By Sandra Collopy
Arts & Culture Editor
Some of the best movies of 2017 are up for awards at the 90th Academy Awards this coming weekend. Here, we review three of the candidates that you can see at a nearby movie theater. Watch the Oscars on March 4, at 8 p.m. to see if these nominated movies, actresses, and actors win an award. Catch these dazzling movies on the big screen before they take the stage in Hollywood.
“Call Me By Your Name” (R)
Luca Guadagnino’s movie, “Call Me By Your Name” is set in Northern Italy in 1983 and tells the story of 17-year-old Elio played by Timothée Chalamet also, a “Lady Bird” protagonist. Armie Hammer plays Oliver, a visiting intern for Elio’s professor father.
The heart-warming summertime landscape in Italy sets the backdrop for the heartbreaking love story between the two men. With touching talks, secret rendezvous, sun faded novels, and Elio’s musical talent; the movie depicts the bewildering ups and downs of maturity, experimentation and finding one’s self. “Call Me By Your Name” was based off of the 2007 novel of the same title by André Aciman.
If you like “Brokeback Mountain,” eye candy, and the beautiful Italian countryside, you will fall in love with the unforgettable duo of cultured Elio, and charming Oliver. This dream-like depiction of American men in love in a foreign country will carry you far beyond the movie theatre doors.
“Call Me By Your Name” was nominated for four Oscars: Best Picture, Timothée Chalamet for Actor in a Leading Role, Writing (Adapted Screenplay), and Music (Original Song).
“The Post” (PG-13)
Stephen Spielberg’s historical drama, “The Post” starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks as publisher Katherine Graham and editor Ben Bradlee, follows the true story of intense decisions regarding the Pentagon Papers at The Washington Post. The movie charts the 1966 journey of the classified Vietnam War documents that document 30 years of U.S. involvement, and how those documents fall into the hands of the press in 1971.
Streep takes on Graham’s ambition as the first female publisher at a significant newspaper in America. At the same time, she is forced to deal with the conflict between the press and the government, a relevant issue our country faces today.
Although you may already know the outcome, Spielberg’s energetic depiction of the scandal takes on a fresh perspective. Graham’s powerful feminism will inspire you to be your own boss, change history, question everything, and value the time when words were greater than technology. If you liked, “Lincoln,” you’ll love the secretive truths layered beneath every scene in “The Post”.
“The Post” was nominated for two Oscars: Best Picture, and Meryl Streep for Best Actress.
“Lady Bird” (R)
Greta Gerwig’s comedy-drama “Lady Bird” captures the essence of a not-so-typical teenage coming of age. The year is 2002 in Sacramento, Calif., and rambunctious Christine McPherson played by Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, a high school senior, chooses to go by the name Lady Bird rather than her given one, and rebels against her Catholic high school community.
Her bravery and fiery feminism carries her through cringe-worthy dating, confronting her mother played by Laurie Metcalf, shifting between friend groups, and pushing the limits of her rigid social class.
The story follows Lady Bird and her frugal family as she makes headway on her college applications, falls in love for the first time, and endures many other entertaining firsts. If you’re a Dave Matthews Band fan, their song “Crash Into Me” fades in and out of scenes two to three times. As a college student, you’ll be able to relate to her awkward failures and successes. Watching “Lady Bird” is like reading a novel, you’ll wish you could highlight your favorite lines and dog-ear stand out scenes.
If you liked, “Pretty In Pink,” “Lady Bird” will make you tear up, laugh unexpectedly, and bring you back to the bittersweet feeling of growing up and moving away from home for the first time.
“Lady Bird” has been nominated for five Oscars: Best Picture, Laurie Metcalf for Actress in a Supporting Role, Directing, Writing (Original Screenplay), and Saoirse Ronan for Actress in a Leading Role.