Thursday, February 26, 2015

Oscars 2015: Diversity onstage stands in stark contrast to nominees th

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-oscars-diversity-20150224-story.html#page=1

The ABC's Oscar telecast was seen by about 36.6 million people this year. That was actually a 16% drop from last year. Some people question whether it was the less known films or different host. But one big problem seen by many was the giant absence of minority groups in the nominees. Although this was the year with the most diverse group of presenters, 15 in fact, people still didn't believe it was enough. This caught my eye because it's somethingthat should be noticed. The Academy board is predominately white older males. Minority groups aren't widley represented here. Fortunately this Oscar show came with memorable moments for minorities such as John Legend and Common's performance and having a Mexican director win best picture. He even dedicated his Oscar to the people of Mexico and stated that immigrants should be treated with dignity and respect. As a student, it makes me happy to learn of ethnically diverse people creating important moments in the film industry and hopefully more will follow. A question I have is how will the Academy board begin to add a larger and more diverse membership to their board?

Thursday, February 19, 2015

'Grand Budapest,' 'Into the Woods,' 'Birdman' win costume design awards

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-budapest-win-costume-designers-guild-awards-20150217-story.html

The films "The Grand Budapest Hotel," "Into the Woods," and "Birdman" all won awards at the 17th Costume Designers Guild Awards. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" won for period film. "Into the Woods" won for fantasy film. And "Birdman" earned the top prize for contemporary film. These are all honors to be celebrated in the artistry of costume designs. Costume designers Milena Canonero and Colleen Atwood should all be proud of their accomplishments as they are also nominated for an academy award in costume design. This caught my eye because I love the beauty and work of costume design and I believe it's such an important aspect to any film to truly bring it to life. As a filmmaker, it helps me learn the kind of work that is celebrated and why in the industry. A question I do have is which one will win the most honorable Oscar for their work?

Thursday, February 12, 2015

'Fifty Shades of Grey' moving cultural needle despite film's pans

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-fifty-shades-sex-20150213-story.html#page=1

There has been much controversy surrounding the film, "Fifty Shades of Grey" lately. Some women believe it portrays an abusive relationship while others are angry about the explicit sexuality. Still, the film is seen to make about $60 million it's opening weekend, especially due to very high advance ticket sales. This caught my eye because this has been a widely expected film from fans and people alike but the controversy surrounding it is just as interesting. The directer explains how she still wanted the protagonist, Anastasia, to still be a strong female lead. Even though the relationship is a lot about power and submission what comes into question is who truly holds it in the end? The film was directed, written, and based on a book by women."Even thought this relationship is about dominance and submission, I wanted ti have it be an equal journey," commented the director, Sam Taylor-Johnson. "Sp it was a fragile balance. I think that was because my perspective of keeping an eye on the politics of it. It's difficult because you're dealing with power, submission, empowerment and the journey of sexual discovery." As a filmmaker, I learn about the types of films that can cause controversy and the backlash you may get when you make something a lot of people agree on. A question I have is, will they continue to make the following books in the series into films as well and how will that create even bigger arguments?

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Oscars 2015: How are best picture nominees faring at the box office?

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-box-office-oscar-best-picture-nominees-20150125-story.html

With the Oscars right around the corner, the best picture nominees are being watch more and more closely to see which one will take it home. The best picture nominees for the 2015 Academy Awards include "American Sniper," "Birdman," "The Imitation Game," "The Grand Budapest Hotel," and more. At the moment, "American Sniper" is topping them all with box office sales at about 200.1 million. "Birdman" is behind it at about 30.9 million. This caught my eye because I'm curious to see which film will take this Oscar home and box office sales give a little insight to that answer. As a consumer, it is important to know which films are at the head of box office sales because they must be there for a reason. They definitely must be films worth watching if they are best picture nominees and doing great in box office sales. I wonder if the film with the highest box office sales will end up taking the Oscar home?