HOLLYWOOD—Anyone who is a film critic or movie aficionado knows that the fall is the prime season for Oscar-worthy films, particularly dramas. The best of the best are released during the months of September to December and the year 2010 is no different.
A film generating quite a bit of buzz in Hollywood at the moment is David Fincher’s “The Social Network” arriving on October 1. It depicts the true story of Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) a student at Harvard who develops a social networking site (Facebook) that becomes a worldwide phenomenon. With all of his success, Zuckerberg makes a few enemies along the way. The movie has everything expected in a good drama-suspense, layered characters and plot. Singer Justin Timberlake, Rooney Mara and Andrew Garfield co-star.
Icon Clint Eastwood returns to the director’s chair with his supernatural thriller “Hereafter” starring Matt Damon and Bryce Dallas Howard on October 22. The film centers on a group of people whose lives are all effected in various ways by death. Many might not consider this a drama, but it looks intense and after being overlooked for “Gran Torino” in 2008, Eastwood might find himself back at the Kodak Theater in 2011. I’ve always loved Kristen Stewart as an actress, and I am thrilled to see her starring alongside James Gandolfini and Melissa Leo in “Welcome to the Rileys” on November 5. Gandolfini and Leo play parents who are mourning the death of their daughter and develop a bond with Stewart who is a prostitute. Expect plenty of waterworks in the film.
For those looking for musicals look no further than “Burlesque” starring Oscar-winner Cher, pop icon Christina Aguilera, Kristen Bell and Stanley Tucci in theaters on Thanksgiving. Aguilera makes her film debut as struggling singer, Ali Rose, who dreams of making it big in Hollywood. The trailer shows Christina belting as only she can do and Cher in a fierce performance as Tess, the woman set to mold this starlet.
A must-see on my list this year is “Black Swan” starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis in theaters December 1. The film is directed by Darren Aronofsky. Portman portrays a ballet dancer poised for stardom, but slowly finds her dreams slipping away when a new dancer Lily (Kunis) begins to steal her thunder. Portman looks to deliver an amazingly dark turn that is intense and guaranteed to nab the actress her second Oscar nomination. While many has pegged the flick as a thriller, it has an element of intrigue that makes it a must-see.
The Coen brothers return to the screen with the western “True Grit,” a remake of the 1969 film about a young girl, Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), who avenges her father’s death with the help of one-eyed marshal, Rooster Cogburn, played by Oscar-winner Jeff Bridges. The film is slated to arrive on Christmas Day. Joel and Ethan Coen are known to bring strong performances to the screen, so don’t expect anything less from the directors with this flick. Gwyneth Paltrow makes her triumphant return to the screen in “Country Strong” playing a country singer trying to revive her career with the help of her husband Tim McGraw. Paltrow even sings in the movie and buzz on her new single “Country Strong” has received rave reviews on radio. “Gossip Girl” alum Leighton Meester and Garrett Hedlund also star. It arrives in theaters on December 22.
Perhaps the one movie spreading the most buzz since its debut at this year’s Cannes Film Festival is “Blue Valentine” arriving in theaters on December 31. The film stars Oscar nominees Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling as a couple whose relationship slowly deteriorates over time. Williams and Gosling are said to deliver astounding performances that make them virtual locks for Oscar nominations come February.
While there are many dramas vying for that ultimate accolade of Oscar glory, “Black Swan,” “Blue Valentine” and “The Social Network” are top contenders at the moment, but with Oscar there are always surprises. There are a variety of dramas for audiences to choose from this fall, so get ready to spread the buzz about your favorites.
