Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Comic Nods

A couple of comic book adaptation movies from 2005 received Oscar nominations: Best supporting actor and best adapted screenplay for "A History of Violence"; and best cinematography for "Batman Begins."

Personally, I think "Sin City" was a better candidate for best cinematography, with its razor-sharp black and white photography laced with startling color. But it was unlikely to receive any nominations, because (a) it was mostly shot against green screen rather than with actual sets and location shooting; and (b) Robert Rodrieguez likely pissed off most of Hollywood by quitting the Director's Guild so that Frank Miller could get co-director credit. Not to mention the fact that he makes reasonably-budgeted movies that do great at the box office -- and makes them in Texas rather than LA.

Two other comics adaptations received some less laudatory recognition: Jessica Alba received a Golden Raspberry award nomination for her role as Sue Storm in "Fantastic Four"; and "Son of the Mask" (the sequel to the 1994 hit adaptation of the Dark Horse comic) received eight GR nominations. I didn't see SOTM; the trailers promised a truly sad time at the cinema. But I saw and enjoyed the FF movie. Alba looked great; but I have to admit, she was not very convincing as a scientist (even when they put -- gasp! -- glasses on her.) She was much better in -- guess what -- "Sin City."

No comments: