You will mistake me.

I have been loading up on Oscar-nominated films, and of course I have some thoughts.

I finally saw Doubt, and I thought it was great. First of all, this film is more or less an acting powerhouse.  We know that Meryl Streep is brilliant, and we know that Philip Seymour Hoffman can out-act just about anyone . . . but when these two share scenes, they fill the screen with such craftsmanship that I sat in awe.  But the scene-stealer is Viola Davis, whose bracing and beautiful performance completely transforms what the film is about.  Amy Adams also does great work in this all-nominated cast.  John Patrick Shanley's script leaves many more questions than answers, as is appropriate, and I found Doubt to be intriguing, profound, and powerful. 

A weird little British film called Happy-Go-Lucky, starring Golden Globe winner Sally Hawkins, puzzled me a bit.  The film tells the story of an almost-always-cheerful school teacher bouncing through life trying to stay happy.  Director Mike Leigh, whose "script" is nominated for an Oscar, generally works with his cast through pseudo-improvisation, and this film has some delightful moments, as well as some creepy ones.  I liked it, but I am not quite sure what think about it.

The Visitor, on the other hand, leaves me no doubt -- what a quiet little gem. Richard Jenkins, one of the great actors working today, gets his first lead role in this small film about a disillusioned economics professor who discovers an immigrant couple living in his second home.  What follows is a moving tale about friendship and loneliness and being forced out of a life rut.  I really recommend this film.  Jenkins shines in just about everything, from Six Feet Under to Burn After Reading to his show-stealing turn in Step-Brothers (that's right).  He deserves his Oscar nomination for this film.

And of course today marks the end of my Bromine Year.  Stay tuned tomorrow for my birthday post.