For all the disappointments 2016 provided, there was an exceptional number of excellent movies to somewhat balance all the sadness out. Do not miss these under-the-radar movies from 2016 that deserve Oscar nominations.
Instead of watching La La Land for the fourth time, check out one of these five movies. The Academy may pass these movies over when nominations come out next week, but they should definitely be considered.
1) ‘Hell or High Water’
It is a little of a stretch calling Hell or High Water underrated considering its multiple Golden Globes nominations. This movie passed quietly through the awards season, because of its August release date. In this film, Chris Pine and Ben Foster rob back the Texan banks that mistreated their family. Hell or High Water perfectly combines elements from westerns, thrillers, heists, and dramas into a wonderfully suspenseful experience. However, it is firmly rooted in the characters and their relationships, challenging beliefs of morality.
Consider: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor – Chris Pine, Best Supporting Actor – Jeff Bridges
2) ‘Nocturnal Animals’
Nocturnal Animals passed through the box office quieter than Amy Adam’s other 2016 movie, Arrival. Nocturnal Animals presents a story within a story, when Jake Gyllenhaal sends his ex-wife, Adams, a manuscript. The manuscript is a paralleling thriller portrayed also by Gyllenhaal and the purposefully similar Isla Fisher. Although Aaron Taylor-Johnson won Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Globes, Michael Shannon adds nuance to the fictional world. Nocturnal Animals is most notable for its ability to blend the two layers of fiction. It bends the audiences’ expectations and perspectives, with the real world sometimes more absurd than the fictional.
Consider: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor – Michael Shannon, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design
3) ‘Indignation’
Likely the least popular on this list, Indignation is an adaption of the 2008 novel by Phillip Roth. Indignation is about a young college student, played by Logan Lerman, in the 1950s. He faces conflict with his family, school, religion, and sexuality while trying to evade the war. The script does not entirely reach the beautiful complexity and contemplation of the novel. However, writer director James Schamus adapts the introspection in a way suitable for the screen. Indignation defies most conventional concepts of filmmaking, staging the action more like a play. The shots feel unique and raw to convey emotion over aesthetics. The greatest achievement in the movie is a 20-minute conversation between the protagonist and the college dean, Tracy Letts. Every minute of this scene is intense and profound with excellent execution and performances, unlike anything in any movie.
Consider: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor – Logan Lerman, Best Supporting Actor – Tracy Letts, Best Supporting Actress – Linda Emond
4) ‘The Nice Guys’
Before La La Land Ryan Gosling was also in this action-comedy in 2016. The Nice Guys is about a private investigator, Gosling, and an enforcer, Russell Crowe, who investigate a missing teenager. The Oscars are notorious for ignoring comedies, but the combination of excellent physical comedy and witty dialogue should be an exception. While it is also a hybrid of many genres, it manages to neatly balances the tone. Although Gosling did a fine job acting in La La Land, his comedic performance in The Nice Guys is more memorable. Additionally, newcomer Angourie Rice steals the movie as Gosling’s teenage daughter, grounding the more outlandish characters.
Consider: Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor – Ryan Gosling, Best Supporting Actress – Angourie Rice
5) ‘Sing Street’
La La Land was not the only live action musical this year. Sing Street is about a teenage boy who starts a band to get a girl’s attention. La La Land is a more traditional musical, with songs used as a mode of storytelling. Sing Street does however also create many fun and varied songs, diegetic within the movie’s world. Sing Street has a classic formula, but provides quirky characters who challenge social norms, making it fresh and exciting. It is the epitome of a feel-good movie.
Consider: Best Original Song – “Drive It Like You Stole It”
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