In an amplified promo, ABC promised no less than “glamour,” “thrills,” and “emotion” for the much anticipated 82nd Oscars. Complete with climactic music and snippets of prior shows, ABC set the expectations high. And it cannot be denied that this year had great potential. With two hosts and ten best picture nominations (the first time since 1943), bigger could have been better. But the excess could not make up for what the show lacked. Even the glittering gowns and the stunning stage could not disguise the disappointment that were the 2010 Oscars.
Neil Patrick Harris began the night with an opening number as powerless as his voice. “You Just Can’t Do It Alone” was riddled with clichés, “whether team Jacob or team Ed,” and extra hype, “tonight there’s two hosts to split the fee.” Unfortunately, what followed was no better.
Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin could have made a dynamic duo, but from the moment they took the stage, their hosting seemed reminiscent of an awful improv show. Scanning the crowd, they chose audience members at random and poked fun at them with monotone, almost desperate attempts at humor. At one point, Martin said, “Is that the director of “Avatar,” James Cameron?” Squinting into the audience, he and Baldwin then whipped out pairs of 3d glasses. “Oh look” became a redundant transition between such sporadic comments, making the show seem disconnected and more like a stream of consciousness than a professional act.
Though few and far between, the show did have its redeeming moments. Kathryn Bigelow’s film about the war in Iraq, “The Hurt Locker,” took the award for best picture. Competing against top-grossing movies, it spoke to the potential in low-budget films. Finishing with six wins, it dominated the show, even overshadowing films like “Avatar,” which received only three awards, though ones well-deserved: best art direction, visual effects, and cinematography.
Bigelow made Oscar history when she became the first woman to win best director. After the consistent hosting and performance flops, Bigelow’s speech was a much-needed breath of fresh air. Thanking the other nominees for their example and inspiration and frequently calling the night “the moment of a lifetime,” her heartfelt delivery not only epitomized her great achievements but marked a highlight in the show as well.
Another strong moment came from a welcome cast of various animated characters. They gave a series of light-hearted, comical interviews that were a clever predecessor to the declaration of the best-animated feature film. Pixar’s fantastic abilities were recognized once again when “Up” received the Oscar. The film also won best original score for its thoughtful melodies that effortlessly range from vibrant, lively themes to nostalgic laments.
“Crazy Heart” received its merited attention when its touching, country number, “The Weary Kind” took the award for best original song. The film grabbed a second Oscar when Jeff Bridges was named best actor for his role as Bad Blake. His lengthy speech, littered with an excess of “yea, man” and “oh, yea,” unfortunately detracted from his win and the powerful performance for which he was being recognized.
Just a night after receiving the title of worst actress at the Golden Raspberry Awards, Sandra Bullock stepped on stage to accept the award for best actress for her role in “The Blind Side.” Up against strong competition, which Bullock gracefully recognized in her speech, her win came as somewhat of a surprise.
For a night so full of possibility, it is a shame that the 2010 Oscars show failed to mirror the exceptional talent that dominated 2009.
The only review I've read thus far thats as scathing as mine- nice work. Your criticisms of a lack of talent starting with Neil Patrick Harris was interesting and truthful, drawing me in from the beginning.
ReplyDelete