I
feel like the sound categories are due for a split. For three years
we've had double sound winners (a couple coming at the expense of
superior work), adding evidence to the widely accepted notion that
your average Academy member can't really tell the two disciplines of
sound editing and sound mixing apart.
But
every now and then Sound Mixing will go to something not nominated
for Sound Editing, and this year is shaping up that way.
One of the first things that struck me about Argo (especially during its riveting opening sequence) was the involving urgency of its mix. By the time the film ends, however, its craft is quite overshadowed by the thrill of its story and performances. I suppose that speaks to the invisible effectiveness of the work, but invisibly effective work doesn't win Oscars.
A
more likely contender is Life of Pi.
The ubiquitous atmospherics of Pi's high
seas odyssey owes a lot to the mixing team, and what's more, the work
is noticeable enough for voters to recall. Life of Pi
could take both Sound prizes via the same, lazy, “craft-behemoth”
voting that benefited Hugo
last year, but I suspect it has a better shot at the Sound Editing
Oscar.
Bringing
up the rear is Lincoln,
whose precise sound design is an inspired pick (they made those
congressional shouting matches sound clear as a bell!), but is
ultimately too subtle to make it much of a threat for the win. If it
did win, however, that might be a telling sign that we're in for a
Lincoln sweep.
Popular
musicals are forces to be reckoned with in this field, which bodes
well for Les Miserables.
Truth is that it may not even have needed the boost of its well
publicized live-singing approach to earn it the gold, but that could
help clinch it. The challenges that the mixers overcame to deliver
such a rich and seamless track of music, voice, and effects should
not be understated.
And
finally, the one I'm rooting for, is Skyfall.
I don't expect it to win, and don't even think it's as deserving a
winner as Les Mis, but
I'm sick of watching Greg P. Russell lose Oscars (this'll be his
sixteenth nomination without a win). The polished cohesion of those action
set pieces demands commendation, but being the only non-Best Picture
nominee pretty much kills its chances.
Will
win: Les
Miserables
Runner-up:
Life of Pi
Should
win: Les
Miserables
Should
have been nominated:
Beasts of the Southern Wild
