More on Mill Valley
For those who love the Academy Awards, the Mill Valley Film Festival is like an early birthday present, where Bay Area audiences will get a sneak peek at some Oscar-caliber goodies that are otherwise under wraps. As usual, the festival will offer a bevy
Movies to Watch:
“La La Land,” starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, left, is just one of the highlights this year.
La La Land: Having enraptured audiences at Venice, Toronto and Telluride, this romantic musical is drawing comparisons to “Singin’ in the Rain.” It’s also the closest thing to a best-picture front-runner — and the best bet to continue Mill Valley’s dazzling streak of screening best-picture winners. Emma Stone seems preordained in the best-actress category, and Ryan Gosling has a decent shot for a best-actor nomination. Youthful director Damien Chazelle, who got a screenplay nomination for “Whiplash,” could find himself in the coveted directors’ circle.
To see a trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=je0aAf2f8XQ
Loving: Telling the real-life story of the interracial couple whose marriage made civil-rights history, this subtle film did not set the world on fire at Cannes, but it still got respectable notices. More in its favor, the movie is timely and relevant for U.S. audiences, and everyone seems to agree that the central performances from Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga are worthy of nominations. Jeff Nichols’ direction will be considered, too. After last year’s debacle concerning the lack of diversity in the Oscar lineup, it would be shocking if the academy overlooked a solid film like this one.
To see a trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRXuCY7tRgk
This family drama, about a man who returns to his New England town to care for his orphaned nephew, is the kind of movie that the acting branch of the academy loves, so that will help its chances as a best-picture contender. Casey Affleck has an excellent case for a best-actor nomination, and Michelle Williams is a shoo-in for a best-supporting-actress nod, perhaps even the statuette. As the teenage nephew, Lucas Hedges is getting attention for best supporting actor. If Kenneth Lonergan (“You Can Count On Me”) doesn’t get a director nomination, he will most assuredly receive recognition for his screenplay.
To see a trailer, go to: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gsVoD0pTge0