comment #1

thevisceral says ...

Comes down to a lack of depth for those two movies if you ask me which you didn't but I don't care.

comment #2

byanyother says ...

Im too lazy to use punctuation because i dont care and you didnt ask me but ill tell you i don't care.

I don't know if anything can whip Slumdog at this point. It is the only film, and I mean the ONLY FILM, people seem excited about across the board. Wall-E would be second, The Dark Knight has a strong but not unanimous following.

comment #3

Sabina E says ...

I thought both films are good. Slumdog is not as well known because it does NOT contain an all-star cast like Benjamin Button.

regardless who wins, both films deserve Oscar nods.

comment #4

MindlessObamaton says ...

Caught BB yesterday. Is it me or is the most un-Fincheresque film he's ever done? ZODIAC is so much richer. The only time I felt anything at all for the pic was the last scene with the baby. That touched me. The rest was just pretty to look at.

comment #5

actionman says ...

I'd love it if both Button and Slumdog were nominated for best picture; they are both incredible pieces of filmmaking in very different ways.

My #1 of the year is still The Fall, and obviously, I know it doesn't stand a chance in hell of getting any nominations.

But of the movies I've seen so far this year, and there are still key releases I've yet to see, these would be the films I'd nominate for best picture:

The Fall
Button
Slumdog
Synecdoche, NY
Dark Knight

comment #6

p.Vice says ...

Beating Slumdog would be joyous... if only it were Zodiac we were talking about. Button's reverse-clock metaphor at the outset is strikingly apt for where Fincher is headed in this one. Take away the aging-in-reverse maguffin and you've got... a Hallmark card? This film has none of the thematic cohesion between subject and filmmaking that made Zodiac such an electric and multi-layered experience, with Fincher settling instead for forced whimsy and Oprah-level platitudes about life that are at complete odds with his laborious, effects-heavy videography and the dismal, charisma-vacuum acting by Pitt and Blanchett. "Stand there and try not to look so cute" is about the extent of the direction he was given.

And let's not forget about the infuriating Hurricane Katrina framing device. Although in a way that does give the film the same kind of Zodiac gestalt -- it only makes sense that Fincher would completely avoid any brush with topicality in a movie about a character who by all appearances lives in a void, completely unaffected by the world arround him. It's not like any heads would have turned when a black servant started raising a white baby in the 1920s south, especially with all those rich white people living in the old-age home.

The real shame should go to Eric Roth's script, though. I can see the Gump comparisons but at least that movie had the balls to engage its subject, if in a somewhat foolish and sentimental manner. I'll take that naivete over Button's tacit nihilism and hypocritical paean to nothingness any day of the week.

comment #7

MindlessObamaton says ...

p. Vice is dead on. In the end, all the stuff in the film is pretty flimsy and I'm kinda surprised Wells didn't shoot it down after he saw it. Clearly, he digs Finchy and didn't want to hurt the guy, so to speak. I just felt like it was all pretty pictures and the most workmanlike thing Finchy has ever done.

comment #8

actionman says ...

Vice: what films this year did you enjoy? Not trying to pick a fight or anything, I just would love to know what you've enjoyed.

comment #9

Pinko Punko says ...

Jeff was quite down on BB- considering where the betting line was on his response prior to the film.

comment #10

BurmaShave says ...

I think if THE DARK KNIGHT actually gets into the final five it has a much stronger chance than anyone's giving it credit for. As for films that don't really have a shot, I would have loved to see THE WRESTLER in there.

comment #11

actionman says ...

I can't wait to see The Wrestler. That and Revolutionary Road are the two flicks I most want to see at the moment.

comment #12

MindlessObamaton says ...

Just finished THE WRESTLER. Rourke is amazing in it. That speech at the end is awesome and you gotta wonder if all that much acting was really going on. Nevertheless, he's charismatic as hell. I dig it. And I like the Bruce song. Smelling another Oscar for The Boss!!!

comment #13

actionman says ...

The only thing I miss about living in Hell-A and working in the biz is the access to screeners this time of year. Nothing can beat the theatrical experience, but too many prestige films were held until these last few weeks. Annoying.

comment #14

Chase Kahn says ...

Actionman: p.Vice is like the guy who, once he finds out that somebody likes something, he moves on to something else because it isn't cool anymore...

comment #15

MindlessObamaton says ...

Um, actionman, those screeners are all over the place. This year is worse for that more than ever.

comment #16

actionman says ...

If you know of anyone in CT that has some screeners, lemme know, would you Mindless?

comment #17

p.Vice says ...

action: Sadly, I have yet to fall in love with a 2008 film. The best film I've seen so far this year is also one of yours: Synecdoche, NY. I didn't love it but it was a top-line B+ for me. I was also a fan of Paranoid Park but I saw that in 2007. There's still a lot I have to catch so there's hope (hello, The Wrestler) but I'm not holding my breath. It feels like even the best filmmakers have been going through the motions this year.

Kahn: Your choice of a stock put-down indicates you're not at all familiar with my tastes. It should be obvious by now that popular opinion in any direction means absolutely nothing to me.

comment #18

D.Z. says ...

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/galleries/top_gun_where_are_they_now/top_gun_where_are_they_now.html#ph0

Jeff: Slumdog's cheaper than Button, though, and will probably make its money back in a week. Plus, it had a better PTA opening weekend. And if the Academy wasn't willing to let Depp win Best Actor, I doubt Pitt's film is a lock.

comment #19

D.Z. says ...

*week or so*

comment #20

BurmaShave says ...

Depp for which film? What the hell are you talking about?

comment #21

D.Z. says ...

Burma: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000136/awards

comment #22

MickTravis says ...

I predict a "Hulk"-like drop-off for "Button" next week. The audience that I saw it with grew very, very impatient with the running time. People were talking about it on the way out. They all seemed to like that old guy's brushes with lightning, though.

comment #23

DarienStyles says ...

Slumdog Millionaire is being shown in 614 theaters, so it is to be expected that it sells fewer tickets.

comment #24

dixiedugan says ...

Just came home a little bit ago from seeing Slumdog and I loved it. I'm putting it at my number 2 this year, since Wall-E and The Fall are tied at my number one.

We got treated to an extended 'coming soon' of The Wrestler and I'd love to see that - the trick as usual is if will come to a theatre within reasonable driving distance for me.

I still have no desire to see BB. None, zippo, nada. I don't know if it's Pitt, or that I just have the gut feeling that this isn't Fincher's best, or what.

comment #25

/3rtfu11 says ...

MindlessObamaton says

Is it me or is the most un-Fincheresque film he's ever done?

Getting away as fast as he can from the business of pleasing the frat boy set. Zodiac was the beginning and Button is the continuation. The man is pushing 50.
(I here by dub TCCOBB the "Jackie Brown" of David Fincher's filmography)

comment #26

jughood says ...

Benjamin Button was flawed, and yet it was still one of the most beautiful, sad movies I've ever seen. A near masterpiece. It had clunky editing, some things I thought should have been removed, the direction wasn't as good as Fincher's normally is (i agree, least finciheresque film ever, i hope he's okay)

It's funny that so many people don't understand it. I've heard criticsm about how Button just glides through the film, or how it's not very deep. Even the first person here commenting says it isnt very emotional - are you kidding me? It was one of the most emotional movies I've ever seen. What is with you people.

People just don't understand it. A move doesn't need ot be loud and in your face. It was a piece of art that allows you to observe and take from it what you do. The whole set up was just so ad. It highlights that nothing ever lasts, relationships, everything will end at some point. His journeys in the first part of the film were so interesting. The second half of the film was so sad. It was just a beautiful, haunting, sad piece of art that was enjoyable to experience. It's sad some people don't get this film. I feel so lucky to have gotten it. It really affected me.

comment #27

actionman says ...

Interesting, Vice. I liked Paranoid Park as well.

Did you see The Fall?

comment #28

jughood says ...

I'm also a little torn on Button because I feel like it was Fincher's most poorly made film, but also maybe his best, because of the script. I wish his directing had been up to par. Maybe it'll look better on dvd the 2nd time I see it.

comment #29

Chase Kahn says ...

That girl, Catinca in THE FALL + Lee Pace brought a lot of heart into that film. Tarsem seemed to be trying too hard, and after films like 'The Fountain' and 'Pan's Labyrinth' it lost its bite a little bit and it's narrative seemed laborious at times as a result.

However, it's very underrated -- obviously beautiful location shooting, as well. I agree, Action, it's good, just not the year's best.

comment #30

D.Z. says ...

rtu: You're being generous. I view BB as Fincher's Jersey Girl.

comment #31

p.Vice says ...

It's in the Netflix queue, although I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger considering all I have to go by is The Cell.

comment #32

JosephB says ...

I really wanted to like "The Curious Case of Benjamin BUtton", but came away pretty lukewarm. Part of the problem lies in Eric Roth's script. By the ninth or so time Fincher frames Cate and Brad in yet another dreamy moment, I was ready to throw in the towel. For anyone who wishes to see games of coincidence and chance played out between star-crossed lovers done without the turgid (and obvious) backdrop of history paraded in front, check out the works of Julio Medem who does this type of thing flawlessly, on a smaller budget, and with considerable less green screen.

comment #33

/3rtfu11 says ...

To: DZ

You're highly critical of people I like - Tarantino & Pitt. Why I ask? Certain you didn't see Button - nor have I seen "Jersey Girl".

comment #34

D.Z. says ...

3rt: In QT's case, it's because he's a plagiarist. In Pitt's case, it's because he's a vapid slut.

comment #35

actionman says ...

c'mon Vice. The Cell looked fucking gorgeous. Sure it was a standard serial killer flick but you can't deny the visual artistry on display in The Cell.

The Fall is miles above The Cell. Have you seen Baraka? If you have seen and enjoyed that film then you'll really dig The Fall. It's kind of like Baraka meets Baron Munchausen meets Princess Bride with a shot of darkness running through its veins.

comment #36

dixiedugan says ...

I'm with Actionman - please move The Fall up in your queue Vice. That child did a fantastic acting job, she's worth the price of admission.

comment #37

actionman says ...

And when you take into account the fact that the girl could hardly understand English and that they kept her in the dark as to Pace's actual ability to walk -- it's all of a piece and really incredible. I have watched the film now at least 5 or 6 times in its entirety and I don't think I'll ever get sick of it.

comment #38

/3rtfu11 says ...

In QT's case, it's because he's a plagiarist

Hollywood steals ideas from everyone from everywhere.

In Pitt's case, it's because he's a vapid slut.

Out of several vapid sluts in Hollywood he seems the most down the earth.

comment #39

/3rtfu11 says ...

down to earth

comment #40

Dan Revill says ...

My top three of 2008 are Rachel Getting Married, I've Loved You So Long and The Dark Knight...Everything after that is in flux at the moment...I think that Slumdog would be the people's choice, but Benjamin Button still packs a more poignant ending. It wins Best Picture I think, unless Slumdog gains more audience traction (which it totally deserves).

comment #41

Dan Revill says ...

I forgot to add that I doubt my top two are ever gonna be nominated for Best Pic, and the Dark Knight still doesn't seem like a lock.

comment #42

janee says ...

Si vous etes interesses par le dossier, ou desirez en savoir plus, contactez-moi par mail, et je vous mettrai en contact.
Best regards,Jane, CEO of high availability database