Oscars Preview | Graphic by Abigail Abbott | The Wright State Guardian
2024 proved to be a significant year for film history and cinema appreciators. Even those not aware of the best picture nominees were likely to have witnessed the “Barbenheimer” commotion that occurred over the summer.
The vast range of genres and themes in films this year made for an interesting competition. With the 96th Academy Awards coming up on Sunday, here is a truly honest ranking of the best picture nominees from worst to best.
10. “American Fiction”
“American Fiction” is one big satire. Enjoyers of societal commentary will appreciate the execution of this film.
The film is about Monk, a writer and professor on mandated leave, frustrated by the author’s shortcomings in writing success. As a joke, Monk writes an award-winning novel full of African-American stereotypes as a satirical commentary towards the popular books selling.
The success of the novel fuels Monk’s hatred towards modern writing that was harming the public. This plot was paired with many other issues, like the changing relationship between people in Monk’s life.
The satirical aspect of the film makes for comical moments throughout yet was buried in several other plots that did not align with the film’s nature. While “American Fiction” made for a clever commentary, the film seemed to add an unnecessary plot, confusing audiences.
9. “Maestro”
Bradley Cooper’s performance of Leonard Bernstein explores the famous conductor’s life and relationship with his wife, Felicia.
Carey Mulligan gives a convincing performance of Bernstein’s wife, making Felicia’s character the most interesting.
The film lacked an explanation for those unfamiliar with Leonard Bernstein in many regards. Focusing mainly on Berstein’s personal life was confusing for viewers already not knowledgeable about the conductor’s work.
With the commonality of biopic films being made, “Maestro” was rather ordinary in comparison to “Oppenheimer,” for example.
8. “Poor Things”
The costumes and oddity of this film are unmatched compared to the other nominees. Unfortunately, the plot and direction of the film proved to be unsatisfying, making “Poor Things” a film of unmet potential.
Emma Stone’s depiction of a woman “learning life” for the first time makes for an interesting performance that is highly admirable. As Stone’s character, Bella, faces the challenges of womanhood through encounters with several men, Bella slowly journeys through self-discovery.
The plot of “Poor Things” has the makings of an exceptional film, yet the direction makes Bella’s challenges appear very surface level.
The film was very visually appealing and quite witty yet missed an opportunity for depth.
7. “The Zone of Interest”
“The Zone of Interest” shares an unsettling perspective, making it unlike any Holocaust drama.
The film follows Rudolf Höss, a German SS officer, and the man’s family living directly outside of Auschwitz in a perfect utopia. The family enjoys the luxury provided to them at the expense of brutal killings by Höss and fellow Nazis.
This film was particularly interesting due to the slow-moving nature of it and how the story is presented. It is not often that violence, which occurs throughout the film, is shown, yet it is extremely present if the viewer is looking for it.
The cries of women and children—as well as smoke and bombings—can be heard throughout. The viewer never witnesses it directly, however.
This film would have been ranked higher if more plot was present, honestly. The perspective is very clever yet leaves the viewer wanting more.
6. “Anatomy of a Fall”
The French drama “Anatomy of a Fall” examines the trial occurring after a woman, Sandra, is suspected of murdering her husband, Samuel. The trial is quite complex, since Samuel had mysteriously fallen out of the window of the couple’s house with no witnesses.
The film accounts for the emotional distress placed on Sandra as the woman struggles to gain support from Daniel, the couple’s blind son.
The feeling of resonance at the end of this film was memorable. Sandra expresses emotions of unfulfillment after the trial because while the trial itself is over, the widow is left to process her husband’s death.
5. “Oppenheimer”
As one of the major film releases of the summer, Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” did prove to be a memorable film.
“Oppenheimer” follows the development and creation of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s deathly atomic bomb and the moral conundrum that Oppenheimer faced soon after.
The film made sure to highlight different aspects of the scientist's life, which was necessary in adding depth to the otherwise dull character. Oppenheimer’s affair and internal conflict following the drop of the atomic bomb made for an interesting performance from Cillian Murphy.
“Oppenheimer,” since being released the same day as Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” created lots of buzz surrounding the movie. This seemed to build up the audience’s anticipation of the film, which remained unfulfilled.
4. “The Holdovers”
A bit of an unconventional Christmas story is the most accurate description of “The Holdovers.” Nevertheless, this film was exceptionally witty without lacking profundity and meaning.
Angus, a troubled teen attending an all-boys boarding school, is disappointed to hear the news that his mother left him to stay there over Christmas break with the other “holdovers.” The film follows Angus’ struggle to enjoy Christmas in the company of the school’s most disliked teacher, Mr. Hunham. It also reflects on the growth of the two’s relationship and personal difficulties, which are dealt with as the break goes on.
The unexpected paternal relationship that develops between Angus and Hunham was very heartwarming to watch. “The Holdovers” simplicity of plot yet depth of the characters creates a film that can be appreciated by all audiences.
The overall quality of characters and comicalness was refreshing amid nominees embedded in heavy topics.
3. “Barbie”
Greta Gerwig’s take on the trials and tribulations of Barbie made for a resonant cinematic experience. The anticipation for the film, with extensive marketing, did not disappoint viewers.
The film follows the emotional battles of womanhood that ensue on Margot Robbie’s character, Barbie. She travels to the real world and must choose between a surface-level way of life or the complexities of the real world.
“Barbie” deserves recognition for the way the film was able to create a fresh take on womanhood. Barbie experiences troubles regarding femininity and sexism, an issue that continues to be relevant to women, from the perspective of a woman who has never faced this.
The execution of the message made for a unique film with a familiar face. Cinematography and nostalgia played a huge role in winning over audiences as well. The world of Barbie is one that generations of women can relate to and appreciate.
2. “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” proved to be a meaningful piece, telling an unexpected and rather complicated love story amid betrayal.
After the people of the Osage Nation gained wealth from a treaty with the United States, mysterious Native American deaths arose.
Molly Burkhardt, of full Osage blood, quickly falls in love and marries Ernest Burkhardt. Ernest undoubtedly has love for Molly but has ill intentions of greed. The film follows Molly’s attempt at saving the Osage people and the unforgivable tragedies that are brought upon them.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” was a film of great importance that captivated viewers with interesting storytelling. The strength of the casting made the film above many nominees. Lily Gladstone gave an unforgettable performance of a woman whose strength is tested tremendously.
1. “Past Lives”
If any film deserves recognition this year, it is “Past Lives.” The bittersweet story of fate and “what could have been” referenced throughout the film is painfully familiar to all.
Nora, a married woman living in New York, reconnects with Hae Sung, a childhood friend harboring a deep love for Nora. The film also follows the connection between Nora and Arthur, Nora’s husband, battling through emotions of jealousy and understanding towards the two’s bond.
What is so remarkable is the film’s ability to gain sympathy from the audience. The story’s simplicity allows viewers to understand and relate to each character. “Past Lives” tells the reality of life, that no one is a villain but a real person, making this film be ranked above any other nominee.
