2011 OSCARS: Visual Effects, Film Editing

Finally, some meatier categories with movie titles you probably know. When considering the nominations for Best Visual Effects I always take into account the reality of the CGI being presented. I’m less interested in the computerized look to a film and much more fascinated by visual truth.

Case in point: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a mediocre film with horrible visual effects. The chase through the forest stands as one of Steven Spielberg’s worst. On the other hand, District 9 is a great movie with stellar visual effects. The CGI of the aliens works perfectly with the dirt-laden reality of the Johannesburg landscape.

Keep that in mind when thinking about the following two categories.

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

• Alice in Wonderland — Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I — Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
• Hereafter — Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojansky and Joe Farrell
• Inception — Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb
• Iron Man 2 — Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick

Thoughts: All worthy contenders, but Inception is truly breathtaking. The images of a city rising, falling and curving are unparalleled. If it were a weaker year, maybe Iron Man 2 or Alice in Wonderland would get the win.

Who Will Win: Inception

Who Should Win: Inception

BEST FILM EDITING

• Black Swan — Andrew Weisblum
• The Fighter — Pamela Martin
• The King’s Speech — Tariq Anwar
• 127 Hours — Jon Harris
• The Social Network — Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter

Thoughts: These are some of the best movies of the year, and this is partially because the film editing was crucial. This is an honest toss-up and will likely go to the movie that is sweeping on Oscar night. I’m a sucker for the cutting-edge editing of Black Swan.

Who Will Win: The Social Network

Who Should Win: Black Swan

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

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