This is one of the many Oscar nominations on which I’ve written previous reviews- in this case, one of my book to film reviews. If you’d like to read it, click here.
When I walked out of the theater after seeing this movie I really felt I had just seen the best movie of the year, so far. But then I saw Atonement, No Country for Old Men, Juno, Sweeney Todd, and many others that caused this movie to sort of get lost in the shuffle. I think in another year (say, last year for instance), this movie may have gotten a lot more attention, perhaps even coming out in December instead of September would have helped, but there were just too many good movies this year for this one to stand out.
Nominations:
Best Supporting Actor – Hal Holbrook
I was so glad to see Holbrook nominated in this category. Ron was my favorite part of the book and I loved how he was portrayed on screen. He really brought to life the most touching character of the film. It’s too bad that no one stands a chance against Javier Bardem this year.
Best Editing
It’s possible that Into the Wild won’t leave completely empty-handed. This was a very well put-together film. The montages and transitions worked expertly to make this movie flow and I felt the pacing was simply perfect. This is the strongest nominee I’ve seen in this category so far and I hope to see it take something home on Oscar night.
Snubbed?
Once again, in a better year I feel this film could have been a contender for any and all other categories. The cinematography was breathtaking. Emile Hirsch really embodied the role of Chris McCandless. Sean Penn directed the film well, and adapted the novel even better. Catherine Keener was both funny and poignant. Eddie Vedder’s score was beautiful. This film should have done better than it did this year, and it’s a shame to see it pale next to the competition.
Kanebo
Ashley Brooke
Acne Jeans
I went into this film wanting to hate it. I can't say why, I just had little to no interest in seeing it in. However, in the pursuit of our challenge, I sucked it up and went and was really impressed. Because I generally don't like Emile Hirsch, I wasn't too bummed he didn't get a nomination. That being said, I was shocked by how much I enjoyed his performance. He really embodied Chris fully and I was even more impressed that he did all the stunt work himself.
Having not read the book, I can't comment on how well adapted it was, but it sounds like you were impressed and I respect your opinion on that. In light of that, I'm surprised it didn't receive anything for writing. I wholeheartedly agree that this movie got snubbed for cinematography and esp. for music. Eddie Veddar's work on this was phenomenal. I thought at least one song would get nominated for sure.
As for what it was nominated for, I think you're right on about the editing. I hadn't really thought about it much, but Into the Wild was one of the few movies this year that I didn't walk out of it thinking "Well, I mostly liked it, except that part in the middle that really dragged...". So I think I'm rooting for them here. And while I was pleased that Hal Holbrook was recognized, you're right, he won't beat Javier Bardem. Neither of them are my first choice (I actually think Tom Wilkinson deserves to win for Michael Clayton), but they are both highly deserving of their noms.
Okay, enough from me. Congrats on knocking off five more this weekend! I only saw three, but I have plans to see like 6 more this week including three tomorrow (short day in the lab + hubby's out of town).
1I'm glad you liked it so much, even if it got lost in the shuffle.
Emile Hirsch = Yummy! 
I would watch it no matter what.
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2"The years, No doubt, Have changed me"
I couldn't agree more about Eddie Vedder’s score.
3It was fantastic. Not only was the music amazing on it's own, but it was a perfect fit with the movie. When I hear certain songs from the album (which I obviously immediately purchased!), I instinctively think of the movie. That doesn't happen for me very often!
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