An Interview With an AMPAS Voter
by John Villeneuve
Earlier today, I was granted a short tête-à-tête with an AMPAS member who was gracious enough to put aside some time to answer assorted questions about this years Oscar race. In particular, the Foreign Film category. Though this member did not violate any rules by speaking with me, his/her name will remain anonymous (at their request). The interview went as follows
In regards to the Foreign Film category (and knowing that you have not yet screened them all), what films have impressed you the most this year?
Remember, we really are just a little over 1/2 way through the 65 films. At this point I’d have to say I was most impressed by Argentina (The Secret in Her Eyes), Norway (Max Manus), Canada (I Killed My Mother), Israel (Ajami). There are several others that I would rank high, for instance Bulgaria (The World is Big and Salvation Lurks Around the Corner), Slovenia (Landscape No. 2) and Poland (Reverse). But so far the first four were particularly impressive
Are there any particular performers or performances in a foreign film this year that have excited you?
Ricardo Darin in two films (The Secret in Her Eyes, The Dancer and the Thief), the young Argentinean actor Abel Ayala (The Dancer and the Thief) in the Spanish film, who I expect will become a star. Kim Hye-ja, the mother in MOTHER was quite impressive, as were the two actors (Kaarina Hazard, Jukka Keinonen) in the Finnish film (Letters to Father Jacob). I was also impressed by Axsel Hennie, who played Max Manus…and I must give super props to both Xavier Dolan and Anne Dorval who burnt up the screen in the Canadian film (I Killed My Mother) as mother and son.
How about direction? Did you find that there were any new or up-and-coming directors to watch out for?
Watch Xavier Dolan, who was 19 when he wrote, directed and acted in I KILLED MY MOTHER. Quite a tour de force. I expect great things from this director, whose filmmaking skills at a young age reminded me a little of that other wunderkind of a different era: Orson Welles.
Obviously there are some veteran directors in this years list. Would you say that any of them are at the top of their game? And who would they be?
I really respect Klaus Härö (Letters From Father Jacob)…his film this year was exquisitely directed. I haven’t seen the Haneke (The White Ribbon) or Audiard (A Prophet) films yet, so can’t say. I liked Tornatore’s film (Baaria) a lot…the direction was especially good, he reined in his tendency to over do the emotional pangs, which may work against his film. I liked Trueba’s film (The Dancer and the Thief) a heck of a lot better than the one that actually won the Oscar back in the early ’90s (Belle Epoque), but it didn’t have that film’s virtuosity, admittedly.
Visually speaking, which films had cinematography that really stood out or impressed you?
This has been a great year for cinematography. It’s especially interesting how many films are shown in wide screen…I suppose they were shot in super-35, but it makes for impressive visuals. Among the more obscure films, I thought the Colombian (The Wind Journeys), Peruvian (The Milk of Sorrow), Korean (Mother), Uruguaian (Bad Day for Fishing) and even the Sri Lankan (The Road from Elephant Pass) films were very well shot.
Are there any foreign films that did not strike a chord for you?
I disliked the Australian film (Samson & Delilah); but even that one had something
going for it. I was confused by the Cuban film (Fallen Gods) which made little sense to me. But in truth, this has been an above average year so far…I’ve enjoyed most of the screenings.
One of my personal favorites this year is Peru’s, The Milk of Sorrow. But I understand that it was not, so to speak, a home run for you. Would you care to comment on why that is?
It had fine cinematography for sure. There was a strong sense of the characters’ poverty; and the contrast with the wealth of the pianist was striking. I respect the filmmaking…but the girl’s passivity – or maybe it was more her passive aggressiveness, plus all the sidetracks into the weddings didn’t make me love the film. It’s a fragile bond, this thing of emotional involvement with a film. The girl and her mother’s situation called out for making a connection…and it didn’t happen for me.
Finally, aside from the foreign language films, are there any particular movies that impressed you, and if so, which ones? (I understand that The Hurt Locker was a stand-out for you).
Among my favorites this year: Hurt Locker [...] The Messenger, Young Victoria, Red Cliffs, An Education and Precious. Actually that just scratches the surface [...] I think this has been a good year for the foreign film, less so for Hollywood (but there are several important Oscar bait films that I haven’t seen yet.) I do need to stress that I don’t think I am a typical Academy filmgoer. I would definitely hesitate before counting on my choices being a prognosticator of the Oscars. On a personal note, I’m now one of the “old, retired people” that this committee is supposedly made up of (at least reading the press criticisms). But when I first started serving on this committee I was 37…and I can attest that there are plenty of relatively young people serving today. This committee is, in my opinion, one of the most rewarding perks of Academy membership. It’s gratifying that it seems like more people are attending films this year than ever before. And please, try not to be too hard on this committee. I know that year after year there is much controversy in the press. But mostly the problem is with the limitations on submissions imposed on the award itself by the rules and the very nature of a “foreign language film Oscar”, not the committee’s job of judging the films once they are submitted.
That concludes my interview, and I would like to offer my interviewee a special thank-you and appreciation for indulging me during this decidedly hectic and, above all, historic decision making moment.
Jilda says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 1:09am
Is this Ken Rudolph? haha
sartre says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 1:58am
Thanks John. Though one individual’s judgments naturally cannot be used to predict those of the broader AMPAS membership it was still interesting to see his enthusiasm for and dedication to the voting process and committee membership. It also underscored the formidable task of watching and appraising so many films. I wonder whether there are viewing order effects. Though they’re likely to be judged as strong regardless of order I’m guessing it’s slightly in The White Ribbon’s and Un prophète’s favor to come later.
ladylurks says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 2:27am
Yeah, this must be Ken Rudolph. So glad he loved The Hurt Locker. I wish he’d had a more favorable reaction to Where the Wild Things Are, one of my other favorites this year.
Can’t wait to see what he thinks of White Ribbon.
Ryan Adams says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 2:38am
Here’s me conducting the same interview –
ME: Are there any foreign films that did not strike a chord for you?
AMPAS VOTER: I disliked the Australian film (Samson & Delilah); but even that one had something going for it. I was confused by –
ME: This interview is over. [Slams down phone and/or storms out of the room...]
John Villeneuve says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 2:41am
@ Sartre
“Though they’re likely to be judged as strong regardless of order I’m guessing it’s slightly in The White Ribbon’s and Un prophète’s favor to come later.”
I hope you are right, Sartre.
John Villeneuve says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 2:43am
“Where the Wild Things Are, one of my other favorites this year.”
Mine, too, Ladylurks.
tmoves says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 2:59am
Nice interview, John.
Yeah, sartre, I agree with you that the enthusiasm for the voting process was interesting to witness — refreshing even. We’re always so quick to think that Academy members are just ‘phoning it in’ when it comes time to vote. We forget the Academy is comprised of many different personalities and is not just some lumbering giant. You know, with this whole campaigning discussion going on now, it may be good to keep in mind that we shouldn’t just think what Ernest Borgnine might be thinking. We also should be alert to what ol’ Will Ferrell is up to as well…
sartre says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 3:18am
I agree tmoves. Like any decent sample of film lovers you’ll find among them a full range of taste, sensibility, and interest/engagement in the awards process.
Ryan Adams says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 3:28am
Maybe I should make crystal clear that I was joking in comment #4.
Of course the interview wouldn’t have ended. But I’d have been sullen. So this AMPAS gentleman might’ve spent some time trying to cheer me up by highlighting things he liked about Samson and Delilah after all. If he thought it had something going for it, I would have liked to know what. Otherwise our new friendship is off to a rocky start.
sartre says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 3:38am
Sure, sure. More likely you would have fixed him with an unsettling stare, pulled a coin out of your pocket, flicked it in the air, covered it with your hand as it landed, and demanded ‘call it, friendo’.
tmoves says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 3:41am
But with much better hair.
Cédric says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 3:54am
I would have loved to read what…hum Ken Rudolph had to say on Home. Hopefully it was part of the films he hadn’t seen yet at the time of the interview, because it truly is one of the most daring/uncompromising film of 2009. Other than that I fully second his praises for I Killed My Mother and Ajami, but at the end of the day the two BIG players that are Audiard’s and Haneke’s films are those I would have loved to hear him comment, for they still are my very favorite films this year.
sartre says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 4:05am
Haha tmoves.
I loved the Audiard film, Cédric. Yet to see White Ribbon and many of the other fine international films John has highlighted.
Cédric says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 4:23am
To sartre.
I’ve seen you around here for quite some time but why don’t you join our forums too? Or maybe you have under another name? Anyway, your presence there would be highly valued.
Dark Lord says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 5:06am
http://www.altfg.com/blog/awards/golden-globes-2010-best-foreign-language-film-884/
Hunter says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 5:41am
Wow. I just visited the Awards Daily forums and for some reason now I can’t stop singing show tunes. And I have accessorized my laptop.
rodrigo jp says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 6:10am
He only talked about foreign movies!
Ross says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 6:52am
Unlike most people, I’m a huge fan of the committee. Most of the time I disagree with their choices, but unlike the Academy as a whole, they actually see the movies and vote for WHAT THEY LIKE, not for what they’re supposed to enjoy.
In every other category you know what to expect because of the precursors and Oscar voters show little imagination (sometimes they surprise, but it doesn’t even happen every year), while the Foreign Language Film always includes some shockers, mostly because precursors don’t matter much here.
Stephen Holt says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 6:58am
It’s heartening to see the dedication of this member to seeing all these foreign films. Must be on the committee who chooses.
In voting for the foreign films and the docs(and maybe the shorts, too) when the nominations are announced the membership as a whole has to see them at designatied screenings and sign in that they were actually there IN PERSON.
The good news is that those nominated films actually do get seen but the bad news is that the number of voters who actually do make this effort is shockingly low.
Adam Smith says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 7:33am
It may only be one voter’s opinion, but I gotta say again, watch out for The Messenger–it might sneak up on you, folks
daveylow says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 7:56am
Well, whoever it is sounds like he has good taste. And you wouldn’t expect the viewer to love everything, especially when you watch a lot of films successively.
Samson and Delilah is obviously a well-made film but it’s not one to appeal to everyone. Australia had several fine films this year and they went with a risky choice.
Hans says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 8:16am
Great interview! Small quibble, though: it’s “Colombian”, not “Columbian” when referring to the country. It’s pedantic, I know, but it irks the bajezus out of me (and my people =) )
Dave L says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 8:19am
It is SO obvious who this person is. He has a blog for crying out loud.
The Australian film, Samson and Delilah, has many supporters. I wouldn’t be ruling it out yet.
el_barto says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 9:16am
The Secret in Her Eyes, From Argentina WILL win the Oscar… is the best South Amercian film of the past decades…
Someday Ricardo Darin (NOT Durin) will win an Oscar, he is one of the 10 best actors working today, i have always been overwhelmed by his performances, hopefully the academy recognizes his efforts soon.
I highly recomend The Son of the Bride, The Aura, Luna de Avellaneda, 9 Queens, and now The Secret in Her Eyes.
Remember who told you first….
matt says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 9:37am
err… isn’t “red cliffs” (or Red Cliff) a foreign film, made in China? But he calls it a non-foreign film?
Dan says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 9:49am
Did he mean the wedding of our heroine’s sister? Because that contrast between the normal, happy (always viewed with a slightly critical gaze) process of “romance” compared with the strange, beautiful progress of our heroince as she, well, blossoms was absolutely central to the film, The Milk of Sorrow.
In other words, this AMPAS voter didn’t get the film at all.
Also, since when is wanting to bury your mother in her own village passive-aggressive?
Meh all around.
John Villeneuve says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 11:11am
“It may only be one voter’s opinion, but I gotta say again, watch out for The Messenger–it might sneak up on you, folks”
I’m getting the same feeling, Adam Smith.
taptup says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 1:45pm
The picture above is not from The Secret of Her Eyes, but from The Dancer and the Thief.
I’m sorry, I had nothing else to say
Alper says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 2:42pm
i think he interested in foreign films. Where are his/her favourite actors and actresses?
Ken says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 2:44pm
Cédric, in answer to your request in #12, here’s what Ken Rudolph had to say about HOME: http://kenru.net/movies/2009_siff.html#HOME
dlen says:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 5:04pm
#21 As it is ‘foreign language’, Samson and Delilah was submitted as Australia’s entry because what little dialogue there is in the film is spoken in an indigenous dialect.
I’m almost 100% sure every other Australian film released in 2009 was in English.
Alan of Montreal says:
Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 1:19am
it’s interesting that he like J’ai tue ma mere so much. While it is astonishing that it was made by a 19 year-old, there are some aspects of the film that scream the fact that it was made by a 19 year-old. Technically it is very good, but there are a couple of scenes where you can’t help but roll your eyes. Also I had some narrative issues with the film. Anne Dorval is incredible, though, especially in one particular scene involving a phone conversation with the headmaster of her son’s boarding school. If Oscar voters ever got to see that scene, I have no doubt that she would be considered for a nod.
Glenn says:
Friday, December 11, 2009 at 11:45pm
daveylow, only two Aussie films weren’t in English. “S&D” and “Van Diemen’s Land”. The latter is an arty horror movie about cannibals. Hence they went with the box office and critical hit movie that’s been winning awards all over the world.