Access Atlanta > Movies > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 12 > Entry
It’s time to reward a good mainstreamer like ‘Bourne’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Awards season is building, but the same-old same-old seems to be happening — namely that few moviegoers have actually seen or will see the films that will likely be the top contenders.
“There Will Be Blood,” “Atonement,” “The Savages” and “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” aren’t even in wide release yet. Even the apparent Oscar frontrunner — “No Country for Old Men,” also not yet in wide release — sits at No. 70 on the year’s box-office list. In other words, more people saw the silly, stupid ping-pong monstrosity “Balls of Fury” than have seen “No Country.”
Hollywood generally doesn’t care that moviegoers feel displaced from the Academy Awards and that they often just don’t watch the Oscar show. The studios already have your money (i.e. “Spider-Man 3,” “Transformers,” “Harry Potter,” etc.) so in the minds of moviemakers, the Oscars are for them. That’s also why the show seems to constantly run past its scheduled closing time.
Here’s one way we could all be more satisfied: nominate “The Bourne Ultimatum,” which arrived on DVD on Tuesday, in the top categories.
Reason one: It’s an excellent movie.
Reason two: More people would pay attention to the Oscars.
What do you think? Do you plan to see any of the expected Oscar contenders? Do you want “Bourne” to get a shot at best picture?
Permalink | Comments (14) | Categories: Alan Smithee
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By lucaslimo
December 12, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
I thought that Casino Royale also was worthy of an Oscar nood last year because it was equal, if not superior, to The Departed, which won last year. Action films usually do not get respected by Oscar voters maybe because the actors’ performances are perhaps mitigated by the special effects and stunts, and the Director’s role is not perceived as important in action films. Besides, I believe that the Oscar Awards are quickly becoming outdated — a 20th Century “thing of the past.” Movie-goers don’t get to vote for the winners…
By Blanca
December 12, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
Matt Dammon was really good in that romantic movie with the girl :-)
By Wilson
December 12, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
NO WAY should “The Bourne Ultimatum” get a Best Picture nod. It’s a really good movie and an outstanding trilogy (possibly the best action triptych ever), but it’s simply not worthy of that kind of praise. It wasn’t even the best of the Bourne films (in fact, I’d say it was the weakest).
By highnoon
December 12, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Yeah, so let’s just bow down to the lowest common denominator (the consensus of the American public) and disregard true artistry and vision in film-making (“No Country”) because not every potential viewer “gets the ending.” And why don’t we elect Bush to a third term while we’re at it. Deplorable.
By Eric
December 12, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
The first two Bournes absolutely yes, but this one where he was flying through window after window without getting a cut? I think he even jumped a shark third act if I remember correctly = No.
By steve
December 12, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
Leave the Oscars to the highbrow bunch. What else do they have to look forward to?
Seriously, do you know anyone that actually cares what movie wins best picture or who wins best supporting actor? Nobody cares!
By Jim
December 12, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Who cares if the average moviegoer feels ‘displaced’ from the Academy Awards. The Academy Awards should never be a general popularity contest. That’s what the People’s Choice Award is for. The Academy Award is strictly industry people (members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences) honoring their own. So while many of the films may be a little more obscure, the film industry recognizes them for the quality that they are.
By terrence reese
December 12, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
bourne supremacy
By terrence reese
December 12, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
bourne supremacy
By David
December 12, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
I absolutely think that Bourne Ultimatum should get a nomination. Why not? Who knows if it would win? I think the “purists” and “highbrows” may be afraid that it actually could win if nominated!
By Rick
December 12, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
The Oscars don’t represent the mass public so what does it matter. I have yet to agree with any winner and haven’t bothered to watch it in the last 20 years.
By Josh
December 13, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
No…If you want to nominate a mainstream movie nominate Superbad or Knocked Up…I was shoked that neither one was nominated for the Golden Globe in a comedy category…especially Knocked Up because Superbad wouldn’t really fit the bill because it’s a teen romp
By Ben
December 13, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
There’s actually only one Bourne movie; it gets recycled with each new release by adding a scene or two before it’s recut/repackaged into the same movie with a different name that suckers in audiences by the millions. Let’s see, in #4 Jason’s running man life continues as he travels to a different major city daily, somehow evades the hundreds of zealous police who instantly pour out of HQ like a kicked ant pile, never suffers a crippling injury despite being in constant combat, and apparently has unlimited funds. Or is that also #s 1-3? It’s all the same. I’ve told my wife that she can take her girlfriend to gawk at “beefcake” Matt next time; these movies make me feel too dizzy after 90 minutes.
By Tstewart
December 14, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this
I enjoyed all three films! Matt Damon made a tremendous move in this series! He now joins Nickleson, Eastwood, Hanks as men who have chosen the proper films to make. Movies are fantasies plain and simple! If you place a lot of ‘Normal’ thoughts and activities onto a film, you ain’t never going to be happy!