Oscar Shortlist Raises Questions about Docs
intern
15 films made the cut for the preliminary shortlist of Best Documentary for the 2010 Academy Awards. Although this certainly seems like a large number, there are some early absences that have film critics and film lovers scratching their heads.
One of the biggest surprises (and in some cases, frustrations) was the exclusion of R.J. Cutler’s documentary The September Issue, which tells the story of the making of Vogue‘s largest issue of the year. The film received positive reviews and was very popular with audiences, grossing nearly $4 million dollars since its release in late August. Cutler created a compelling story, and did a great job of portraying his central figure, the legendary Anna Wintour, as a talented, albeit intense, businesswoman, instead of the monster many insist that she is.
Among the films nominated a majority focus on socially conscious issues like the environment, animal rights, and global politics. Without taking any merit away from these films, the exclusion of The September Issue raises the question: Are critically acclaimed and commercially successful mutually exclusive? Should films that are popular with audiences be neglected by prestigious awards ceremonies? And, can a socially conscious documentary achieve mainstream success?
By Emily Exton
No Comments
|
| Posted on November 24, 2009
Comments