Sunday, February 22, 2009

Oscar Update

I just managed to catch the end of Michael O'Connor's teary Oscar speech (sorry, was watching Oliver Twist!). The Duchess just won for the best costumes. A deserved honour but I can't help but notice The Duchess seems to only be recognized for costumes and no other honours in terms of awards.

14 comments:

  1. I posit that the lack of other awards, with all due respect, is due to the fact that it was a terrible movie. I know I put in a rant last week on this subject, but - really! - they didn't even create the character of Harriet and we are never given to understand that Georgianna even HAD debts, let alone that they added so much stress to her life, friendships and marriage. It was one of the worst adaptations of a biographical work I have ever seen. That said, the costumery was wonderful and I suspect the film was due a cinematography nod, at least.

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  2. I was a little surprised that The Duchess wasn't nominated for anything else, but was so pleased that Michael Connor won in the Costume Design category. Very deserved!

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  3. Well Paul Miller said just what I was about to say. It didn't get nominated for anything else because it was a bad movie. The only good things about it were the costumes and the sets, which were the only two nominations it got.

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  4. I was disappointed in it in terms of as an adaption of the biography and historical accuracy. I think it's few nominations say a lot. Although I thought Fienne's performance was Oscar-worthy.

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  5. I have to agree with Paul Miller...I was sooo disappointed with this film adaptation. It really didn't do Georgiana or Amanda Foreman justice. Pity so much money spent unwisely.

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  6. I think the film got recognized for what it was good at- the costumes- and was not recognized for anything else because everything else was... not the greatest. I cringe still at the focus put on ugly!Willoughby-Charles Gray and, aside from Fiennes, the acting wasn't stellar.

    I think the Awards were pretty fair this year.

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  7. For me, the movie was all about the costumes and they were divine! I thought the movie was eye-candy from beginning to end. I was thrilled that it won the Oscar and will probably watch it at least one more time just to take in the stunning gowns.

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  8. "Although I thought Fienne's performance was Oscar-worthy."

    I think Fiennes gave a wonderful performance, especially considering that he wasn't really given much of a script or costars to work with, but it wasn't as good as some others this year that WERE nominated.

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  9. I agree with Katy. I think Fiennes did a good job - he IS a good actor. Still, he had little to work with and how could anyone on that production who read the book even begin to get excited about their characters as the script reinvented them? I think if I had seen the film first, I would have appreciated the "eye-candy" and then later liked the book even better. I learned this as a kid after seeing Gone With the Wind before I read it - Movie first, book second. Otherwise, you will always be disappointed in the film. Although here, there is nothing one could do about what a bad production The Duchess was.

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  10. I though both Fines and Knightly were very good in the film, also the actresses who played the mother, and Elizabeth.
    For me I knew nothing about Georgiana, and thanks to the film which I loved, I have great interest in her, and will read the book.

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  11. Oh good, I hope you really enjoy the book!

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  12. I love the movie. Enjoyed the costumes. I didn't know there was a book. I will have to read it.
    On another note, because of the movie I was intrigued by Georgianna. I found this website because of the movie and love visiting here.

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  13. Thank you! It's so nice to have you!

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  14. That's just because it was terrible.
    Keira Knightley freaks me out.

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