:: Friday, December 26, 2003 ::

I began to be worried when I read the list of Golden Globes, and noticed all the hoopla concerning Anthony Minghella's Civil War romantic tragedy "Cold Mountain". After all, I championed "English Patient" as Best Picture in 1996. If "Cold Mountain", which hadn't even been released yet, could receive all those noms, then it probably was as epic and tragic as the previews had suggested it would be.
Well, even though I am championing "Return of the King" for my Best Picture nod this year, I wouldn't be surprised or disappointed if "Cold Mountain" takes away the statuette.
The reviews are strong, and although I thought the turnout somewhat weak in the afternoon (every body is still in the five or six theaters in the complex showing "Return of the King" I suppose) the film itself is a work of art, and much more a comparison film in tone and scope to "English Patient" than his earlier "Talented Mr. Ripley".
"Cold Mountain" is brutal. Brutally honest in it's portrayal of war, missed and misguided opportunites, torn emotions, and broken spirits. Brutally honest in the feelings and misguided notions of it's characters. Jude Law should be singled out as Inman, who begins the film in the midst of battle, a somewhat ethereal presence, whom, even in flashbacks seems a silent "everyman" when he meets the stunning Ada Monroe, played with spunk and a regal bearing by Nicole Kidman, whose performance echoed Vivien Leigh's Scarlett O'Hara although not being an homage or even attemtpting to be any thing other than the character. Law is essentially standing in for the audience as viewers of what such a social and historical disaster as the Civil War can wreak on the populace of the nation. We see, through his eyes, and without much commentary, the horrors of war, and how it can reduce even the most innocuous of moments, into utter confusion and carnage in another moment.
I'm blown away by the film. It is stunning to look at, sad to ponder, and wonderfully directed. I'm still partial that Jackson win the Oscar this year, but that's personal. He won't. Minghella has won, and so has Eastwood, so even though their films are both powerful, Jackson has a chance in my book.
I highly recommend "Cold Mountain", however, and give it a 10 of 10 on the Mikometer.
:: Michael Nyiri 7:45 PM Leave a Comment on this Post ::
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