The Dark Knight Should NOT Receive An Oscar Nom!
By Justine JC
For many of us, the holidays are just beginning. Oscar Season is definitely the most wonderful time of the year. 2008 has been an especially stimulating year in film – the competition is fierce, my friends! While most rumored Best Picture candidates seem suitable, and more or less expected – Chris Nolan’sThe Dark Knight is sparking hordes of controversy regarding a potential nom. And I am here to assert that, yes, 2008′s highest grossing box office film – The Dark Knight – does not deserve an Oscar Nomination.
Let me preface this by saying I am absolutely a fan of this film. In fact, I saw The Dark Knight multiple times in theaters. It was the box office hit of the summer, clearly epitomizing cinematic entertainment. However, the key phrases here are “entertainment” and “summer box office hit.” Do you really think that TDK could stand up to last years winner No Country for Old Men? Or even the runners up, There Will be Blood or Atonement? No!
Let’s backtrack for a minute here, and remember the significance behind an Oscar Nomination. This isn’t just any award – it is THE award. For over eighty years, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been responsible for implementing the most prominent annual award ceremony in the history of cinema. You’re rolling with the big dogs – the best actors, directors, cinematographers, and essentially, storytellers in the game.
Generally speaking, aside from Raiders Of The Lost Ark, and the three Lord Of The Rings films – it’s highly unusual for an action-flick (let alone a comic book adaptation) to score a nomination and even then those were nominated, they didn’t really belong. Performance-wise, outside of Heath Ledger’s incredible portrayal of the Joker (which I do think does deserve a nod), the acting in general wasn’t anything too spectacular. Christian Bale, Batman HIMSELF, the title character, just droned on in a Darth-Vadorish voice and looked impossibly attractive. Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, have all had MUCH better performances that didn’t earn them a nod. Hell, if TDK can be nominated why hasn’t Harry Potter or any of it’s cast? Those films are just as solid, with just as much good acting. Why, because they’re not Academy winners, they’re amazing movies, but not Oscar films.
And while, yes, TDK certainly touches on some sociological statements – at the end of the day, it’s STILL a Batman Movie, more to the point, it’s still a comic book. It’s STILL that blockbuster, let me dress up in my costume, should have been an hour shorter but hey the action scenes were sweet, type of movie. An Oscar Nominated film should be the perfect ten – great story, great acting, thought-provoking message, great directing, the list goes on… This is not the cream of the crop, the best of the best.
While The Dark Knight does merit critical acclamation, and perhaps some type of award – NOT an Academy Award. It’s only a matter of time, until the Academy makes that decision themselves. Less than 24 hours, so keep checking in!
And I know plenty of you differ with me, so feel free to leave a comment telling me why you disagree I’m very interested in your thoughts!
***Update from the Author: Well, my friends..today – you lose. It looks like the Academy agreed with me. And as far as the physical threats go – come by anytime – Check out the full list of Oscar nominations now”"”
Thursday, January 22, 2009 1:47AM
Part of me wishes I was a girl so I could slap you. If you saw the movie mulitple times in the theater as you say, then clearly you know the power that the film holds. I have seen every single movie that will be nominated for an Oscar and I can think of only two that could possibly give TDK competition. The great think about TDK is that it wasn't like any other comic book adaptation before. This film raised the bar so high for future films of all genres that the fact is became a "summer blockbuster" should be applauded properly and what better way than a shiny gold statuete. Not to mention it was the best directed film this year , aside from Slumdog .
I strongly suggest you get some more films under your belt before you write nonsense like this again.
(PS, no i don't actually wish to slap you)
Thursday, January 22, 2009 2:17AM
Part of me wishes to do you physical harm, but I was raised never to hit a lady so here is my two cents.
If you saw the film multiple times as you say, then clearly you are aware of what a cinematic wonder it is. I don't know how old you are, but I suggest you get a few more film under your belt before saying such slanderous things. The only other film that was anywhere near TDK was Slumdog Millionaire but it was nowhere near as remarkable. TDK should not only be nominated for Best PIc but also Best Director, Best Score and Best screenplay. Whatever you are smoking stop because it's having adverse effects on your judgement.
Thursday, January 22, 2009 4:15AM
So your argument is because it's an action movie informed by a comic book it's not good enough to win an Oscar Nomination? You may have a point, Dark Knight should have been a novel written by Cormac McCarthy, turned into a screenplay by Stanley Kubrick, and then directed by Orson Welles. Because the Oscars mean too much for a simple comic book movie to even be nominated.
Thursday, January 22, 2009 5:21AM
Did no one notice that Two Faces eye did NOT dry up? Come on! Major issue! I'm you're going to play on "this could happen in real life" you can't let something that big slide!
Thursday, January 22, 2009 5:22AM
SO not the best directed film… Milk, The Wrestler, Gran Torino, it's good, but as I mentioned below, it was not flawless
Thursday, January 22, 2009 5:24AM
Well, Matt, I think that you are completely wrong.
You obviously have a very skewed sense of what film is meant to be. Justine here makes some extremely valid point which I full heartedly agree with. TDK, while a great film for ENTERTAINMENT, was not a film intended to be anything other than a profit pumping/comic book action film. Well directed? Absolutely. Written to entertain? Certainly. Written as a breathtaking piece of filmscreen wonder? NO WAY.
And although deep in parts, the screenplay was not written from a completely original standpoint nor was it that complex. If you are looking at this film from a complete writing standpoint, it cannot even hold a candle to Doubt, Milk, Revolutionary Road, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Frost/Nixon, Benjamin Button, Slumdog Millionaire, Rachel Getting Married, Boy in the Striped Pajamas, and possible others which escape my mind at the moment. I guarantee it will not get nominated for its screenplay.
Also, as far as original score, it cannot be nominated since it was put together by a team, not an individual.
Best director I am wholly unsure of for the nom, but bet your bottom dollar (cue Annie music) that David Boyle wins for Slumdog.
Heath will get nominated and win for supporting actor.
So I think there is a lot to consider when judging this film, and that maybe you, Matt, are the one who needs a few more films (and a better understanding of film) under their belt before they start throwing cinematic stones.
Thursday, January 22, 2009 7:36PM
I do differ with your opinion on TDK and your whole perception of entertainment. I thought going to the movies was suppose to be about entertainment and getting away from your everyday life. Movies like TDK and other action and comedies do this for me. And that is why I can't stand most of the critics, The Golden Globes, and the Oscars. All that is ever nominated accept for a few times, are long, neverending, depressing dramas. Which by the way hardly every make any money. It is almost came down to the point for the Movie companies to make a decision on what they want to do. Make movies that a majority of people will see hence big box office money or a movie critics and the award shows will love and only a handful of people will see hence low box offfice money. I know your thinking that movies aren't always about money.
Thursday, January 22, 2009 7:37PM
Believe me there are alot of movies that are dramas and made squat that I love. But just because a movie makes money doesn't mean it does not deserve the recognition too. Plus, why is it that all the movies nominated for these awards just so happen to come out right before the award shows or haven't even been released to the public before the shows. That in and of it self shows that there is something suspect going on. The only two categories I will watch this year are Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. To see if Mickey Rourke & Heath Ledger or Robert Downey, Jr. win. I will feel bad for Downey, Jr. if Heath wins because any other year his performance in Tropic Thunder would have won. Or should have anyway. Made me crack up. All Three are great.
Thursday, January 22, 2009 7:47PM
This is just so messed up… The main thing I have a problem with, however, is when you say that the Lord of the Rings film didn't belong among Oscar nominees. Those films blew everyone away, with inspired directing or an incredible story many said couldn't be adapted to film. If I were going to list their virtues, I'd start with great story, great acting, thought-provoking message, and great directing.
And you talk as if films shouldn't be made to entertain. Yes, they should. The grasp the audience and pull them into the world of the film. If a film has an amazing message and philosophy behind it, but isn't entertaining, how can we call it the pinnacle of the ENTERTAINMENT industry?
And why should action films be excluded? If a movie has great action sequences in additions to fantastic acting, directing, and writing, does that hurt it? No. The award should be for the best-made, most entertaining, most thought-provoking film of the year. Not best film in the Academy's favorite genre. It's attitudes like this that keep animation from being taken seriously (when only one animated film in the 80 years of the Oscars has been nominated for best film, it's hard to say there isn't a prejudice).
This is why I like the Golden Globes more than the Oscars. Separate awards for Drama and Comedy. A step in the right direction, I think.
Thursday, January 22, 2009 8:05PM
I agree with Bernard, Most of the movies nominated by the Oscars s–k. Some very depressed individuals who run these shows what with the nominations both this year and years previous.
Thursday, January 22, 2009 12:18PM
[...] we were right about Dark Knight | Post Nomination Editorial | Check out our [...]
Thursday, January 22, 2009 9:12PM
I'm in awe that you would even raise a comparison between the relentlessly dull Atonement to this year's best (and apparently underappreciated) film. Award worthy movies do NOT have to be contrived period pieces!
No Country For Old Men was satisfying enough, but I think TDK still delivers a more rewarding experience, especailly after the first couple viewings. And no, I am not a comic book fanatic.
I can only hope that box office dollars have more influence on the work coming out of Hollywood then these pretentious awards.
Thursday, January 22, 2009 9:20PM
Now why in the world does it matter if a score is composed by a team or an individual? That's just ridiculous!
Thursday, January 22, 2009 9:36PM
Well, my friends..today – you lose. It looks like the Academy agreed with me.
And as far as the physical threats go – come by anytime, I'll be at home!
Thursday, January 22, 2009 3:27PM
LOTR didn't blow everyone away! Maybe you, but some of us were bored to tears… Some of us didn't understand why there were 5 endings… some of us thought it was 9 hours walking… And I don't know how EVERYONE didn't see how the end of films made it look like Frodo and Bilbo were about to get it on in a soft core porn film with Gandalf taping them.
Thursday, January 22, 2009 10:29PM
The Oscars are pretentious! Always have been, always will be! That's the beauty! And I sure as hell hope box office means nothing! Otherwise Paul Blart: Mall Cop is the best movie in the country to see right now and I cannot continue on in a world where that is the case.
Thursday, January 22, 2009 5:09PM
Bottom line, it's an action film. A well put together action film, but an action film none the less, and that is not what wins an Oscar… or apparently gets nominated for one… http://screencrave.com/2009-01-22/dakota-fanning-…
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 1:01PM
[...] But this is a solid film, not just a superhero flick. Recently we stated that we did not think that TDK was worthy of an Oscar nomination because although is was an amazing film it did not transcend [...]