Sour (yet eloquent) Grapes

Gemini Cricket · 03-15-2006, 06:48 AM

I'm no longer stewing in my own juices on the mountain, but I had to share this Anne Proulx gem. She may be bitter and uber-depressed, but she can write. Even when she's planting a vineyard of sour fruit.

Quote:

When Jack Nicholson said best picture went to Crash, there was a gasp of shock, and then applause from many - the choice was a hit with the home team since the film is set in Los Angeles. It was a safe pick of "controversial film" for the heffalumps.

Source

innerSpaceman · 03-15-2006, 09:16 AM

Yeah, I read that piece ... and enjoyed it. But I think she shot herself in the foot when she referred to Crash by the name "Trash."

Sour grapes is one thing, but an author should not make them too bitter to swallow.

Gemini Cricket · 03-15-2006, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

Sour grapes is one thing, but an author should not make them too bitter to swallow.

I'm thinking that's why her letter wasn't published in the US (unless I missed it).

For me, the Academy has finally deemed itself as irrelevant in my mind.

scaeagles · 03-15-2006, 09:59 AM

I'm curious.....I've stayed out of the Oscars threads and other various threads regarding the awards because ALL of these things have no relevance in my mind. I didn't want to go into threads and start spouting off about that because it would have served no purpose except to rain on the parades of those that like this stuff.

That being said....what relevance does (did) the academy hold to you? I've never understood why members of an industry (whatever the industry is, but referring specifically to the awards shows du jour in the movie and theatre and music worlds) patting each other on the back and giving each other awards is relevant at all.

But that's just me. However, I am curious as to why you think they are (were) relevant.

Gemini Cricket · 03-15-2006, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scaeagles

That being said....what relevance does (did) the academy hold to you?

It holds no relevance for me now. But before it held the same relevance as someone winning the Super Bowl, basketball championship, World Series etc. It's a fun competition. But now I realize that where sporting events may actually measure how well a person/team is physically or how they accomplish goals as a team, the Oscars don't measure those things in a team of filmmakers. I used to feel that it actually meant something, a long time ago, but now I don't.
Not only that, but I'm not sure any kind of award can truly represent anything.
I don't know if that made any sense at all...

Prudence · 03-15-2006, 01:21 PM

I'm a little put off by that letter. It's one thing to bitch and moan privately to one's friends and relations, I know I sure would, but to publish the rant? It smacks of sore loser. I haven't seen any of the films nominated for best picture this year, so I really have no opinion about which film was "better," but since when can one rely on the best picture to win best picture? I think we should be thankful any time the award doesn't go to that year's "Titanic" equivalent. So it didn't go to the actual "best" picture. I think I'll just pass out now from not surprise.

Gemini Cricket · 03-15-2006, 01:26 PM

Personally, I liked her commentary. So, she's mad. Yep. A lot of us were/are. I'd rather be accused of spewing sour grapes than not saying anything at all.

katiesue · 03-15-2006, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gemini Cricket

I'm thinking that's why her letter wasn't published in the US (unless I missed it).

The US media must just be a little slow - it's on the front page of CNN now.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Movi....ap/index.html

03-15-2006, 09:16 AM	#2
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	Yeah, I read that piece ... and enjoyed it. But I think she shot herself in the foot when she referred to Crash by the name "Trash." Sour grapes is one thing, but an author should not make them too bitter to swallow.
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03-15-2006, 09:59 AM	#4
scaeagles I LIKE! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,819	I'm curious.....I've stayed out of the Oscars threads and other various threads regarding the awards because ALL of these things have no relevance in my mind. I didn't want to go into threads and start spouting off about that because it would have served no purpose except to rain on the parades of those that like this stuff. That being said....what relevance does (did) the academy hold to you? I've never understood why members of an industry (whatever the industry is, but referring specifically to the awards shows du jour in the movie and theatre and music worlds) patting each other on the back and giving each other awards is relevant at all. But that's just me. However, I am curious as to why you think they are (were) relevant.
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03-15-2006, 01:21 PM	#6
Prudence Beelzeboobs, Esq. Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Gavel - I haz it Posts: 6,287	I'm a little put off by that letter. It's one thing to bitch and moan privately to one's friends and relations, I know I sure would, but to publish the rant? It smacks of sore loser. I haven't seen any of the films nominated for best picture this year, so I really have no opinion about which film was "better," but since when can one rely on the best picture to win best picture? I think we should be thankful any time the award doesn't go to that year's "Titanic" equivalent. So it didn't go to the actual "best" picture. I think I'll just pass out now from not surprise. __________________ traguna macoities tracorum satis de
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03-15-2006, 01:26 PM	#7
Gemini Cricket ... Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 13,244	Personally, I liked her commentary. So, she's mad. Yep. A lot of us were/are. I'd rather be accused of spewing sour grapes than not saying anything at all.
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