nomadreader

The backstory: Michelle Williams is nominated for an Oscar (Best Actress) and an Independent Spirit Award (Best Actress). Both she and Ryan Gosling were nominated for Golden Globes as well (Best Actress and Best Actor, respectively.) The basics: Blue Valentine is the story of Cindy and Dean. It begins in present time, when their marriage is quite strained. Then the film jumps between the first days of their relationship and the present. My thoughts: I tend to be drawn to films (and novels) about relationships and marriage. I also tend to favor films nominated for acting awards (especially Best Actress) over films nominated for Best Picture. Blue Valentine , it seems, was tailor-made for me, and I loved every minute. Blue Valentine isn't a glamorous tale; it's incredibly honest and real. Derek Cianfrance takes the viewer inside a relationship and exposes the good, the bad and the moments that shift the balance.   The film was edited with restraint: early scenes beca...

The backstory:   Made in Dagenham  is nominated for three BAFTA Awards: Outstanding British Film of the Year; Best Supporting Actress, Miranda Richardson; and Best Costume Design. The basics:  Made in Dagenham  is the story of the striking female machinists at the Ford factory in Dagenham, England in 1968. My thoughts: I'm a huge fan of films about both women's rights and social justice, and I admit to tearing up during the trailer for this film. Made in Dagenham  delivers exactly what it promises: an inspiring story, intelligent laughs, period fashion and accents that are difficult to understand at times. The story of these women is indeed extraordinary, but the film never veered over the top. It was true to its time and honestly portrayed the distinctions between doing what's easy and being an agent of change. Sally Hawkins is dynamite as the strike's unlikely leader, Rita. I give credit to her and Nigel Cole, the film's director, for honestly portrayin...