Friday, December 23, 2011

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN


 
Steven Spielberg brings two films to the silver screen this December, his tear-jerking war drama ‘War Horse’ and his animated directoral debut ‘The Adventures of Tintin’.  The latter, based on the European comics of the 1940s, chronicles the events that conspire after Tintin, a young virtuoso journalist, and his dog Snowy unravel a mystery after purchasing an antique replica ship.

The only reason for including ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ in my Oscar blog, the only reason to include any animated feature most years for that matter, is the possibility of Best Animated Feature.  There was some uncertainty about the eligibility of the film due to the use of extended motion capture animation (example Gollum in ‘Lord of the Rings’).  Because the technology is used primarily in adding animation to non-animated films, there hasn’t been a precedent set deeming it an acceptable medium in Oscar terms (The Best Animated Feature award has only been around for 10 years and all winners ‘Up’, ‘Wall-E’, ‘Shrek’, ect. have been full animation and in the case of ‘Wallace and Gromit’, claymation).

Last week ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globes and has won previous awards within other circles.  The Golden Globes are often looked at as barometer for what will follow with The Academy.  I believe the Globes allowing ‘Tintin’ a nomination will prompt the Oscars to follow suit.  Unlike other years where animated films have been included in the Best Picture conversation (last year with ‘Toy Story 3’) I think ‘Tintin’ will solely be limited to Best Animated consideration and, as long as it’s nominated, will have a very good chance of winning in a weak field this year (no real Pixar threat after ‘Cars 2’ bombed).

Oscar Chances:
Best Animated Feature

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