A Year of Fine Films
Hallelujah! There might indeed be a lack of sure-fire best picture nominees but, in this filmgoer’s opinion, it has been one of the finest years for the movies in recent years (“Oscar Campaigns Hit the Beach,” by Robert W. Welkos, Dec. 8).
In addition to Roberto Benigni’s stunning “Life Is Beautiful” and Don Roos’ smart and sly “The Opposite of Sex,” both deservedly mentioned as contenders in your article, there was also the audacious and spectacular “Happiness” by Todd Solondz and “Gods and Monsters” by Bill Condon, all better written, better acted and far more rewarding than last year’s best picture winner by that “King of the World” director.
And, for acting bravado, I hope I’m not the only one to remember the dazzling interplay between Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey in “The Negotiator.”
RANDALL RIESE
Los Angeles
Only good movies
Get the Indie Focus newsletter, Mark Olsen's weekly guide to the world of cinema.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
