open it, steve

I don't have a t.v. and am a generally pop-culture-clueless individual, but I attended an Oscar party last night, the kind where you get humorously overdressed to drink champagne and make fun of yourselves while secretly feeling fabulous. And comment on people's style and lack thereof, for it's a good excuse to get in superficial jabs at the over-privileged and uber-image-conscious. And watch telelvision and eat junk food. It was good times, and I'll admit that though I'd only seen one and a half of the nominees (the One being Slumdog Millionaire, of course), there were some really great films out there this year... and Hugh Jackman did a surprisingly good job ("I'll rent The Reader"). I shall rent The Reader.

But best performance of the night: did anyone else catch "open it, steve!"? Somehow the curtain cue failed to work during the opening of the montage for Best Supporting Actress just as the stage manager's microphone was broadcast to America while the sheer drapes quivered in front of the screen, trying to simultaneously move both stage left and right. Pretty hilarious.

There were some very moving moments as well, however (the writer of Milk cheering for equal rights, Heath Ledger's family accepting his posthumous award, the earnesty and humility of the Slumdog winners, and "domo arigato, mr. roboto").

Though the industry of the screens is in general so very commercial, it's cool to be reminded of the artistry and genius that goes into it by seeing the individuals and elements that make it happen. An art a little different than my own, but not entirely... takes vision and long hours and patience with crazies in addition to a unique point of view and a good setting.

note to self- to see:
curious case of benjamin button
doubt
frost/nixon
the class
the visitor
milk
wall-e
toyland
manon on the asphalt
auf der strecke
la maison en petit cubes
rachel getting married
...and the duchess, as though I have no idea how great it really is, I am a total sucker for period pieces. give me costumes!!! give me heavy skirts, waistcoats, and people staring wistfully into the distance, heartbroken in arranged marriages and class stratification! give me long awkward silences broken by stilted accents and weeping into handkerchiefs. I eat it up.

That's right, boys, bring on the musicals and the costume dramas.