When I heard that Nicolas Chartier had been banned from attending the 82nd annual Academy Awards for negative campaigning in order to promote the film “The Hurt Locker” (which he co-produced), I was outraged. I cannot stand unfairness and corruption. You may then ask why I would choose to live in South Africa, but that is neither here nor there. The point is, when I discovered the nature of Chartier’s unfair promotion, I found myself saluting him on the inside and I now hope that The Hurt Locker takes home the coveted Best Picture Oscar, despite the fact that I haven’t seen it. Why the sudden change of heart? Turns out he was emailing people on the decision committee and dogging another movie. He made a completely unambiguous reference to a “500 million dollar film”… Avatar.
Now, there is a 90% chance that you, the reader, thought that Avatar was the most wonderful film that you have ever seen. If you form part of the 10% that actually have a brain, then you may agree with me. Don’t get me wrong, Avatar was enjoyable. A fun watch. Great effects. But that’s where it ends. The acting was atrocious. The storyline was abysmal. And please don’t get me started on the script. “I see you”. Gag. Surely the “Best Picture” of 2009 should be a combination of superb storyline, acting and script? Surely the special effects should be secondary to the true substance of the film? I feel as though Avatar puts audiences into a sort-of trance. It’s as though most human beings (with the exception of the few who are immune) become so spellbound by the beautiful images on-screen, that they forget to be even remotely critical of the aspects that make a movie truly spectacular.
So I am left feeling remarkably pro-Chartier, despite the fact that he has probably ruined his movie’s chances of taking home the Oscar. People will probably vote against him purely on principal. But it would be a nice slap in the face if James Cameron’s ex-wife, Kathryn Bigelow, who directed The Hurt Locker, could squeeze in front of him and take home Best Director. As for Best Picture, I will be behind… well, I don’t care. As Scottish football fans support “Anyone But England”, I think I’m going to start an “Anything But Avatar” campaign for tomorrow night.
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