I'm continuing to let the films lead me with this 27 Days of Oscar piece, and last night I watched a film that I have been hearing smatterings about for a while, "Madeline's Madeline."
I kind of hated this film. I found the screenplay exhausting in its uniqueness and both Miranda July and Molly Parker's characters/performances equally tiring. I have never imagined what it would've been like had my mother been present during some of my backstage theatrical experiences. And now I don't have to thanks to "Madeline's Madeline."
It's hard to tell if director Josephine Decker hates the creative theatrical experience or is simply precious in her view of it. Either way, I found her approach heavily affected.
Yes, Helena Howard is very alive at Madeline, and there are moments of greatness from both July and Parker...but it almost seems as if they were all tortured to get there. Yes...I see what they were going for...but, no thank you.
Speaking of Howard...
Similarly to the Independent Spirits Best Film category, the Best Female Lead is very different than the Academy. With the exception of Glenn Close for "The Wife," the list is comprised of women who didn't quite make it all the way but gave critically acclaimed performances.
Let's look at them, shall we:
Glenn Close, "The Wife"
Toni Collette, "Hereditary"
Elsie Fisher, "Eighth Grade"
Regina Hall, "Support the Girls"
Helena Howard, "Madeline's Madeline"
Carey Mulligan, "Wildlife"
All 6 of these performances are risky, unique, and fiercely independent. I've made not secret of my dislike of "Hereditary" and my qualms with Colette's performance in it, but somehow looking at the performance under the scope of risk and independence I can appreciate what she is attempting here. With a better director, this could have been great. Instead we get an overcooked performance in a laughable film. Sorry everyone...still hate it.
I really loved "Support the Girls" and wish I had space to honor it in some way, but it simply didn't happen. I was riveted by the film's naturalistic day in the life approach...something I really gravitate toward. In this case, a Hooters-esque restaurant, its cast of wonderful employees, manger (Regina Hall) and owner...all set to truth. Regina Hall creates a completely unique woman in Lisa...and although I might have put her a bit too intensely under the microscope comparing her to the likes of Lady Gaga, Close, Rosamund Pike, Melissa McCarthy...it is a great piece of acting even if I had some issues with it.
They you have Carey Mulligan who is simply electric as Jeannette in "Wildlife." If you haven't seen this film, you must. Another film that didn't quite make my top films of the year, it is a great piece of filmmaking. Yesterday I mentioned that "We the Animals" was probably my pick for Best First Feature, but now, I'm leaning toward "Wildlife."
Calling Jeannette "unlikeable" or "cold" is a bit sexist...we would never say that about a male character, I don't think...but she is complicated and searching.
Elsie Fisher is so vibrant in "Eighth Grade that she gives the impression that her dialogue is improv'd even though director Burnham insists that with the exception of a few "uhs" here and there, it is all scripted.
And finally we have Close, the one actress nominated for both the Oscar and the Indie Spirit. There have been years such as last year when an actress won both. Frances McDormand for "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," Brie Larson for "Room" in 2016. Same with Julianne Moore in "Still Alice."
Actually, looking at the last 10 years, if the actress who eventually won the Oscar was nominated for a Spirit Award, she won both. So...will Close win? Probably. And I think she deserves it. If she goes home empty handed does that mean she loses the Oscar? Not in a year like this one.
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