Sigh

Well, I owe Julie a lunch now.  She did a fantastic job of prognosticating the Oscars.  I do agree with her that all three of the top films (Slumdog, B. Button, and Frost/Nixon) were deserving in just about any of the categories.

Overall, however, I don't think 2008 was the best Oscar year. In any year you can mention there have always been some fine performances and beautiful cinematography, and this one was no exception; it's the reason I'll always love movies.

But now I'll just indulge in a little nostalgia.  Was there anything this year as fine as "On The Waterfront," or "Gone With The Wind" or "2001" or "The Godfather" or "Chinatown" or "Lawrence of Arabia"?

It certainly may be true that my taste in films was formed in ancient times, and so my evaluation of "Best" is colored by those I saw when I was younger.  (My mother loved really silly old romantic comedies that I would find cloying; but I certainly inherited her taste for musicals, and would love to rewatch "Gigi" or "Oklahoma" or "7 Brides for 7 Brothers" any time they are available..... Turner Classic Movies was my favorite TV channel when we had a TV.)

I'm always interested in new trends in movies though: I want to see "Coraline" when it comes to our little backwoods Santa Cruz area.  I saw previews of "Waltz with Bashir" and found it a fascinating attempt, but I could not stand to watch it for the subject matter.

Now I have to go to CNN.com and have a look at the Academy red carpet dresswear!