Let's Do Some Oscar Debriefing

The only nominated movie I saw was “Crash.” However, I went to bed before the Best Picture Oscar was granted, because I was sure it would go to “Brokeback Mountain,” and something in me just didn’t want to be paying attention. So I enjoyed hearing the next morning that “Crash” won.

I loved “Crash.” The language was a bit strong, and with most movies, Pam and I would have turned it off. But I was absolutely fascinated by the multi-faceted takes on racism and prejudice that the movie explored. The film attacked all kinds of stereotypes. I just loved the movie. I had no idea it was Oscar caliber.

I didn’t see “Capote,” but I did read “In Cold Blood,” the book on which the movie is based. That was a ground-breaking book in its time, and is credited with creating a new form of journalism called literary journalism, or progressive non-fiction. Capote delved into the minds of his subjects, something which journalists aren’t supposed to do because it’s subjective. But the book was superb.

Now, many people write in that style. Paul Thoreaux's travel writing, in which he injects himself as the writer, is a form of progressive non-fiction. John McPhee, writing in the New Yorker, became the Gold Standard for this type of writing. But Capote was the pioneer (though if you read A. J. Liebling’s World War II writing, especially his wonderful article about an American soldier called “Mollie,” you have to wonder whether Capote was a pioneer, or just got credit).

Philip Seymour Hoffman won the Oscar for portraying Capote. I approve, because I loved Hoffman’s character in “Twister.” A loud, scruffy, fearless tornado chaser.

Posted on March 7, 2006 10:05 PM|

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