The Best Director nominations for the Oscars 2009 packs in a punch. We have Gus Van Sant’s tale of Harvey Milk and his fight for gay rights through political means. I have not seen the film but I heard from Adrian that it’s a lovely piece of work. Gus was nominated for an Academy Award for Achievement in Directing in 1997. The film was Good Will Hunting. He has always had a soft corner in his heart for the rights of marginalized sections of the society. In 2002, Gus made Gerry, the story of two characters named Gerry, traveling through the desert and talking about inane stuff. The film was equally panned and praised. Milk, about an openly gay San Francisco supervisor who is assassinated in 1978, is his return to mainstream movie-making.
Then there’s David Fincher with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It’s a movie adaptation of a complicated but classic F. Scott Fitzgerald story. Of course, he’s still well-known as the director Se7en and Fight Club. Benjamin Button is a curious addition to his quiver. Up next is Ron Howard with Frost/Nixon. I had seen his A Beautiful Mind and expect a lot from him every time he comes up with a movie. I have not seen Frost/ Nixon yet, but I’m sure it’s worth it. Stephen Daldry’s next with The Reader. He’s won award at the Broadway and West End and has also been nominated for the Oscars thrice.
The last name on this list is Danny Boyle, for Slumdog Millionaire. He’s shown fantastic initiative by shooting in the slums of Mumbai and create poetry out of it. I had a great time watching it. I think he lost his way a little after Trainspotting. With Slumdog Millionaire, he’s back what he does best. Though his directorial debut, Shallow Grave, got him acclaim, Trainspotting is what fetched him fame. If Slumdog Millionaire hits the bull’s eye, it’ll be a spike in his career for sure. Again I’m rooting for Slumdog Millionaire! Adrian has not much to say in this because he’s already betting heavily against Cathy who wants Davin Fincher to win.
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