The English Patient is the worst film to win Best Picture
12-03-04, 03:09 PM
#77
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A beautiful mind sucked donkey balls. It was schmaltzy and formulmatic (sp?). Blech.
Amelie
Memento
Black Hawk Down
and The royal Tennenbaums were all much better movies.
The other 4 nominated films were better than ABM.
Amelie
Memento
Black Hawk Down
and The royal Tennenbaums were all much better movies.
The other 4 nominated films were better than ABM.
Last edited by towbinaj; 12-03-04 at 03:34 PM.
12-04-04, 07:21 AM
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I thought I would chime in with my opinions on this debate. I must say I was quite surprised at how many seem to dislike Forrest Gump. Each time I see the film it completely amazes me, although I can perfectly understand how some thought Shawshank should have won. Both are in my top 10 films I have ever seen. Although I have never been able to understand Pulp Fiction's popularity. I revisit the film every year or two but still don't understand - it's a cleverly made film, but highly overrated imho.
Anyways, I would say Titantic is the worst film to win best picture. Good Will Hunting, which I think is vastly underrated, should have won. I would also have said Chicago, but I never bothered to see it. It wasn't worth my time.
Anyone notice how many dud's seem to be nominated? I admit I had to look to see what film's have been nominated over the years, and was surprised that on average at least 2 films were terrible per year. And where was The Usual Suspects? One of the best movies I ever saw and it did not get nominated.
Anyways, I would say Titantic is the worst film to win best picture. Good Will Hunting, which I think is vastly underrated, should have won. I would also have said Chicago, but I never bothered to see it. It wasn't worth my time.
Anyone notice how many dud's seem to be nominated? I admit I had to look to see what film's have been nominated over the years, and was surprised that on average at least 2 films were terrible per year. And where was The Usual Suspects? One of the best movies I ever saw and it did not get nominated.
12-04-04, 09:40 AM
#81
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Originally posted by lemieux66c
I thought I would chime in with my opinions on this debate. I must say I was quite surprised at how many seem to dislike Forrest Gump.
I thought I would chime in with my opinions on this debate. I must say I was quite surprised at how many seem to dislike Forrest Gump.
12-04-04, 11:26 AM
#82
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Originally posted by pro-bassoonist
I would watch Shakespeare in Love over the over-rated Saving Private Ryan is any day.
I would watch Shakespeare in Love over the over-rated Saving Private Ryan is any day.
12-04-04, 05:57 PM
#83
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blech. The Thin Red Line is about the most turgid and borrrrrrr.............zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........
see....i can't even stay awake talking about it, let alone watching it.
see....i can't even stay awake talking about it, let alone watching it.
12-04-04, 06:12 PM
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After reading many of these posts, I am extremely surprised at all the bashing of populist favorites like "Titanic," "Chicago," "Forrest Gump," "Gladiator," etc.
Someone out there obviously loved "Titanic," judging by the enormous repeat attendees when the film was in theaters. I realize that popularity doesn't equal quality, but "Titanic" was what used to be called a "MOVIE-MOVIE." A huge piece of entertainment that was entertaining as hell, a lot of fun, and had awesome effects. I honestly have not run across anyone in my personal life or work life that doesn't think "Titanic" was one of the best movies they've ever seen. I have to wonder if the enormous popularity of the film has created a kind of resentment among those who don't want to associate themselves with being part of the "masses." I completely understand why the film was awarded Best Picture. It was a return to grandiose filmmaking that Hollywood hadn't seen for a couple of decades. I imagine, especially, the older members of the Academy appreciated the classy way James Cameron mounted his spectacle.
And "Chicago" was, IMO, one of the finest musicals ever put on film. It's another picture that I've never heard anyone say in person that they disliked. My neighbor at my condo is actually a retired drama teacher, and he thought "Chicago" was one of the all-time great stage musical adaptations he'd ever seen. Same with three girls behind me at the theatre showing the film. Prior to the start of the film, I overheard them talking and realized they were all in school for dance, and when the film ended, they were raving all over the place about how fantastic it was.
Outside of these threads, in the real world, these films seem to be beloved by millions of people. Obviously the Academy all felt that way. And, obviously, since they are the folks behind creating films, they would have a more insightful opinion of the quality. I realize that politics had come into play in the past, but nothing is pure.
Same with "Gladiator" and "Forrest Gump." When I mention these films to people, they just gush with superlatives.
I hope I'm not coming off as elitist, because that is not my intention. I am just very taken aback by all the negativity towards so many films that have won Best Picture at the Oscars.
Someone out there obviously loved "Titanic," judging by the enormous repeat attendees when the film was in theaters. I realize that popularity doesn't equal quality, but "Titanic" was what used to be called a "MOVIE-MOVIE." A huge piece of entertainment that was entertaining as hell, a lot of fun, and had awesome effects. I honestly have not run across anyone in my personal life or work life that doesn't think "Titanic" was one of the best movies they've ever seen. I have to wonder if the enormous popularity of the film has created a kind of resentment among those who don't want to associate themselves with being part of the "masses." I completely understand why the film was awarded Best Picture. It was a return to grandiose filmmaking that Hollywood hadn't seen for a couple of decades. I imagine, especially, the older members of the Academy appreciated the classy way James Cameron mounted his spectacle.
And "Chicago" was, IMO, one of the finest musicals ever put on film. It's another picture that I've never heard anyone say in person that they disliked. My neighbor at my condo is actually a retired drama teacher, and he thought "Chicago" was one of the all-time great stage musical adaptations he'd ever seen. Same with three girls behind me at the theatre showing the film. Prior to the start of the film, I overheard them talking and realized they were all in school for dance, and when the film ended, they were raving all over the place about how fantastic it was.
Outside of these threads, in the real world, these films seem to be beloved by millions of people. Obviously the Academy all felt that way. And, obviously, since they are the folks behind creating films, they would have a more insightful opinion of the quality. I realize that politics had come into play in the past, but nothing is pure.
Same with "Gladiator" and "Forrest Gump." When I mention these films to people, they just gush with superlatives.
I hope I'm not coming off as elitist, because that is not my intention. I am just very taken aback by all the negativity towards so many films that have won Best Picture at the Oscars.
12-05-04, 10:03 PM
#85
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Gladiator is the worst. I can't believe this wannabe Braveheart knock off was even nominated. Compare this to the Godfather with a straight face.
BTW, I too loved Forrest Gump. Great Pic!
BTW, I too loved Forrest Gump. Great Pic!
12-06-04, 10:38 AM
#86
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Originally Posted by Tarnower
After reading many of these posts, I am extremely surprised at all the bashing of populist favorites like "Titanic," "Chicago," "Forrest Gump," "Gladiator," etc.
Someone out there obviously loved "Titanic," judging by the enormous repeat attendees when the film was in theaters. I realize that popularity doesn't equal quality, but "Titanic" was what used to be called a "MOVIE-MOVIE." A huge piece of entertainment that was entertaining as hell, a lot of fun, and had awesome effects. I honestly have not run across anyone in my personal life or work life that doesn't think "Titanic" was one of the best movies they've ever seen. I have to wonder if the enormous popularity of the film has created a kind of resentment among those who don't want to associate themselves with being part of the "masses." I completely understand why the film was awarded Best Picture. It was a return to grandiose filmmaking that Hollywood hadn't seen for a couple of decades. I imagine, especially, the older members of the Academy appreciated the classy way James Cameron mounted his spectacle.
And "Chicago" was, IMO, one of the finest musicals ever put on film. It's another picture that I've never heard anyone say in person that they disliked. My neighbor at my condo is actually a retired drama teacher, and he thought "Chicago" was one of the all-time great stage musical adaptations he'd ever seen. Same with three girls behind me at the theatre showing the film. Prior to the start of the film, I overheard them talking and realized they were all in school for dance, and when the film ended, they were raving all over the place about how fantastic it was.
Outside of these threads, in the real world, these films seem to be beloved by millions of people. Obviously the Academy all felt that way. And, obviously, since they are the folks behind creating films, they would have a more insightful opinion of the quality. I realize that politics had come into play in the past, but nothing is pure.
Same with "Gladiator" and "Forrest Gump." When I mention these films to people, they just gush with superlatives.
I hope I'm not coming off as elitist, because that is not my intention. I am just very taken aback by all the negativity towards so many films that have won Best Picture at the Oscars.
Someone out there obviously loved "Titanic," judging by the enormous repeat attendees when the film was in theaters. I realize that popularity doesn't equal quality, but "Titanic" was what used to be called a "MOVIE-MOVIE." A huge piece of entertainment that was entertaining as hell, a lot of fun, and had awesome effects. I honestly have not run across anyone in my personal life or work life that doesn't think "Titanic" was one of the best movies they've ever seen. I have to wonder if the enormous popularity of the film has created a kind of resentment among those who don't want to associate themselves with being part of the "masses." I completely understand why the film was awarded Best Picture. It was a return to grandiose filmmaking that Hollywood hadn't seen for a couple of decades. I imagine, especially, the older members of the Academy appreciated the classy way James Cameron mounted his spectacle.
And "Chicago" was, IMO, one of the finest musicals ever put on film. It's another picture that I've never heard anyone say in person that they disliked. My neighbor at my condo is actually a retired drama teacher, and he thought "Chicago" was one of the all-time great stage musical adaptations he'd ever seen. Same with three girls behind me at the theatre showing the film. Prior to the start of the film, I overheard them talking and realized they were all in school for dance, and when the film ended, they were raving all over the place about how fantastic it was.
Outside of these threads, in the real world, these films seem to be beloved by millions of people. Obviously the Academy all felt that way. And, obviously, since they are the folks behind creating films, they would have a more insightful opinion of the quality. I realize that politics had come into play in the past, but nothing is pure.
Same with "Gladiator" and "Forrest Gump." When I mention these films to people, they just gush with superlatives.
I hope I'm not coming off as elitist, because that is not my intention. I am just very taken aback by all the negativity towards so many films that have won Best Picture at the Oscars.
12-06-04, 03:31 PM
#87
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally Posted by Tarnower
After reading many of these posts, I am extremely surprised at all the bashing of populist favorites like "Titanic," "Chicago," "Forrest Gump," "Gladiator," etc.
Someone out there obviously loved "Titanic," judging by the enormous repeat attendees when the film was in theaters. I realize that popularity doesn't equal quality, but "Titanic" was what used to be called a "MOVIE-MOVIE." A huge piece of entertainment that was entertaining as hell, a lot of fun, and had awesome effects. I honestly have not run across anyone in my personal life or work life that doesn't think "Titanic" was one of the best movies they've ever seen. I have to wonder if the enormous popularity of the film has created a kind of resentment among those who don't want to associate themselves with being part of the "masses." I completely understand why the film was awarded Best Picture. It was a return to grandiose filmmaking that Hollywood hadn't seen for a couple of decades. I imagine, especially, the older members of the Academy appreciated the classy way James Cameron mounted his spectacle.
Someone out there obviously loved "Titanic," judging by the enormous repeat attendees when the film was in theaters. I realize that popularity doesn't equal quality, but "Titanic" was what used to be called a "MOVIE-MOVIE." A huge piece of entertainment that was entertaining as hell, a lot of fun, and had awesome effects. I honestly have not run across anyone in my personal life or work life that doesn't think "Titanic" was one of the best movies they've ever seen. I have to wonder if the enormous popularity of the film has created a kind of resentment among those who don't want to associate themselves with being part of the "masses." I completely understand why the film was awarded Best Picture. It was a return to grandiose filmmaking that Hollywood hadn't seen for a couple of decades. I imagine, especially, the older members of the Academy appreciated the classy way James Cameron mounted his spectacle.
1. Everything was shown from a modern moral viewpoint even though it was set nearly a hundred years ago. We are supposed to feel that Rose's mother is selfish for wanting her to marry Cal, when it would have been a good financial marriage for Rose that would have ensured a future not only for her, but also for her mother. We're supposed to view Cal as stupid and overbearing--he doesn't like Picasso afterall, and is pretty vocal about his opinion. I wonder how many non-arty people would have recognized Picasso's genius--that whole bit just made me feel like I was being manipulated to judge Cal as bad and Rose as good over really stupid criteria.
2. Characters I didn't give a rip about. We're supposed to care about Rose, a woman who acts incredibly indiscreet (sorry, but Cal had a right to be pissed, though he behaved badly too) with someone of a completely lower social class. It would be easy to forgive the mistakes of youth, but even as an old woman, Rose is a total bitch. She throws a priceless necklace into the ocean that the guy with the boat has been searching for and now will never find. Wonder if anyone ever gives him a grant again . . . Not to mention that the necklace had historical value that others may have appreciated. She gloats when she thinks of Cal shooting himself after the stock market crash--since it was his necklace, I'm thinking she's partly to blame for his death. No one in the movie, except maybe Jack, was all that likeable, and I cared more about what happened to the extras than the main actors. For me, Titanic was a stinker with big production values, much like many old movies.
That isn't to say I can't enjoy movies with "unlikeable" characters. Many people didn't like the characters in The English Patient, but I was okay with them. Unlikeable characters have to be interesting in ways that the characters in Titanic were not.
12-06-04, 03:46 PM
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I saw the English Patient for the first time a few years ago. I thought it was a pretty good movie. I then saw the Special Edition DVD at my local library a few months ago and figured what the heck. I watched it and I was surprised how absorbed I was in the movie. So I'd say it's a very good movie and definitely not the worst to win (Chicago & A Beautiful Mind).
12-06-04, 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by lemieux66c
I thought I would chime in with my opinions on this debate. I must say I was quite surprised at how many seem to dislike Forrest Gump. Each time I see the film it completely amazes me, although I can perfectly understand how some thought Shawshank should have won. Both are in my top 10 films I have ever seen. Although I have never been able to understand Pulp Fiction's popularity. I revisit the film every year or two but still don't understand - it's a cleverly made film, but highly overrated imho.
12-06-04, 04:24 PM
#90
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Forrest Gump was, IMO, little more than mood music for morons. Shamless, pandering, manipulative, meandering garbage the invites you to sleep through life and not question anything. A truly disgusting movie. Both Pulp Fiction and Shawshank Redemption are superior films, although the best film of 1994 was Quiz Show. Don't believe me? I'll break you with my bare hands!! 
