Midweek Mumble – Hugo vs The Artist Grudge Match
While the dust settles about the surprising line up for little golden men, Scott mumbles over the big hitters this year in The Academy Awards, Hugo and The Artist.
Now I had already sort of promised myself that i would not do any ‘OSCAR’ posts this year, apart from a live blog whilst watching the actual ceremony. But as it all settled down and I started to calm down about the fact that Fassy didn’t get a nod, that Drive was sorely missed (apart from one silly NOM), that Melancholia was all but forgotten about, I noticed something quite interesting about the two big hitters from this year – The Artist and HUGO.
Is there a pattern of Nostalgia emerging?
Both The Artist and Hugo received a veritable bevy of nominations (10 and 11 respectively). Also both also pay homage to a golden era of Cinema and of Film in general. Hugo is an ode to the early days of movie-making and The Artist is a French made silent film set around the time that the TALKIES were being born, and both were listed in the most prestigious category of BEST PICTURE. Both of the films make modern-day affairs like The Descendants, Girl with a Dragon Tattoo and Moneyball blush by completely owning them when it comes to sheer amount of nominations.
But who will win?
Well if we were to believe the bookies then it would be THE ARTIST hands down. Michael Hazanavicius seems to have made a film that has plucked the heart-strings of the entire globe. It is sitting pretty with a 97% on RT and a 8.7/10 on IMDb. It 
was in two of FRC’s top five films of 2011 and it is still selling out here in UK at Art-House cinemas across the country.
But if we take the BEST PICTURE nom out of the question for a moment and look more at the deeper side of the nominations. Hugo, who has the most of the NOMs actually has had most of it’s cast snubbed, Kingsley, Moretz and Butterfield failed to make the grade. Where as The Artist had all of it’s main players given a nod!
To me it feels a little forced with HUGO. Not the film, but the fact that The Academy are seemingly making up for lost time with Scorsese and trying to make amends with the Director for completely ignoring all of his amazing work before The Departed. Or maybe I am just an old cynic.
One thing I have taken from the whole nomination ceremony yesterday afternoon, is that I really do not know what the panel are thinking. It is never going to be up to me. I am never going to make a difference. I really do not know who will win the big award, or who will pick up the most from the night. As much as I was upset yesterday, I am still going to be up all night on SUnday 26th February watching with great interest, and maybe disbelief.
GO TEAM THE ARTIST (Yes I am slightly biased)
Are you watching the awards? Are you pleased with how the nominations went? Comment below.
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25 Jan 2012, 10:41 am
I’m going to say it. As much as I enjoyed The Artist I loved Hugo even more.
The reason why these films plus My Week with Marilyn and War Horse are getting such heavy nominations is because the people that voted them are all retired 80 year old film editors/directors etc… There looking back on their own ‘nostalgia’. God forbid anything that challenges like Shame or Drive.
Team Hugo for this post though Scott!
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25 Jan 2012, 10:54 am
I hear that Luke!!
Nice to hear you got quite a bit from Hugo. But I am staying Team THE ARTIST
Thanks for the comment matey
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25 Jan 2012, 10:57 am
Hollywood loves movies about movies because Hollywood loves itself; these kind of films support, appreciate and elevate the beauty and importance of filmmaking, so it is normal that they are on every list of awards out there. Both are great movies and I will be happy with either of them winning Best Picture! Great write-up Scott!
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26 Jan 2012, 9:11 am
Thanks Diana for the well constructed and well spoken comment.
I completely agree with your points
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25 Jan 2012, 12:31 pm
Nostalgia indeed! While I’m as annoyed as anyone else about the lack of love for some more modern movies, I’m actually looking forward to see some of the movies that have gotten a lot of love in the nominations. I’ve heard some pretty good stuff about Hugo, The Artist, The War Horse and The Descendents and I hope I will end up being a fan. Chances are pretty great since I basically love 9 out of 10 movies I watch!
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26 Jan 2012, 9:13 am
Thanks for the comment Jessica. The only one I am not looking forward to seeing is that random Up Close and wotsit!! LOL
The Descendant sis on my menu this weekend
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25 Jan 2012, 12:41 pm
Despite being eager to see Alexander Payne triumph in all categories I think The Artist will win a lot of awards. They don’t need to give Martin Scorsese the honorary Oscar anymore since he now has one so that’ll help The Artist win a few votes.
But I think the fact The Artist celebrates film – especially Hollywood – then it in many ways celebrates the Oscars as well and that will put it in good favour with the voters.
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26 Jan 2012, 9:16 am
I completely agree with your points Dan.
I am very excited to be able to see The Descendants this weekend. But I agree about THE ARTIST, I would love to see it sweep the board
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25 Jan 2012, 1:27 pm
it is such a horrid year at the Oscars. What can we say about the ceremony that nominates mediocre actors such as Pitt and Clooney and doesn’t nominate Michael Fass My Benders for example? Guess I should be happy that Madonna wasn’t at least nominated for best song…..
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26 Jan 2012, 9:19 am
I am so with you about Mr Fassbender. He is sorely missed from the NOMS as is my man Gosling! Especially after the great year they both had
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25 Jan 2012, 1:41 pm
I haven’t seen Hugo yet, but must before the Oscars. I loved The Artist though and it’s interesting what you say about nostalgia. Maybe because we’re excited by something original and new, like a silent film in 2011, or the thrill and magic of the cinema in earlier days, when now we’re over saturated by remakes. Maybe because when times are difficult in real life we want to go to the movies to see something that makes us feel good when we leave the theater, something uplifting once in a while.
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26 Jan 2012, 9:20 am
Hi Fabo, Thanks for commenting.
I completely see your point. Well said!
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25 Jan 2012, 2:05 pm
I have not seen Hugo but a friend saw it and said while it is visually magnificent, that s about all.
I have seen The Artist and it was lovely
So I think I will stick with it.
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26 Jan 2012, 9:21 am
Yeay for Team THE ARTIST… lol
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25 Jan 2012, 8:33 pm
An astute observation, matey, you are so right that both of these films have the nostalgia factor. Speaking of Hugo’s cast, I think Helen McCrory’s performance worth a mention, I think it’s as good as Kingsley’s and in fact, she’s as much as the heart of the film as his character.
Anyway, I like Hugo despite the slow start but overall I’m in your camp that The Artist deserves the win! I hope it’ll be like last year where the picture I’m rooting for wins
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26 Jan 2012, 9:23 am
Interesting point Ruth. I like what you say about McCrory. But ultimately I am very glad to have you in my camp!!
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25 Jan 2012, 8:59 pm
Very good post, Scott, you raise many valid points. Perhaps, like fashion and music, films are cyclical. It’s definitely something that gets you thinking!
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26 Jan 2012, 9:24 am
I agree Claire, most things do seem to be on a big circle. I am still holding on to my checked shirts and ripped jeans waiting for a GRUNGE revival…. I might wait a while!! heheh
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26 Jan 2012, 12:14 am
Indeed, go The Artist! My position on Hugo is known. I’m not a fan of it. It’s poorly paced and really doesn’t work that well as a family film (as it’s marketed)
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26 Jan 2012, 9:25 am
It is great to know that you are on my team Castor!! hehe
I can see your point about HUGO for sure
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26 Jan 2012, 8:50 am
The Artist should win. It’s the sort of thing the academy creams their pants for. Haven’t seen either, but I’m going to see HUGO tomorrow!
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26 Jan 2012, 9:26 am
I agree Tyler!!
Thanks for commenting. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on HUGO
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26 Jan 2012, 10:07 am
Team Artist definitely. Hugo had more faults and worse pacing than The Artist. Think you’re right about Oscars making up for lost time with Marty. I think Artist will do better though.
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26 Jan 2012, 11:11 am
HI Pete. Great to have you on board!! Team The Artist is getting stronger and stronger!!
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26 Jan 2012, 9:36 pm
I love both films and will be pleased to see either one win (at least out of the selected field). I would be shocked if Hugo won, though, simply because The Artist has been cleaning house so far.
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27 Jan 2012, 6:42 am
GO TEAM HUGO!!!!
Actually, I have not seen The Artist but i’m a huge Scorsese fanboy so Hugo will probably end up my favorite film of the year. The Descendants is still my prediction for Best Picture though…
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28 Jan 2012, 1:07 pm
I loved Hugo and The Artist so I’d just be happy if either of them win anything, as long as Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close doesn’t win best picture (I know I’ve not seen it but it looks no where near as impressive as my favourites), I’ll be happy.
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28 Jan 2012, 3:59 pm
[...] that much on the Oscar noms this year, just because they left me quite underwhelmed and speechless. Scott on the other hand had many a thing to say of the two battling it out this year, Hugo and The [...]
30 Jan 2012, 11:33 pm
[...] The Artist (my horse) and Hugo (the Academy’s heavy laden beast of burden), aptly named, ‘Hugo vs The Artist: Grudge Match!’ , two films with plenty to offer but who’ll come out on [...]
31 Jan 2012, 5:26 am
don’t think I could agree more with what you said here, Scott. I couldn’t help but shake my head wondering why in the world HUGO was receiving so much love…all I could come up with was apologetically making up to Scorsese for so many snubs in the past. I expect to see the same thing happen down the line then for Christopher Nolan, Michael Fassbender, and Ryan Gosling.
ok…I’m done.
Great post with some good points brought out. thank you.
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31 Jan 2012, 5:53 pm
Great post Scott. I wish I can contribute, you know giving an opinion, but I haven’t seen both movies,I plan to.
However, judging from the trailer,I find myself more attracted to The Artist than Hugo
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01 Feb 2012, 9:53 pm
Insightful post, my friend. My head and heart lean decidedly toward ‘The Artist’ and ‘The Descendants’.
Nicely put. See my reply to Julian’s comment (#3) to Ronan’s post re: The Academy trying to make it up to Marty.
Thanks, Scott.
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20 Feb 2012, 12:14 pm
I definitely believe there’s a cyclical nature to film and the films that are produced. There are always timeless themes that repeat every few years because it’s either what the people call for or the studios.
I’ve not seen Hugo (kick myself for not seeing it in the cinema) but have seen The Artist. If the release and success of The Artist will give us more timeless, classic films, I’m all for it.
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21 Feb 2012, 4:03 pm
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