Casually Observing the Awards Season

I apologize profusely for the delay of this post!!! (Good guess, but it's not about Twilight! I'm a fan of the books, but I'm nowhere near as obsessed as many people are. Personally, I don't think the film looks very good and was too busy to see it this past weekend.)
This post is actually about the 2008/2009 film awards season that is upon us. Around this time of year, studios roll out their contenders for the various accolades that will be given out in the course of the next three months, all leading up to the coveted Academy Awards. This is my seventh year as a casual observer of the movies, reviews, politics, and all else that influences the road to the Oscars. Over the years, I've discovered that I enjoy observing this process; I've learned a lot about what makes a film noteworthy and how certain aspects can affect its chances. Also, you have probably noticed that the films considered tend to be more of my cup of tea, per se. Unfortunately, living in the 'burbs limits my chances of actually seeing the films (esp. indies and limited release), but I try to see as many as I can. So for the next couple months, a vast majority of my film posts will relate to this intriguing spectacle. Below are some films I would like to see in the near future. (I've included a list of pros/cons compiled from various critics' reviews.) Of course, there are many more possibilities to keep an eye on, so feel free to look into them on the plethora of reliable awards blogs on the Web. Things are always changing, and nothing is really a lock at this point. In brief, this looks to be an exciting season, as always. There are horse races coming out of many of the main categories, but some begin to settle in around early December.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (D: David Fincher; C: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Taraji P. Henson; W: Eric Roth, from the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald) - wide 12/25
For it: This distinctive tale is a "richly satisfying and moving piece of storytelling" that hopes to appeal to critics and traditional Academy fare as well as conventional audiences. It incorporates advanced CGI to create the magic behind this story that spans eight decades. There are memorable performances from the gifted cast--specifically Blanchett, Henson, and Swinton-- that add to the "emotional touchstones" of the film.
Against it: Some critics feel that the CGI gives the film a "cold, remote tone" that you cannot fully open up to. Pitt's performance is particularly debated. Some say he is "extraordinary" and "gives his most impressive work to date". Others mention his character is more "passive" than anything else, and it is Blanchett who steals the show and "totally registers the dramatic vein of her character".

Doubt (D: John Patrick Shanley; C: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis; W: John Patrick Shanley, adapted from his stage play) - limited 12/12, wide 12/19
For it: Very dialogue-driven, it relies primarily on "rapid fire confrontation scenes" between Streep and Hoffman and Streep and Davis. All three pack a punch as their characters engage in a heated battle of morals and ethics. Early reviews say up-and-coming star Davis gives "one of the year's best breakthrough performances" in her sole scene as a troubled mother. She is bound to remain a fixture in audiences' memory long after the film is over. The film also has an "multi-faceted social context", connecting the era of its setting with today's society through the common thread of distrust leading to turmoil.
Against it: So far, there has been some interesting responses to this dark film. Perhaps most surprisingly, some of the lukewarm reception comes from Streep's performance. A few say she is the film's "questionable element" and "underplays Sister Aloysius' villainous persona". However, the Most-Nominated-Actor-Ever still retains the mighty force and formidable strength necessary. Also, the film as a whole may suffer if the mass reviewers think it's too "melodramatic" and/or "disconcerting" as some have already stated.

Milk (D: Gus Van Sant; C: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, James Franco, Emile Hirsch; W: Dustin Lance Black)- now playing in select theatres, wide 12/12
For it: Obviously, this biopic (the type the Academy loves) about San Francisco's first openly gay city council member has huge political implications today (Prop 8). However, critics agree that it is a unique and "tenacious" for a film of its kind. The performances from Brolin and Penn are being described as "superlatively expressive and genial". Penn, who is transformed to bear a striking resemblance to the real Harvey Milk, provides a stark contrast to his previous work. Here, he "possesses less rage and madness" and more charm and charisma, all while highlighting his character's pioneering spirit and fearlessness. Overall, most reviewers believe Milk is easily one of, if not "the best dramas of the year" and an "intelligent portrait of a true fighter".
Against it: Too controversial, perhaps? That is usually the case with these films. Films regarding homosexuality are, for the most part, still considered risky in American society. It is an inevitably edgy topic. On a smaller scale, Milk "inherently omits" some of the interesting details of Harvey Milk's life and career and "leaves something to be desired".

Rachel Getting Married (D: Jonathan Demme; C: Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt, Debra Winger, Bill Irwin; W: Jenny Lumet) - now playing {An aside: I was hoping to see this film this weekend, but none of my local theatres are playing it any longer!! Ideally, I would have seen it a few weeks ago when it was definitely playing, but I never seem to have a free weekend until the holidays roll around. :( }
For it: A "career-changing and mesmerizing" performance from Hathaway that "wires you" directly into the frenzy of her character has everyone buzzing. Also, DeWitt stands out as Hathaway's sensible foil. Lumet's "colorful and nuanced" screenplay is full of realism, woven together by the revealing, multi-dimensional interactions between the characters.
Against it: It is an indie, so it lacks the studio push that most contenders require to push them through the pack. Also, it's more of an ensemble piece, with all the actors meshing together to create the ideas in the film. Therefore, it doesn't stand much of a chance in most major categories.

Revolutionary Road (D: Sam Mendes; C: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Michael Shannon, Kathy Bates; W: Justin Haythe, from the novel by Richard Yates) - limited 12/26, wide 1/16
For it: Early screenings have led to quite a few raves from critics, saying that "powerhouse performances" from DiCaprio, Winslet, and Shannon (one of the year's breakout stars) drive the film deep into viewer's minds. It has been hailed as the "most emotionally jarring drama of the year" and leaves a "haunting resonance". Also, the techs are apparently "beautiful" but don't overshadow the acting and writing.
Against it: It seems as if critics' main concern is that the material is extremely unaccessible to mainstream audiences, and people may find its intensity "too unpleasant". Part of it deals with the fact that it is hard to sympathize with the main characters and the critics' have very mixed opinions on how the profound themes and plot are portrayed. Furthermore, the film faces harsh comparisons to the nearly flawless novel. Critics say in some ways the film fails to touch on all the layers and minutia revealed in Yates' prose but is still "powerful and utterly superb".

Slumdog Millionaire (D: Danny Boyle; C: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor; W: Simon Beaufoy, from the novel Q & A by Vikas Swarup) - now playing in select theatres, wide 12/26
For it: This is a "compulsively watchable" story of a guy in India who wins the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?". He doesn't do it for the money but as a means of finding his long-lost girlfriend, a die hard viewer of the show. In a year of heavy-hitting dramas, this uplifting comedy (or dramedy, more so) will definitely shine. A People's Choice Award from the Toronto International Film Festival helps too, and more and more people are discovering this "inspirational film experience".
Against it: Obviously the anonymity and lack of star power is a crucial detriment. However, a growing number of people believe this might be the "Little Indie That Could", à la Sideways, Little Miss Sunshine, Juno, et al. Some critics are also not falling for the "fairy tale picaresque" of the film, saying it's "in-your-face".

More on all of this in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, hope everyone had a fun and safe Thanksgiving!