's one of his best films. I'm surprised more people aren't talking it up. A great Hitchcockian style thriller that has a powerhouse emotional ending, not unlike THE LIVES OF OTHERS. Check it out if you can. It's also available on a Region 2 DVD from Italy with English subs.

comment #12

NDH says ...

I saw TAXI TO THE DARKSIDE, and while it's very compelling, I have a feeling it will be overshadowed by the other Iraq documentary NO END IN SIGHT, which is just a better made film. The one entry from the Doc Short List that I hope people will consider is PLEASE VOTE FOR ME. I know it probably has no chance against the more serious heavyweights, but I thought it was an absolutely hilarious, light-hearted film. It's tough to make an engaging documentary without a single interview, but PLEASE VOTE FOR ME really hits it out of the park.

comment #13

Daniel Tayag says ...

Why the hell isn't King of Kong a contender? Is it because it's kinda fake?

comment #14

lipranzer says ...

I also loved HEAD ON, as well as CROSSING THE BRIDGE: THE SOUND OF ISTANBUL, the music doc Akin directed after that, so I'm very much looking forward to EDGE OF HEAVEN.

As for KING OF KONG not being a contender, my guess is it's the usual feeling of the Academy Documentary committee that the subject matter isn't worthy enough.

comment #15

PerfectTommy says ...

I think I can understand why "In the Shadow of the Moon" isn't a contender (too much of the talking heads), but it should be (those were great talking heads).

comment #16

cinemascopian says ...

No No No. Cross out The Edge of Heaven and The Orphanage from the list. Also: Brazil's entry is considered strong only among those who believe that the average Academy voter is an elderly jew. I think it's not anymore (and younger jews will go for The Counterfieters and not My Parents...).

Don't count out Lebanon's Caramel.

More here:
http://cinemascopian.com/prediction-romanias-4-months-wont-make-the-cut-at-the-oscars/

comment #17

Welington Liberato says ...

Fernando Meirelles is the producer and Cao Hamburguer the director. Daniel Rezende (also from City of God) is the editor. But there is no violence, only sadness and sensibility in this movie. Tells the history of Mauro, a twelve years old boy that sudden has to stay by himself. Because of the dictatorship his parents lives him.It's happens in 1970, during the soccer world cup. The screenplay, written by Bráulio Mantovani (also from City of God) and other two writers and Cao Hamburguer, avoids sentimentality. With intelligent mix of the ordinary life and the heavy atmosphere, the movie offers moments of spontaneous geniality. Music and cinematography is also very good. I saw it during the São Paulo cinema Festival. With the quality of the movie, for sure is Oscar caliber.