Often, I like to go into a movie as blind as possible. I do this even more for Oscar-contending films, which are traditionally more artsy, independent, symbolic, innovative, or daring. It can be hit or miss. When it hits, it’s unforgettable. When it misses, I spend my time glancing at the time on my phone, wondering when the borefest will finally end. I am glad I didn’t approach Jonathan Glazer’s (Under the Skin, Birth) fearless The Zone of Interest.
All posts by bryanbuser
American Fiction (2023)
While 2023 has been an excellent year for films. Sadly, as has been the case in most recent years, the movies that receive nominations for the big awards, specifically the Oscars, haven’t been my favorite. This year continues the trend. At the time of this post, I have three of the predicted ten Best Picture nominated movies in my Top 10 movies of 2023, with that number more likely to go down than up as I revisit my thoughts. The same can said of the nominations in the other awards, specifically the other Big Five. It has felt as if the voters are more interested in rewarding actors who traditionally get nominated or are due for their first nomination, and the nomination is a longevity award rather than an outstanding performance that year.
You Hurt My Feelings (2023)
Nicole Holofcener’s (Friends With Money, Love, and Amazing) You Hurt My Feelings is a less affecting version of her 2013 critically acclaimed and well-received Enough Said. Each movie’s watch went down like a tasty new beverage, but then quickly forgotten as soon as we tried something new. In addition to being a better movie, Enough Said was the final movie of the late James Gandolfini and one that allowed him to shed the exterior of Tony Soprano in favor of a softer, more vulnerable character. Each movie starred Julia Louis-Dreyfus (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Hannah and Her Sisters) in, perhaps, her two best non-television roles.
Anatomy of a Fall (2023)
Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall could be the Oscar darling of 2023. The film has received a lot of awards season buzz. While mainly shown in art house-type theaters, this tour de force has sustained a long theatrical run. Positive critic reviews and word-of-mouth conversations have helped the film tremendously and at the right time. A lock to be nominated for Best International Film, Anatomy of a Fall has a chance to receive nominations for Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress in a Lead Performance (Sandra Hüller), and Best Picture. Far from an earth-shattering film, or even one that you’ll think about much after your viewing, it is a worthwhile watch that will have your mind switching back and forth through its 150-minute run-time, anticipating how it might end.
Ferrari (2023)
2023 has been the year of the biopic. The year may be the successful blueprint that could ignite a trend. Each year, several biopics are released. Some are good. Some are not. In 2023, it has often felt like a new biopic was set for release each week. Some of the better ones were The Iron Claw, Dumb Money, Oppenheimer, Blackberry, Tetris, Maestro, Air, and Sound of Freedom. At some point, there was biopic overload, with films like Golda, Big George Foreman, Rise, Chevalier, Rustin, and Nyad getting lost in the shuffle. Rustin and Nyad are receiving Oscar Buzz for leading acting performances. Yet, if not for this recognition, each film likely would have been missed by the public without even knowing the film existed.