One Category at a Time: Foreign Language Film

I've only been able to see three of this year's nominees (one of the disadvantages of living in Southern Ontario - not exactly the cultural hub of the country), and of the two I haven't seen, one is the likely winner. Figures.

Said likely winner is Susanne Bier's In A Better World. Having won the Golden Globe over higher-profile nominee Bituiful has given the Danish drama some valuable exposure. Apparently it's a stirring examination of the consequences of revenge, which has received strong reviews from nearly every festival it's played.

Of course, so has it's biggest competition, French-Canadian Denis Villeneuve's Incendies (which I have seen). It's a terrific bit of storytelling with dramatic heft and the weight of important history going for it, but the nonlinear chronology might not be to the voting membership's liking. But then again, last year's winner, The Secret in Their Eyes, also used liberal flashbacks. I'll be rooting for it (Go Canada!).

It may be a coin toss between these two, although I suspect Algeria's Outside the Law could have an outside shot, being a slick period drama and all.

As for the quiet, existential Biutiful and the bold, absurdist Dogtooth (the other two nominees I've seen), I imagine they just won't tickle this branch's fancy.

Will win: In A Better World
Runner-up: Incendies

Should win: Incendies
Should have been nominated: The Illusionist

Foreign Film shortlist

Nine finalists for Best Foreign Language Film have been selected by the Academy; Six based on scores given by the general committee of volunteer voters, and three chosen by the hand-picked executive committee.

Algeria Outside the Law
Canada Incendies
Denmark In A Better World
Greece Dogtooth
Japan Confessions
Mexico Biutiful
South Africa Life Above All
Spain Even the Rain
Sweden Simple Simon

The big surprise here is the inclusion of Yargos Lanthimos' bizarre black comedy Dogtooth, which I can only guess had to be helped along by the executive committee. I'll eat my hat if ends up nominated.

The other titles are not so surprising. It certainly bodes well for Golden Globe nominees Biutiful and In A Better World, the latter of which won.

The nine films will screen this weekend for a randomly selected committee of 30 Academy members who will then determine the five nominees.