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Despite the fact that the film Precious has yet to play in Prescott -- I guess if it were in 3D we'd be in business -- I've managed to see several of the 10 Best Picture Oscar contenders. The last two films deserved their ranking, despite what some critics have said.
I'm referring to The Blind Side here as one of the less favored contenders, possibly because several critics called the story "predictable," and were not impressed by the script's straightforward structure. They, of course, miss the point completely. The story is about the power of love to transform and to lift up a human life, and there's nothing more dramatic than that, even without shocking moments, directorial risks and special effects.
My gut tells me that the fact that the story is also about what happens when people follow their Christian beliefs put off some of the cynical critics who don't like religious themes in their films. As a Christian, I was moved by the scene when the main character studies the words on the archway entry into the school, a quote from the Bible that says, "With God all things are possible." He, in fact, looks at the words twice in the film, once in a moment of confusion and once in a moment of grace.
Based on a true story, The Blind Side is about Michael Oher, a black teen from the Memphis ghetto who gains the opportunity to learn at a private Christian school by a football coach who sees his potential and urges the board to do their "Christian" duty. Eventually homeless, he is taken in by the Tuohys, a wealthy white family that helps him bridge the gaps in his education so that he can play football.
Despite a gentle nature that is a liability as a linebacker on the high school football team, he is coached and encouraged by the Tuohys, and becomes a phenomenal player, and ultimately a professional. Told with great compassion, truth and humor, the story pulls at the heartstrings as he struggles to believe in himself and overcome his past as the son of a drug addicted mother who rejected him.
In the role of Leigh Anne Tuohy, Sandra Bullock absolutely earned the nomination for best actress as the spunky mother whose energy and iron will enables her to break down Michael's barriers to love and to be loved. Then when he needs to find a reason to defend the quarterback on the field, she coaches him that he must treat the quarterback like his own family, and keep him from harm. In the end, the Tuohys gain as much as Michael does as he strengthens their faith and teaches them that helping others can bring meaning and unexpected joy to their lives.
Crazy Heart, the other contender, stars Jeff Bridges in his best role since The Fabulous Baker Boys, with Maggie Gyllenhaal as his love interest. Nominated for Oscars for best actor and best supporting actress, they bring powerhouse performances to a quiet story about the redemption of Bridges' character Bad Blake. Bridges becomes the character by singing onstage as believably as any country singer out there. Though I'm not a fan of country music, I loved the bluesy guitar licks and the lyrics of the songs, and am still humming them days after seeing the film.
A down-on-his-luck alcoholic songwriter, Blake meets a woman who pulls him back from the brink and gives him inspiration and a reason to change. I'd be surprised if Bridges doesn't win best actor for his portrayal of a man who finds a savior in more ways than one.
