I decided that this little porch needed something. (Actually, I stole the chair from the porch of Hummingbird Cottage.) Every little house needs a touch of spring. Especially after this month!
I did escape yesterday, but after having shoveled snow in order to get out, I was pretty tired. Really tired. (My body is still weak, though much better overall.) So I drove to the bookstore, picked out some magazines and a book or two, and came right back home.
But I got out! That in itself is a huge deal. And now my car has been freed. We’re expecting another ‘wintry mix’ tonight, but it doesn’t sound like too big a deal and tomorrow is bringing a lot of rain and a high of 50, so hopefully, the rain will wash away the rest of the snow (and ice) at the top of the driveway. Then it turns cold again on Monday – with high winds, of course, because that seems to be the pattern here this winter.
I am now officially in spring fever mode, though there’s not a hint of spring in our area. Not one. Doesn’t matter – I want spring.
I’m just about to finish this book, which is quietly beautiful. I recommend it.
Random Oscar thoughts: I’m fully prepared for performances and movies that I thought were less than stellar winning Oscars tomorrow. I told you before that I had problems with BlacKkKlansmen. The true story was interesting, but the tone of the movie was confusing to me, like it wasn’t sure what it wanted to be. The period look of it was almost cartoonish. I understood the statement the movie was making and completely agree with it. The last couple of minutes were the most interesting part of the film, in my opinion. The rest of the film didn’t live up to the finale.
I also enjoyed Vice, but I don’t think it should have been nominated – Christian Bale’s portrayal of Dick Cheney is good, but Cheney is not at all hard to imitate. That and some great makeup and there you go. The movie itself is just okay. It’s a biopic and not a very good one.
I loved Richard E. Grant in Can You Ever Forgive Me? I’ve long been a fan of his work and I’d be very happy if he won. Melissa McCarthy was good but I think she could have found more nuance in that role, instead, she chose to use basically one note. Was that her choice? Was it the Director’s choice? I don’t know.
I liked The Favourite very much. All three women were wonderful and the film itself was daring and beautifully conceived.
I loved Black Panther. Powerful and stunning – I’ve seen it twice.
Rami Malek was terrific in Bohemian Rhapsody, though the movie itself was just okay.
I thought Glenn Close was lovely in The Wife, but I don’t think it’s her best work. If she wins, and it looks like she will, it will be one of those Oscars based on a lifetime of work. I had real problems with the script and the directorial choices at the end of the movie. It was rather like a Lifetime Movie and not – to me – Oscar worthy.
I loved A Star is Born and I think Bradley Cooper was cheated when he wasn’t nominated for Best Director. That ticked me off. Excellent direction. Both he and Lady Gaga were wonderful, as was Sam Elliott, who got an opportunity to show more depth than he is usually allowed to given his voice and his persona.
And I absolutely loved Roma. To me, it was the best film of the year. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is stunningly directed, conceived, and acted. It haunts me still and I saw it months ago.
I didn’t see Green Book or If Beale Street Could Talk so I can’t speak about them. I did see Mary Poppins Returns and loved it.
Off the top of my head (purely my personal choices):
Best Director: Alfonso Cuarón, Roma.
Best Picture: Roma.
Best Actor: Bradley Cooper, though he won’t get it. I hope it isn’t Christian Bale, though Oscar has a history of giving the win to someone who portrays a real person – why, I don’t know. That goes for Rami Malek, as well. He was great and we all loved Queen and Freddie Mercury, but I’m not sure if his performance is Oscar worthy. Actually, I’m conflicted about Best Actor. I don’t think there is a clear leader in this category.
Best Actress: Olivia Colman, The Favourite. Glenn Close will win. Rather like Best Actor, there isn’t a clear winner for me in this category.
Best Supporting Actor: Richard E. Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me? But Green Book is a feel good movie and that means Mahershala Ali might win. (He’s a wonderful actor.)
Best Supporting Actress: Not sure on this one. I suspect it will be Regina E. King, as the two actresses in The Favourite cancel each other out.
Everything else? Who knows? I suspect Shallow by Lady Gaga will win Best Song.
I promised you a little recap of my thoughts on the films nominated. We were fortunate to be able to see nearly all of them. Whatever happens, the Oscars are always interesting and we’ll be watching.
Happy Saturday.
I actually had time last year to go to the movies and watch some of the nominees. Usually I go a long time and not see any movies. However, I haven’t watched the Oscars in years. And probably won’t tomorrow. I look forward to reading your thoughts though.
We love watching them. It’s an escape and we need that right now.
That fabulous pop of colour brightened my day! I can’t help but picture a writer’s desk in your antique dollhouse – chippy paint? Classic early American style? I’ve had enough of cold and snow, although looking out my window we’re clearly not done with it. Even a trip to the grocery store becomes a polar expedition! So glad you’re on the mend – try not to do too much, too soon.
Good idea for a writer’s desk! The rustic writer’s retreat. Thanks, Barbara!
I must say the Oscar’s are still watch worthy to me. I’m often disappointed in who wins or doesn’t but I still enjoy it. Movies are so special and can be a great escape, learning experience, laugh out loud and so much more. I am happy you got out yesterday. Tomorrow is my Sara’s birthday so I think we might do dinner as a family tonight. We will see if Mom can get into the restaurant they choose. She is using her walker most of the time now and can’t walk far. I have offered to watch the kids if she and Blake would like a date night. What better gift is there then that. Hugs.
Have a good time celebrating Sara’s birthday, Linda. I envy you having your family nearby. I miss mine.
So sorry to hear that you didn’t watch Green Book. Excellent movie and Oscar worthy.
Oh we’ll watch it at some point. We just didn’t get to watch the screener and then we got sick.
glad you got out for a bit and it wasn’t to shovel! hope you can now stay in, rest and enjoy the books and magazines.
as much as i like movies, i only see four or five a year and most of them are rentals … so i probably won’t watch those awards, but can see why you and don would. enjoy!
happy weekend!
kathy in iowa
I’ve watched the Oscars many times when I hadn’t seen any of the movies nominated. That doesn’t make a difference to us. But it’s nice to have seen most of them this year.
I’m just not knocked out by the Oscars this year. I’ll make my annual predictions but I’m not sure they are where my heart will be. I would be thrilled if Willem Dafoe made it for At Eternity’s Gate. I found him extremely compelling with the range of artist-goes-nuts to deep inner turmoil. I’d love it if Bale and Malek canceled themselves out.
Love the green chair on the porch and glad you are freed at last, even if you decide to stay put. At least you know you can get out. And I’d suggest staying put. Still on the healing zone!
I am staying put this weekend, Jeanie. And Don is taking it easy today, as well.
This winter has totally exhausted me. Weather and politics have drained me. So ready to be able to escape to my yard and flowers. I think it is the same for so many.
Glad you got out for a bit and will be able to rest today. You are right, the Oscars will be a diversion for us! Have a good Saturday.
I feel the same way. I need my garden, my escape!
Thanks, Chris.
I, too, am fed up with winter. Today…it’s ice and rain…tomorrow, anybody’s guess….probably snow. Yesterday, on my escape to the grocery, I snagged a plant. Nothing extravagant…but more greenery is always welcome…and I did have an empty pot after all. I need to dig in the dirt!
We’ll probably watch the Oscars…even though I’ve only seen 2 of the nominated movies. It will be a nice diversion…and I definitely need a diversion. Enjoy your day! ;)
Diversions are welcome! Now, more than ever!
So happy to hear that you and Don are feeling better.And remember,”If winter comes,can spring be far behind?” Happy for a book suggestion from you,as I think we have similar taste. I have just started THE DRY by Jane Harper and can barely put it down.As for the Oscars ,I have not seen many of the nominees,but think Roma is up there with perhaps my twenty best ever.And this is from someone who has been a movie-goer forever. Stay wellxo
I really liked The Dry. She’s a wonderful writer.
Roma. I can’t say enough about that movie, Annette. I’m with you!
I’m afraid I am not tempted to see any of them. We’ve lived through a couple of those movies in real life and others are re-dos. Seems like originality is rare these days. I would rather read a good book. or clean house. or anything.
The only remake is A Star is Born, which is excellent, by the way. It’s too bad you feel that way, as some of the movies are well worth watching.
Thanks for the movie recommendations. I will try to see the ones I haven’t. I did love watching Richard Grant last night. I am glad you are feeling better.
I love Richard E. Grant and I’ve read some interviews with him. He’s thoroughly enjoying the awards season and is completely surprised by his nomination. That’s one of the reasons I like him. He’s enormously talented and very modest.
I’ve been a faithful Oscars watcher for years. This year, i’m Just not feeling it. Maybe it’s the fact enjoying it for the glamour is actually so objectifying, or maybe it’s that if nobody wants to touch the hosting role, why should I bother? Not to mention that I can simply watch the highlights reel the day after, should I so wish. I’ll be watching the Tonys though!
Since I’m connected to the Broadway community and have worked on Broadway, as has Don, I feel differently about the Tonys. I’ve become disillusioned with them. There’s a bias there that I find troubling and I see it every year. I suppose those working in the movie industry feel much the same way. Anyway, after watching them all my life, I stopped watching them last year and doubt that I will watch them again.