Random Noise

Oscar Time: Best Supporting Actress

[Originally posted on MySpace]

Another night, another movie… Tonight I watched North Country which means I can bring you my picks for Best Supporting Actress…

#5: Catherine Keener for Capote

I remember Harper Lee as a mostly a sounding board for Capote’s brainstorming sessions… Sure, there’s a part of the movie where she basks in the success of her book (To Kill a Mockingbird), but her character fades into the background when I think back to what I enjoyed most. I don’t mean that to be a criticism of her acting, but she didn’t really need to do much to “support” as this character…

#4: Frances McDormand for North Country

I feel almost the same way about Glory in North Country - yeah she’s tough, yes it’s touching to see her struggle with sickness, but she just didn’t blow me away in this role. Maybe I just can’t get Fargo out of my mind, but she felt odd and somewhat stiff in this role. Ohh well..

#3: Rachel Weisz for The Constant Gardener

This was a really interesting role to evaluate. Rachel stars in the first half of the film, but then she disappears and the story builds around Justin’s search for what happened to her… She’s near the top of my list because she made such a strong impression on me during that time she was on screen. I sympathized a lot with Justin (Ralph Fiennes) thinking back to the moments when she was around. Building a strong connection with the viewer in those short moments gets my recognition.

#2: Michelle Williams for Brokeback Mountain

This was a hard pick for me - Michelle Willams was the front runner for quite a while. Her character is so sad, torn between being a mother, between working a job and between a husband who isn’t everything she thought he was. She shows genuine raw emotion when she finds out what Ennis really does up on the mountain. I feel for her when she finally separates from Ennis. Her performance was excellent and I would not be surprised if she ends up taking home Oscar this year…

#1: Amy Adams for Junebug

But, I was even more impressed with Amy Adams in Junebug. I don’t understand her character at all - she’s soo perky & positive - she’s like a sponge eager to suck up the world. Part of me wants to just give her a fucking encyclopedia to shut her up - and part of me wants to hear what comes out of her mouth next. This is a one of a kind character and I’m always going to think back to this role whenever I see Amy Adams again. Great stuff!

Only two more films to go: Pride & Prejudice and Transamerica… I’m saving my best director & best picture picks for last, so you’ll have to wait a few days before my next post…