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Show A7 AWARDS from A6 Many believe that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and their awards are most objective, but that is far from the truth. What happens behind the scenes isn't too systematic and controlled either. Three-time nominated actor Joaquin Phoenix, who was nominated last year for his role in Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Master," said "I don't want to be a part of it. I don't believe in it... It's totally subjective. Pitting people against each other ... It's the stupidest thing in the whole world." There are plenty of backroom manipulations and wooing from studios to voters that make the voting less legitimate. I'm looking at you Harvey Weinstein. Speaking of the politics behind the scenes, let's talk about Sean Penn's portrayal of real-life politician Harvey Milk in "Milk" versus Mickey Rourke's role as the fictional down-and-out wrestler Randy Robinson in "The Wrestler." Penn won that night even when Rourke was highly favored to win. What it came down to, in the Academy's mind, was the film's content. "Milk" was about gay rights and this was the time where California's Proposition 8 was a hot issue. The political mindset of the voters overcame a better performance at the end of the day. Culturally prestigious movies, directors and actors are largely ignored on awards night. Luckily, they are recognized as great later in history. For instance, "Shawshank Redemption," which is famous for being the top rated movie on IMDB .com by its users, never got an award in the 1995 show. It got seven nominations but didn't grab one. The competition was stout, though, having to go against "Pulp Fiction" and "Forrest Gump," which won. Arguably, the movies that lost have more historical relevance in cinema than the movie that did win. OPINIONS Another instance of greatness unrecognized is director Alfred Hitchcock. He has made some of the most critically acclaimed movies in the history of the medium. From "Psycho" to "North by Northwest" to "Rear Window" to "Vertigo," Hitchcock proved his place as the most skilled director, yet no wins. Even "Citizen Kane," a movie that is highly agreed upon as the best movie ever made, got snubbed. John Ford's "How Green Was My Valley" won instead. Now, how many people have ever heard of that one? One major victory for a lesserknown movie that triumphed over the much mainstream happened in the 82nd Academy Awards. James Cameron's "Avatar" which is the highest grossing movie of all time was up against his ex-wife, Kathryn Bigelow's, "The Hurt Locker." This instance worked opposite of "Citizen Kane." The reputation of "Avatar," being the huge technological masterpiece it was, lost against a smaller but more artistic endeavor. "Avatar" will hold a place in the history books, no doubt. But "The Hurt Locker" win will forever restore at least some faith in the merits of the Awards. The Oscars are largely selfserving for the industry and its players. It's mostly a marketing gimmick that is used to sell more Blu-Rays and advertising for its broadcast. In the way of being the single authoritative voice of what is "best of the year," it has failed on many occasions. Many of you on the night of March 2nd will be rooting for Leonardo DiCaprio to snag his first statue, although Matthew McConaughey deserves it more, in my opinion. Come on, did you see "Dallas Buyers Club?" Maybe some of you will if McConaughey wins it. But even if Leo doesn't walk away with it in hand, it will not diminish his legacy of performances. He will continue to get work only because he is that high of a caliber actor, regardless of the gold. JANUARY 27, 2014 PHOTO COURTESY OF GOLDDERBY.COM Awards are becoming a substantial reason many brilliant films go unnoticed and unrecognized. Highway to the danger zone Utah drivers are making our roads unsafe and unpredictable By Jimmy Hall Assistant Opinions Editor @Jimmyrhall I don't know if it's the commonly accepted norm or the busy culture of Utah, or if it's something in the air, but I've noticed that Utah drivers are awful. After a little bit of research, I found Utah is near the top of some of the "safest drivers" lists. I don't know how or why that is. Maybe it credits the functionality of the roads and highways. Yet, from my experience, we are some of the worst. I have lived here for nearly four years, so I have had adequate experience with local drivers. If what I point out is something you do, then change. Become a safer driver. If you're just agreeing and not doing what I'm singling out, thank you. I'm from Washington state, where the drivers are immensely more courteous and safer—at least from what I see. It's a night and day difference. No one is in a rush to get from point A to point B. They obey the speed limit. It's a less stressful environment than Utah County roads. My biggest pet peeve is when drivers run obvious yellow lights and even more obvious red ones. My wife and I even yell, "UTAH!" as a joke when we witness this dangerous practice. Not only is it not a safe habit, but it also congests the traffic in those busy hours. I took a few trips up to Salt Lake City in the last couple weeks. Usually I'm comfortable going 70 mph in the 65 mph speed limit. What perplexes me is the countless cars zooming past me, even when I My wife and I even yell, "UTAH!" as a joke when we witness this dangerous practice. am already breaking the limit myself. As long as we are talking about traffic, let's talk about bumper to bumper. In strongly congested rush hour traffic, it's almost unavoidable. But I see it in the middle of the night where all five lanes are open. Here's a tip: if I'm not going your preferred speed, then go around me. I can't tell you how many break-checks I've been Drivers in Utah have a difficult time obeying the basic driving fundamentals leaving others feeling unsafe. tempted to do and have done. I feel stupid pointing out this Driver's Ed fundamental, but it's equally as stupid when I see someone not using a blinker. Safe driving means good communication. In order for us fellow drivers to know what others are about to do, it's essential to show it through the flip of the blinker. Recently, there has been a massive push to keep cell phones away from the hands of drivers but I see people using them day-in and day-out. Talking on your cell phone is a secondary offense, meaning police can't pull you over for just that, but texting or looking at your cell phone is a primary offense that carries a hefty $750 fine and possible jail time. Being distracted with your little, bright screen has been compared to being intoxicated with a .08 alcohol level. The next issue is the way of entering and exiting a round- about. Seriously, if you don't know how to do it, stop pretending. Get online or get your little sibling's Drivers Ed textbook and look it up. Yield is the magic word here. One of my worst fears is being in a car crash. It's not necessarily the body injury that makes me afraid—although that's certainly on my mind— but it's the insurance fiasco and hoop jumping that comes after the wreck. No one needs that stress. I'm not writing this to bash just Utah drivers. Perhaps I notice more because I'm not from here. It's the fish in the water analogy; fish don't know they're wet because the water is all around them all of their lives. Best to have it pointed out rather than live with the risk ignorantly. Know the laws. Be safe. And don't be in such a rush. Being late isn't worth your life or anyone else's. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LAURA FOX SO,USA from A6 How can we expect to trust a government that asks us to follow for the sake of following? How can we trust a government that trumpets its agendas on popular TV and looks to has-been comedians to make their unpopular schemes palatable? So, USA? This is the America we've been left with. And if Leno's demographic is any representation of the American public, everybody seems to be ok scraping by in the overwhelming mediocrity Yes, security state, big brother. Rah-rah-rah. Everybopdy else is doing it, so let's just maintaint he status quo. Apparently Boehner, Leno and the entire live theater audience never had someone explain the idea of jumping off a bridge. Just because our "friends" are doing it, it might not be the best call. Boehner and Leno were both more than happy to call Snowden a traitor. I understand what Boehner's reasoning was —no matter how wrong he is—but Leno's blatant rip on Snowden was jarring at least. Leno and Boehner were both more than happy to talk about how Israel and the good ol' U.S. of A. spy on each other constantly. Which, is fine? I guess? I thought we were allies and even though that truce has become shakier because of the inconsistent foreign policy of the current administration, I thought friends didn't spy on friends. You know, even Don Corleone taught us that. And perhaps Israel is cool with us looking over the shoulder, but the casualness of Boehner shrugging off the dystopian implications of Big Brother There was a rousing applause. Leno and Boehner trumpeting their own agendas. It's disgusting "I think Snowden is a traitor" We all spy on each other, let's just keep the status quo. Yes, everybody is spying on everybody else. Let's all be ok with that. |