It’s that time of the year when the much awaited Hollywood Academy Awards are going to be announced. I somehow managed to view five of the movies that are nominated in different award categories this time. Just thought of sharing my views on those movies.

Dunkirk

I saw this last year on IMAX and the experience was good. The soundtrack was overall arousing to match the intensity of the three stories woven into the movie. Of all the Nolan’s movies, this one had less dialogue. However, the intense music and the cinematognraphy make up for it to clearly explain what is going on and what’s about to come. It’s not a patriotic triumph movie, but a heavily emotional war story told beautifully. I wish Nolan and Hans Zimmer get their due with this one.

Mudbound

I saw this on Netflix and was very much impressed. With a powerful screenplay and a gorgeous cinematography that captures the contrasting lives of a black and white family in the 1940s, the movie will impact anyone who watches it. As the name suggest, mud is pervasive, it is on everyone, and it gives a natural authenticity to the movie. Rachel Morrison, the movie’s cinematographer, has become the first woman to be nominated for Oscars in the Cinematography category. And I wish she gets it!

Phantom Thread

I saw this on the big screen on the day of my 9th wedding anniversary and it’s a reminder that women control men’s lives! 🙂

The structured and routine life of an obsessive 1950s fashion designer is disturbed by his new female muse. His sister who manages his business, doesn’t like the new lady at first, but slowly starts to have a liking for her. Along with these two women, the designer is haunted by his expired mother’s thoughts. Just when he thinks he’s in control over them, his sister (wonderfully played by Lesley Manville) reminds him who’s in control. His female muse becomes his love and takes over his career, which has been his life all the while.

Though the movie is slow at first, it grows on you. With nice piano and orchestra-type music, the background score is splendid. The movie is beautifully crafted, much like the exquisite dresses stitched by the designer for his high profile clients.

The Post

I saw this for Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. It’s based on the true events that led to the outbreak of confidential information about US government’s unethical handling of the Asian crisis, especially the Vietnam War. The movie reminds that the pen is mighter than the sword.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

A controversial incident becomes a fight between individuals in this movie. What’s astonishing is the methods they take for the confrontation. It is just reckless and violent. Frances McDormand, plays the tough, resourceful, and dangerous mother who takes on the authorities in unconventional ways for failing to make any breakthrough in the investigation of her daughter’s murder. The actress has given a wonderful performance.