They Shoot Oscar Prognosticators, Don't They?
Telluride Film Festival Parts 2 & 3
By J. Don Birnam
September 7, 2017
Wonderstruck: Don’t Count on Todd Haynes This Time Around, Either
Much talk was born out of Cannes earlier this year when Todd Haynes, who obviously directed Carol, screened his latest movie Wonderstruck. Could this be his year after literally decades of snubs that span at least since Far From Heaven? Unfortunately, I do not think that this film will be the one to get him to the nominations slate, let alone the winner’s circle.
The movie is about two 12-year-olds separated by 50 years, embarked on adventures in New York City. One is black and white and silent, the other in color. Both are eventually deaf. There is a mysterious connection between the two.
It is as complicated as it sounds, but unfortunately the ultimate denouement is rather…pointless. Yes, there is a swelling score by long-time collaborator Carter Burwell (who also did Carol and others), but the story, based on a successful novel, just does not translate well onto the big screen with the pastiche of time and the eventually very obvious reveal. I will list it for two potential Oscars but smart money says this will not be discussed again.
Oscar potential: Best Screenplay, Best Score
Still to Come
Up next is TIFF, need I say more? More seriously, there is nothing really “big” left that has not already been seen premiering at TIFF. Although there are still unseen movies coming out in the Fall or maybe even December, most of the expected contenders such as mother!, Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing Missouri, and Suburbicon have all played at Venice. It is the middle one with the most buzz, but I will save further commentary until TIFF.
If anything new could make waves, I suppose it could be Jessica Chastain’s Aaron Sorkin movie, Molly’s Game, so we will wait and see.
See you in Toronto!
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