A Fine Nine

It's official -- as of tonight, I have seen all of the nine Oscar nominated films. Admittedly, this is something I strive to do each year and this season's crop of movies is quite spectacular. How many have you seen? Get thee to the movies! There is still oodles of time before the 26 February 2012 Academy Awards show so get watching!

The final film on my list which I saw this evening was THE ARTIST. In a word it is a delight! I loved this film and I most highly recommend it. It is a throwback to the era of silent movies and is beautifully shot, creatively done, and a joy to watch! Like I said to a fellow movie patron on the way out of the movie, "If this film wins the Oscar it will make quite a statement..." (think about it....)

I am one who enjoys good dialogue and a well-written film and will frequently quote lines from favorite movies and I love a well-placed film line to brighten a conversation. However, THE ARTIST reminded me of how much I also enjoy a well-acted scene; those moments where the actors and their skill and the perfect background music make for a memorable and moving movie scene that stays with you.

Scenes that continue to move me are:
* the final meal together of the Benedictine community in the film, OF GODS AND MEN
* the silent cry of Sophie as her child is taken in the film, SOPHIE'S CHOICE
* the cutting away of weapons that had weighed down a life in the film, THE MISSION

There is an adage in screenwriting that is "If you can show it without saying it, do so." This may also be a helpful adage in our lives and efforts to connect with one another. I attended a retreat where we were grouped off in teams of 5 and instructed to introduce ourselves to one another without saying anything. A cool idea and one with impact. Think about it, how would you introduce yourself to a group of strangers without saying a word?

Let me know. Tomorrow, I'll tell you what I did....yes, that's what's known as a teaser.

sj;