tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569750317755310322.post2110363063215790322..comments2023-11-19T04:43:33.827+11:00Comments on Matt vs. the Academy: 1930/31 - The Front PageMatt Fosterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317583098531787395noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569750317755310322.post-41631881668463573812011-02-02T07:34:29.295+11:002011-02-02T07:34:29.295+11:00Yes, it's been interesting seeing the sudden t...Yes, it's been interesting seeing the sudden turnaround from critics to guilds. I think I would place The King's Speech above The Social Network on my favourites list, but, like you, I'd be happy with either one winning.<br /><br />And it's nice when the two frontrunners are in separate Screenplay categories. That way they both have a chance at recognition, which looks like the scenario this year.Matt Fosterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10317583098531787395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5569750317755310322.post-71316543334486345952011-02-02T05:28:28.001+11:002011-02-02T05:28:28.001+11:00I had a very difficult time watching The Front Pag...I had a very difficult time watching The Front Page. It wasn't due to the quality of the movie, but rather the quality of the source. In my case, I had to resort to a VHS presentation recorded in extended play mode. The chief culprit was the audio, which was close to unlistenable, and with The Front Page, if you can't decipher the dialogue, you are missing the essence of the movie. Adjusting the volume made its audio track go from mumbly to shouting.<br /><br />Another disadvantage was the inevitable comparisons to its remake, His Girl Friday, which is the only version I had previously seen. Frankly, it is not up to Friday's standard, but its sarcasm, wit and pace will easily make it the least dated feeling of the 1930/31 roster of films. <br /><br />The ensemble cast was very good. Pat O'Brien never quite made it to star status, but he gave us some good performances, particularly in the thirties. My only criticism of the ensemble isn't really the fault of the acting. The writing seemed to emphasize the reporters individually rather than collectively - the lines rotated around so each had a quip to say, then wait until it started all over again. It seemed a bit unnatural to me, but familiar in a group sit-com way. Maybe it needed a touch of The Aussie Improve Comedy Explosion.<br /><br />My Oscar comment of the day. I don't think I have ever seen a year with such a disconnect between the critics awards and the guild awards, with the former overwhelming for The Social Network and the latter for The King's Speech. There always some overlap in the past. I'd have to switch my prediction to The King's Speech in light of this recent development. On a personal level, since The Social Network was my favorite of the year and The King's Speech my second favorite, I'd be happy with either one winning. I just hope it isn't a sweep year.Mike Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14953461679716236054noreply@blogger.com