This is the first of the FTR 2021 Golden Globes previews, and we’re starting right at the top with Best Drama.
BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA -NOMINEES
The Father
Mank
Nomadland
Promising Young Woman
The Trial Of The Chicago 7
Who should win? Promising Young Woman
Who will win? Mank
Unlike last year, when you had Parasite, 1979, and Marriage Story, who were all worthy of the top prize, this time out is much easier. Promising Young Woman is the only “A” graded film in this field for me. Emerald Fennell gives us a memorable story here, with a lead in Carey Mulligan that is something special in this well thought out revenge movie with some excellent twists and turns. But it’s also more than that and has a lot of heart. I’ll be rooting for PYW on awards night.
Then there are the other good films. I wouldn’t be angry if they won.
Nomadland would probably rank second for me. Chloe Zhao shot this beautiful film that is really different. It’s art to be truthful. And then there is Frances McDormand at the top of her game in a subtle but powerful performance. It could have been silent and it still would have been good.
The Trial Of The Chicago 7 is sharp Aaron Sorkin stuff, but we’ve seen it before. And to win this prize, I needed something a little different. Easily the fastest moving film this rather slow paced burning field.
The Father is also powerful and tells an important story. I adore Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Coleman, they’re doing very strong work here. But it’s not better than PYW.
Then we have Mank.
Listen. The film is gorgeous. But that’s all David Fincher gave us this time. I never cared about the story and it’s not even a top 5 Gary Oldman performance. It’s actually dull.
But it’s a critic’s film. And I think the decision makers will pick it to celebrate the industry in this very unusual year.
Still, I’ll be hoping for Fennell, Mulligan and Promising Young Woman.