I thought this film was great. Perhaps I'm just regurgitating what other critics and commentators have said, but this is the front runner for best picture. It was edgier than Imitation Game and less partisan the American Sniper. And the acting was top notch, best out all the films in contention. Even better than Boyhood's performances which were commendable. I think Keaton deserves best actor, even thought it will probably go to Eddy Redmayne for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking.
This film is great at pointing out the current debates about the film industry. The character that Keaton plays stabs at the heart of the contemporary film industry. How does an actor attain critical success after playing an extremely shallow super hero? How does he get anyone to take him seriously? How does he survive as an actor? Frankly, I don't know. I don't think the superhero films provide much in terms of career futures. Take for example Robert Downey, Jr. whose performances have become so shallow and empty, I don't think I'd like him in anything else. If he is to be taken seriously he sure needs to change his direction.
Yet, on the other hand is Broadway the epitome of cultural sophistication in this country? I've seen several broadway shows that are not indicative of cultural sophistication. When the critic from the times comments that Keaton's character is akin to cartoons and pornography, what about cross-dressing and orgies which play on broadway along with the high class snob shows that play there season after season?
I don't think this debate is going away anytime soon. Cinema has famously been an art and business, whereas theater has been the staple of literary merit. Or so the argument goes. I'd be happy to see both flourish. And every film that comes out of Hollywood is not crap. This one certainly is not.
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