ZFIFE1. [Past] Feature Films: Best of 2000: A Listology Survey

"Almost Famous" is definitely my favorite for Best Picture this year. Though I'm sure I've missed a lot of good possibilities, I've seen this film three times now, and it's only gotten better. It's extremely well-written, well-acted, well-directed, well-edited, and comes straight from the heart. When you watch this film you feel more like you're sharing an experience than viewing something from afar. Kate Hudson and (damn I forgot his name!) but the actor who plays young Cameron Crowe should be nominees for acting.

Another film which should receive substantial recognition is "Requiem for a Dream" which MUST be nominated for Cinematography, Editing, and especially Ellen Burstyn should probably win Best Supporting Actress this year. Her performance is phenomenal.

Other than that Christian Bale in "American Psycho" and Russell Crowe in "Gladiator" both impressed me. It would be a shame if either of these films wasn't considered "serious" enough to warrant nominees.

I have an unfortunate feeling that Christian Bale will be over-looked this time around, due to both the violent reputation of American Psycho and the fact that few apparently saw the film. Julia Roberts will most likely be nominated for Erin Brockovich, and if Boys Don't Cry's indie win last year is any sign, I suspect Michelle Rodriguez stands a shot for Best Actress for her role in Girlfight.

Cameron Crow certainly has an excellent chance at Best Director for Almost Famous. I wonder if Wonder Boys will give Curtis Hanson a second nomination for Best Director and perhaps Michael Douglas a bid for Best Actor. It was released very early in the year, but the film's upcoming re-release might refresh voters' minds.

Does Bjork stand a chance at Best Actress for Dancer in the Dark? Perhaps.... She and Bob Dylan (Wonder Boys) certainly have shot at Best Song. In fact, I wager that the Academy will be more than pleased to give Dylan an Oscar.

Perhaps Chicken Run could nab a Best Picture nomination. I'd be happy.

While High Fidelity will be largely over-looked, an Adapted Screenplay nomination is surely not out of the question.

Just a few thoughts...

Shalom, y'all!

L. Bangs

Oh yeah, I bet Steven Soderbergh gets a nomination for Best Director, officially for Erin Brockovich but also for his long neglected work in independent film and as a "Sorry we were so stupid," for completely ignoring Out of Sight a few years back. Perhaps Susannah Grant and Richard LaGravenese will get noms for Screenplay as well...

Shalom, y'all!

L. Bangs

Best Pictures of 2000: A Thread

Well, I was going to wait until I got more input from others before I started posting my own opinions but since that's slow in coming I thought I'd kick start things a little.

There's really only one film I've seen this year to which I gave 9 Stars and that is Almost Famous.
I feel a movie has to have at least 9 stars to be truly considered the 'Best' in a certain year.

Other 8 Star films which might make the cut if I was forced to pick the top 5 (or what I would consider the cream of my 8 star movies) include: American Psycho, Billy Elliot, Chicken Run, Nurse Betty and Wonder Boys.

I still have high hopes for a handful of others (some released, some not) which I haven't seen yet including All The Pretty Horses; Before Night Falls; Cast Away; Chocolat; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; The Gift; O Brother, Where Art Thou?; Requiem for a Dream; Shadow of the Vampire; State and Main; Traffic and Dude, Where's My Car but 'Almost Famous' is all I can nominate in the Best Picture category right now.

Hopefully December will be a busy movie-going month for me.

P.S.: I hope you caught my 'Dude' joke. :-)

Best Director of 2000: A Thread

God, I hate Oscar season. There's all of these great movies out there in the world and I can't see any of them locally. I'm hoping to see 2 of the following movies this weekend, Traffic; O Brother, Where Art Thou?; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Cast Away, Dancer in the Dark.

So far I'm still limited to Cameron Crowe as best director for Almost Famous.

Best Actor of 2000: A Thread

Okey-Dokey! Things are shaping up a bit better now. I've managed to see 5 movies in the theater in the last 3 weekends.

My favorite male acting performances (in a starring role) so far are: Christian Bale (American Psycho), Billy Crudup (Almost Famous), Willem Dafoe (Shadow of the Vampire), Michael Douglas (Wonder Boys), Mark Ruffalo (You Can Count On Me)

Best Actress of 2000: A Thread

My favorite female acting performances (in a starring role) so far are: Laura Linney (You Can Count On Me); Renee Zellweger (Nurse Betty)

Best Supporting Actor of 2000: A Thread

My favorite male acting performances (in a supporting role) so far are: Robert DeNiro (Meet The Parents); Aaron Eckhart (Erin Brockovich); Crispin Glover (Charlie's Angels); Christopher Guest (Best of Show); Nicky Katt (The Way of the Gun); Tobey Maguire (Wonder Boys); Carroll O'Connor (Return to Me); Brad Pitt (Snatch)

Best Supporting Actress of 2000: A Thread

My favorite female acting performances (in a supporting role) so far are: Kate Hudson (Almost Famous); Frances McDormand (Almost Famous);