Hey, how’s it going?
In 2005, with little to no fanfare, I popped in a DVD of “Amadeus.” I hadn’t really heard much about it before. Hell, I’d barely even heard of the movie at all. So, I was pretty surprised to learn that it had been nominated – and won – the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1984.
As the film carried on, I drank some wine and thought about the many movies that had, in previous years, been declared “the best” by the Academy. All of the movies that cost a shit-ton of money to make, won a bunch of awards… and then went on the backburner and were forgotten within two years. Shouldn’t we still be appreciating these movies?
I’ve always had a serious love-hate relationship with the Academy Awards. In short, I’m somehow obsessed, while simultaneously unwilling to give a ton of merit to the awards themselves. Film is art. Grading art is bullshit. Logically speaking, the Academy Awards are also bullshit. But, every year, I found myself watching them. What’s more, I found myself researching them. I couldn’t help it. I cared that Martin Scorsese was snubbed so many times for Best Director before finally taking home the prize for “The Departed” in 2006. I cared that Katharine Hepburn and Barbra Streisand somehow tied for Best Actress 1969. I cared that both George C. Scott and Marlon Brando refused their statues for Best Actor.
In short, as hypocritical as it may be, I guess I care about the Oscars.
As the credits to “Amadeus” rolled, I was surprised to discover that I loved the movie. In that moment, I declared, with gusto, that I would watch more Best Picture winners. Nay, I would watch all of the Best Picture winners!
The next morning, I thought it over and realized itwould be a pretty large feat. The Academy has been around since 1927. I’d have a lot of catching up to do. Would this really be worth my time? What would be the point, anyway?
And then I sat on the idea for eight years or so.
And now, the time has come. I’m going to do it. And I’m going to blog about it.
A Bit About Me
Hey, I’m Sam. It’s nice to meet you. I’m a 27-year-old professional writing student from Mississauga.
If I had to name my top five favourite flicks, I would go with “Stand By Me“, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind“, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show“, “Fast Times at Ridgemont High“, and “High Fidelity.” But, you know, depending on my mood, a little Tarantino, Burton, or Hughes might make its way in there. What can I say, I’m a sucker for nostalgia.
When I’m not watching movies, you might catch me working on a crossword puzzle, frolicking with my dogs, or doing a little light rummaging at an antique market.
What To Expect
I will watch one Best Picture winner a week for the next 85 weeks. I’m going to dedicate one blog post to each movie. These films will be selected by random draw. You know, just to keep things exciting.
I don’t intend on reviewing these films. For the most part, these are pretty famous movies that have been reviewed and analyzed to death already. Instead, I mostly focus my posts on my personal journey in this project.
In each update, I’ll explain a bit about my own relationship with the movie (if any), offer a brief description of the film (including any awards it received), and then reflect on my experience watching it. Siskel and Ebert would be so proud.
And, to align with my not-so-secret feminist agenda, I’ll also indicate whether or not the film passed the Bechdel Test. To accomplish this, a movie must pass three simple tests:
- it must have at least two named female characters
- …the characters must have a conversation
- …about something other than a man.
Sounds easy, right? You’d be surprised.
That about sums it up. I’m excited to finally achieve this strange little goal of mine and I hope you enjoy the show!
— Sam (smashenhurst)
I Think I've Seen That One 
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