Comments on: Cinema Autopsy on the 2009 Samsung Mobile AFI Awards Winners

By: Paul Martin

Paul Martin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:37:58 +0000

I couldn't help but notice that both Baz Luhrmann and Anthony LaPaglia spoke publicly in awe of Samson and Delilah (which was my vote by a country mile) before it won the major awards. For me, Balibo doesn't even come close. My second choice was Mao's Last Dancer. As for Ben Mendelsohn and Anthony LaPaglia, I thought both their performances were dismal. The standout for me was Oscar Isaac for best supporting actor in Balibo. He is the best thing about the film.

By: Thomas Caldwell

Thomas Caldwell — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:43:48 +0000

I actually don't feel strongly one way or another about Australia as I found much to like about it and much that I found to be heavily flawed. My issue with it winning the production design and costume prizes is really to do with my frustration over the way period films usually always win design awards. I would never want to downplay the enormous skill that goes into re-creating a period setting but I find it far more impressive when production design and costumes are used in contemporary settings to express something about the characters. It's an extra layer of meaning within a film that is often unnoticeable when done well. For that reason I gave my vote to Mary and Max for Best Production Design and to Blessed for Best Costume Design. As for The Cat Piano, I've been thrilled to see how popular it has become. It features three of my favourite things - a film noir influence, cats and Nick Cave!

By: Glenn

Glenn — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:20:36 +0000

Yeah, it pretty much panned out the way I expected/hoped. I was hoping for Ben Mendelsohn over Anthony LaPaglia, but can't really complain. I gotta call foul on your Australia comment though. You truly think that Australia didn't have the best costume design and production design of the nominees? I would've been fine with Mary and Max taking Production Design - such a feat that was - but, honestly. I know the movie isn't loved, or even liked, by many online, but Australia deserved those prizes. I'm thinking The Cat Piano will win the Oscar. It's a cinch to get nominated (and it's on the shortlist) and it's just so so good. Everyone who watches it falls for it instantly.

By: moogirl22

moogirl22 — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:57:29 +0000

A great year for Australia film. It would seem we are bouncing back from the slump of the last few years… decades… :/

I mostly agree with you on what I’ve seen, but I personally found Disgrace to be the disappointment of the year. It was just messy and didn’t seem to have much of an idea of where it was going or how it was going to get there. Most of it’s worth came from the subject matter it was trying to address, but given it didn’t really interpret the plot in a comprehensive cinematic style, it fell through even on that front. Overall, not something I’d consider worthy of awards such as these.