Peneflix MOVIE REVIEWS BY PENEFLIX
Another banner year in movie-making history; in so many ways it was glorifying, shockingly innovative and uproarious, titillating fun. Countless times I exited smiling, smirking, thinking “I got it”, I wasn’t fooled, but enriched by the ambiguity; directors have unleashed their colossal control, allowing viewers to fill in the blanks. Recently a woman told me that she felt from the onset of “Babygirl” that Romy had hired Samuel and knew who he was from the commencement of the dog/cookie scene. I didn’t agree but it tickled my “joyous” curiosity, why not?
Every year I notoriously, shamefully lose or better said, fail in my predictions. My selections simply rest on whom/what is deserving of the golden god; some categories are eliminated, others too close to predict, but I guess despite the odds.
BEST PICTURE: “THE BRUTALIST”
BEST DIRECTOR: BRADY CORBET “THE BRUTALIST”
BEST ACTOR: ADRIEN BRODY “THE BRUTALIST” (Would not cry if Timothee Chalamet won for “A Complete Unknown”)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: GUY PEARCE “THE BRUTALIST”
BEST ACTRESS: FERNANDA TORRES “I’M STILL HERE”
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: ARIANA GRANDE “WICKED”
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: “THE BRUTALIST”
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: “EMILIA PEREZ”
ANIMATED FEATURE: “FLOW”
PRODUCTION DESIGN: “THE BRUTALIST”
COSTUME DESIGN: “WICKED”
CINEMATOGRAPHY: “THE BRUTALIST”
EDITING: “THE BRUTALIST”
MAKEUP: “WICKED”
SOUND: “WICKED”
VISUAL EFFECTS: “DUNE: PART 2”
ORIGINAL SCORE: “THE BRUTALIST”
ORIGINAL SONG: “EL MAI” EMILIA PEREZ
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: “PORCELAIN WAR”
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE: “I’M STILL HERE” (BRAZIL) Also in the category of best film. I did predict in 2020 that “Parasite” would win for best Picture and best International film.
At the risk of being panegyric, I LOVE MOVIES!!!!
Peneflix
Thank you for today’s review of Truth & Treason and Persian lessons. I was trying to find your recap from the Oscars, where I believe you applauded the audience’s response for No Other Land. I remember thinking we were watching two different shows if you thought the cheers were for peace. The antisemitism from Hollywood glitterati has been unbearable since 10/7, and awards shows nearly unwatchable for me.
I look forward to watching the films you’ve identified, and truly hope they case Jews in a positive light. We need support, allyship, and truth more than ever.
Loree, dear! I loved these films; they salute ingenuity! I over starred them; but so fear the rabid antisemitism encasing our world!
Happy Hanukkah! P