2012 Oscars - Best Picture Nominee Ratings & Short Reviews

Hey guys,

I've finally managed to watch all nine of the best picture nominees for this Saturday's Oscars, and I have ranked them all below and written a short review on each. Let me know which ones you liked/didn't like and the reasons why as well.

I have to admit, this year hasn't seen as many "classic" films as we have had in recent years, but there are definitely a few worthy of a watch. They're in order of preference, so 1 is the best and nine is the worst.

1. The Artist
A magical, funny and timeless classic with exceptional performances from Dujardin and Bejo. In a year short on masterpieces, The Artist comes closest with a touching tribute to the old ages of film in a way which Hugo failed; it is full of love and heart. You'll find yourselves smiling throughout, and at times wishing you were alive during the times it so passionately takes you into. If there is any justice, The Artist will be the Best Picture winner. It deserves it. It is that good.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - Film Review

With a tricky topic to get the balance right, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close describes itself as a film "not about 9/11, but about the days afterwards." This isn't strictly true, seeing as large chucks of Stephen Daldry's adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foer's novel take place during that day. "That worst day," as it is referred to by our leading character and narrator Oskar Schell, is in fact of vital importance to Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,

As we begin you see the shot of a man falling towards the ground, intentionally out of focus. As we listen to the flapping of his jacket, Daldry sets up his world's importance to sound. He wants you to listen to the noises, a purposeful message to show exactly why Oskar, still a child, finds walking the streets of New York difficult all the months after. Fire engines constantly pass by, aeroplanes buzz overhead, car honk their horns and people talk, scream and shout in almost every scene. When we get odd moments of silence they are broken by Oskar, he carries a tambourine around always to disguise the sounds that remind him of his own personal experiences of 9/11.