Mars’ Hill goes to the Oscars
February 20, 2007
Kenji Skulstad
The Oscars are upon us. While traditionally these awards are based on the films as a whole, we at Mars’ Hill decided to pick winners based on their trailers. We’ll see whether you can judge a movie by its trailer, or if a trailer is much like the cover of a book.
Actor in a Leading Role:
Will Smith,
The Pursuit Of Happyness
Smith gives a captivating performance as an aged, single-father trying to make a life for his son. This should stand out as his finest to date. It brings a tear to my eye every time I see it.
Actor in a Supporting Role:
Djimon Hounsou,
Blood Diamond
Despite the fact he screams through most of this trailer, Hounsou is the most compelling supporting actor of the year, as a father fighting to get his family back is the chaos and greed of the diamond industry.
Actress in a Leading Role:
Judi Dench,
Notes On A Scandal
I’m pretty sure I’ve never been more scared by someone my grandma’s age in all my life.
Actress in a Supporting Role:
Abigail Breslin,
Little Miss Sunshine
Although young, Breslin gives a fine performance as an innocent, unwitting bystander in her family’s dysfunctional relations. If you don’t believe she’s deserves it, I have one word for you: “Rrrrroar!”
Directing:
Martin Scorsese,
The Departed
If we didn’t give it to him, who would? Certainly not the Academy. Here Mr. No-Oscar-yet, you deserve it. This is a grand Shakespearean-like thriller.
Best Trailer:
Babel
The use of Biblical narrative placed over the ensuing chaos of miscommunication, and the clicking score, all push the intensity of this trailer forward with a cast, despite containing Brad Pitt, that look like real, suffering humans.
Cinematography:
Children Of Men
The shots in this film are so artistic, but still manage to keep pace with the political-thriller aspects of the film.
Foreign Language Film:
Water
The colors, the tragedy, the scenery and score all take Water to the win.
Music (Score):
Pan’s Labyrinth
Epic to the last drop, the score to this film makes you feel like you’re actually in the world it sets up.
Visual Effects:
Superman Returns
Superman Returns employed the use of cutting-edge film technology and its worth can be seen in the quality mix of visual effects and live-action. From the mix of 30’s-esque Max Fleischer cartoon and the modern utopian metropolis, to the plane scene, this trailer outdoes all the others.
Writing (Original):
Little Miss Sunshine
The writing here is amazing, delivering key character developments while simultaneously making us laugh at difficulties in life.
Now you go...
Got something to say?