Best Song
February 19th, 2008 | by Scott |As we move closer to the awards presentation and my own list of annual predictions (Friday) I sense a growing sense of uncertainty. Could No Country For Old Men experience a backlash ala Brokeback Mountain and Saving Private Ryan? Is Juno more than just the novelty nominee? The biggest certainty I have is Daniel Day-Lewis going home with a statue (although Clooney’s likability cannot be discounted) and at least two statues (out of a possible four) for the Coen’s. Javier Bardem should be a lock as well but you never know.
One of my major interests this year is in Best Song. Thanks to the advent of YouTube we can see each of these in their original context:
First is “Raise It Up” from August Rush. The movie was hated by critics and the song seems incredibly saccharine to me. But, hey, it’s got kids singing! That’ll probably dupe a few Oscar voters into giving it a vote or two:
Next, are the three songs from Enchanted: Happy Working Song, So Close, and That’s How You Know. I greatly enjoyed the movie and found the songs to be fun and memorable. However, I am greatly cheesed that Amy Adams will not be singing That’s How You Know. Is there any other reason that Kristin Chenowith is singing that song other than a blatant attempt to promote Pushing Daisies? At least let Idina Menzel sing it, for crying out loud.
“Happy Working Song”
“So Close”
“That’s How You Know”
Finally, we have “Falling Slowly” from the amazing Once. The music is so integral to the beauty of this film and the music is utterly transcendent.
My vote is fairly obvious. There isn’t a song nominated that captures the heart of its film and the power of song more clearly than Falling Slowly. The August Rush song is forgettable and the three Enchanted Songs should cancel each other out just as the three Dreamgirls songs did last year. Of the Enchanted songs “That’s How You Know” is the standout but doesn’t come close to the power of Falling Slowly.
What are your thoughts? Which song should take home the statue?
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Now playing: Tom Paxton - And If It’s Not True
via FoxyTunes
11 Responses to “Best Song”
By len on Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
Haven’t seen There Will Be Blood yet but will as soon as I get the chance. Is there a better actor alive than DDL? Have you ever done a top 10 of the best actors? Agree that Enchanted was very enjoyable.
By Scott on Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
Haven’t done a top 10 actors. Lewis would make the list. Phillip Seymour Hoffman would be close to the top of current actors.
But there is only one Wilford Brimley.
By Jim MacKenzie on Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
Are you sure AA will not be singing her song? Where did you get that info? According to the person that is closest to her via text message yesterday she will be singing…
There is a possibility I guess that she will only be singing one of he songs… Oh well.
By Scott on Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
She is only singing “Happy Working Song”
By Jim MacKenzie on Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
That stinks for “How Does She Know” to go someone else but one redeeming thing about it is she is good friends with Kristin.
I’m with you though, even with the family ties… Falling Slowly should win… it’s a haunting song.
By Happy on Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
Scott, I wanted to like “…Blood” but I couldn’t though Lewis was amazing, but not different enough from his character in Gangs to get him the nod, which means it will go to Clooney, though I love Tommy Lee and he might just get the vote. Best movie, “…Country….” Best Actress, though I love Cotilard the movie was not well done which will hurt her so look for Blanchett. Haven’t seen Linney or Christie and i’m still having a tough time with Christie since Shampoo
I’m like you Falling Slowly is great but….
By Scott on Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
Blanchett doesn’t have a prayer for Elizabeth. Cotillard could upset but the smart money is on Christie.
The only thing that would cause a Day-Lewis defeat would be a backlash. I’m not sure there is enough of one. Him and Bardem are the two best bests of the night.
By Justin on Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
I heard that if studio 60 had continued, sorkin had a storyline where he gave Harriet one of the other cast members songs….
BTW, Enchanted was one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time. Adams mimicking of the old disney animation was astounding. Not to mention that it was a brilliant musical.
By matt elliott on Feb 20, 2008 | Reply
All I know is that I *love* “Enchanted”. Saw it again with the kids at the dollar movie Friday night and laughed my butt off. Again.
And Amy Adams in that dress in the ballroom…?
I’d better stop commenting now. Yowza!
By Justin on Feb 20, 2008 | Reply
touche matt.
By Scott on Feb 20, 2008 | Reply
Don’t get me wrong, I loved Enchanted. And who doesn’t love Amy Adams? I have to admit I also have a thing for Idina Menzel.
But “Falling Slowly” gives me chills every time I hear it and it’s from the best movie not nominated for best picture out there.