BEGINNERS

 

Just 11 days remain for Oscar hopefuls to release their films. This means two weeks of up to 6 films about to hit theatres for me (Tin Tin, Sherlock, MI, Dragon Tattoo, Tinker Tailor, and War Horse all yet to be released at Regal in Louisville).  While waiting in heated anticipation I decided to take to Red Box over the past weekend to catch up on films released earlier in the year.  Searching specifically for three, ‘The Help’, ‘Tree of Life’, and ‘Beginners’, all with chances in some of the major categories.  Unfortunately both ‘The Help’ and ‘Tree of Life’ were out of stock so I turned my attention solely to ‘Beginners’.

‘Beginners’ follows Oliver (Ewan McGregor) and Anna (Melanie Laurent, ‘Inglourious Basterds’) as they start a relationship after a chance encounter at a party,  and how both Oliver’s and Anna’s relationships with their fathers play an influential role on their future together. Christopher Plummer (‘The Last Station’, ‘Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus’) plays Oliver’s gay father who doesn’t come out until the age of 75 after his wife’s death.  Oliver examines memories from his father’s last few years, and his memories of his mother from childhood, to come to terms with his life and death and establish the grounds for his life with Anna.

Early buzz (and only buzz) for ‘Beginners’ centers on current best supporting actor favorite Christopher Plummer.  In a weaker field this year, right now the only true challenger is Albert Brooks for ‘Drive’, and although I loved ‘Drive’ and Brooks delivers a great performance, I don’t think there is much from holding the Academy back from recognizing Plummer with his much deserved first statue (it’s a shame Nick Nolte hasn’t received any attention for ‘Warrior’ especially considering the weak field).  Due to ‘Beginners’ small scope and overtly art house feel, other than a long shot for a screenplay nom, I don’t see a flood of Oscar attention for the film.  It does many things well, but nothing is brilliant and ultimately the film borders on intellectual challenge and Saturday nap inducer, not the ideal place to be.

Oscar Chances:

Best Supporting Actor (Plummer): Lock

Best Original Screenplay (Mike Mills): Long Shot