That's what the New York Film Critic's Circle did, they started off safe. Since they did a sneak attack jump start on the National Board of Review by jumping in line to be 'First!' this awards season, they wanted to be careful and not be too bold as true New Yorkers are known to be, and they picked the nice cute safe performances and films.
They could have taken advantage of their 'First!' status by letting everyone know that they are not afraid of performances that are daring, of films that take bold steps into adult themes, and award the little guys. But no, the NYCFF came out blazing with awards to All-American A-listers! They tipped their hats to Meryl Streep of the YET TO BE seen, or released 'The Iron Lady'. They gave a nice pat on the back to pretty Jessica Chastain for 'The Help' and 'The Tree of Life' (I understand this selection). And from Drive, they gave a swell Supporting Actor nod to old-school comedian Albert Brooks... totally not even thinking about the brilliantly subtle work of another young hot-rod great actor, the lead of Drive, Ryan Gosling. And **trumpets blaring** - **drums rolling**, curtains lifting, they honor Brad Pitt as the most bestest actor of the year with a sports movie called, 'Moneyball', and, 'The Tree of Life'! Wowee!
After all these years, they want to give Brad a pat on the back. The man is a good actor, I like him, I love Angelina, their kids are cute. But Brad Pitt is not the better actor than Michael Fassbender is. Period. What does concern me with the complete shut out of 'Shame' today from the NYFCC is that it may signal what is up ahead for the film and Michael. If critics of New York City are scared or put-off by Shame and its NC17 rating, the movie has NO chance of winning any other type of accolades here in the United States. And I specifically note the US as this country's film industry and critics have issues with films that make you think and have very mature and controversial themes to them - which Shame has in spades. However, it has been made clear that this is just the first of many bumps on the road for Shame, but that there will be some brave critics groups and award ceremonies that will give Shame it's share of recognition.
At the very least, come January, I want Michael Fassbender to receive an Oscar nomination for Shame, he would at least deserve that. And if any actor were to win the top acting award of the year other than Michael, it should be Jean Dujardin... and even he was grossly ignored by NYFCC today. Now that has to tell you something especially when The Artist won Best Picture and Best Director... something is wrong here. The NYFCC gave this to Brad Pitt because he's Brad Pitt! That's all. When it awards Jean's film with the two top awards but not in acting, this is suspicious... especially when Jean won the Best Actor at Cannes, the same prestigious film festival that also screened The Tree of Life, which won Best Film at Cannes.
So my fellow Fassinators, don't fret... we did trip out this morning, but that's ok, our response was natural and normal... and we're going to trip out and get belligerent again this awards season. It is going to be a VERY tough road, but we did expect this. If we feel this way, imagine how Michael's people feel? We're in this together and there will be celebrations in the near future!
They could have taken advantage of their 'First!' status by letting everyone know that they are not afraid of performances that are daring, of films that take bold steps into adult themes, and award the little guys. But no, the NYCFF came out blazing with awards to All-American A-listers! They tipped their hats to Meryl Streep of the YET TO BE seen, or released 'The Iron Lady'. They gave a nice pat on the back to pretty Jessica Chastain for 'The Help' and 'The Tree of Life' (I understand this selection). And from Drive, they gave a swell Supporting Actor nod to old-school comedian Albert Brooks... totally not even thinking about the brilliantly subtle work of another young hot-rod great actor, the lead of Drive, Ryan Gosling. And **trumpets blaring** - **drums rolling**, curtains lifting, they honor Brad Pitt as the most bestest actor of the year with a sports movie called, 'Moneyball', and, 'The Tree of Life'! Wowee!
After all these years, they want to give Brad a pat on the back. The man is a good actor, I like him, I love Angelina, their kids are cute. But Brad Pitt is not the better actor than Michael Fassbender is. Period. What does concern me with the complete shut out of 'Shame' today from the NYFCC is that it may signal what is up ahead for the film and Michael. If critics of New York City are scared or put-off by Shame and its NC17 rating, the movie has NO chance of winning any other type of accolades here in the United States. And I specifically note the US as this country's film industry and critics have issues with films that make you think and have very mature and controversial themes to them - which Shame has in spades. However, it has been made clear that this is just the first of many bumps on the road for Shame, but that there will be some brave critics groups and award ceremonies that will give Shame it's share of recognition.
At the very least, come January, I want Michael Fassbender to receive an Oscar nomination for Shame, he would at least deserve that. And if any actor were to win the top acting award of the year other than Michael, it should be Jean Dujardin... and even he was grossly ignored by NYFCC today. Now that has to tell you something especially when The Artist won Best Picture and Best Director... something is wrong here. The NYFCC gave this to Brad Pitt because he's Brad Pitt! That's all. When it awards Jean's film with the two top awards but not in acting, this is suspicious... especially when Jean won the Best Actor at Cannes, the same prestigious film festival that also screened The Tree of Life, which won Best Film at Cannes.
So my fellow Fassinators, don't fret... we did trip out this morning, but that's ok, our response was natural and normal... and we're going to trip out and get belligerent again this awards season. It is going to be a VERY tough road, but we did expect this. If we feel this way, imagine how Michael's people feel? We're in this together and there will be celebrations in the near future!
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