Watching the Academy Awards in full tonight for the first time in years, I was reminded of why I lost interest in the ceremony.
The pretentiousness of it became a bit too much.
I just grew tired of the long parade of actors and directors pretending as if what they do for a living is on par with a career in medicine or education, or anything else where lives might be truly saved.
Hey, I like movies just as much, or more, as the next guy. But two hours in a darkened theater is rarely anything beyond just a fun bit of entertainment.
However, I do appreciate Hollywood for providing the occasional moment of inspiration that can lead a person onto a path toward something better in their life. I know it certainly did that for me in some small way after Star Wars kick-started my own creative side in 1977.
Michael Giacchino, the composer who took home the Best Score Oscar for the animated film Up, delivered a memorable quote during his acceptance speech tonight:
“Never once in my life did my parents say, ‘What you’re doing is a waste of time.’ … I know there are kids out there that don’t have that support system so if you’re out there and you’re listening, listen to me: You want to be creative? Get out there and do it, it’s not a waste of time.”
Get out there and do it, it’s not a waste of time. I tell my kids that all the time. Whether they write a poem, compose a tune on the piano, build a sand castle on the beach, or just doodle in the margins of their research report, it’s all good to me.
Creativity should be a goal in everything you do.
By the way, if you are fan of feel-good movie music, the Up score by Giacchino is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time. Gentle and playful, with the most memorable theme of the year, Giacchino richly deserves that Oscar.
I’m giving away a digital copy of the Up score, via iTunes, to one of my readers. Leave a comment on this post, telling me your favorite movie music of all time. US readers only (sorry, Dan).
I’ll pick a winner next weekend.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree with the self congratulations and we are so awesome attitude. I mean I am all for people being recognized for a job well done, but the preening, it gets a little much.
As for favorite score, I really love the music from the movie The Power of One. Great African rhythm and song. A couple others I enjoy is Man From Snowy River and Last of the Mohican’s.
.-= Kristian´s last blog ..The Onion =-.
The score from Up touches my soul, and makes me remember my family and friends that have gone before me….a melody that will remain in my mind until it is no longer……..
Good music in movies can make a world of difference in how I feel about a movie. The score in Premonition by Klaus Badelt is incredible. (I know it sounds strange but watch it and listen to the music and you will know what I am saying) It gave me goosebumps, specifically the song “Jim and Linda”. I love it, yet it stirs so many emotions in me.
The music in “UP” is fun and beautiful and definitely contributed to making that movie one to be remembered!
What great advice. I need to remember that when my kids are doing things other than helping me clean up.
Being an Irishman I am little partial to the music from movies like The Quiet Man and Michael Collins, as well as Rudy!
Some other great music were movie musicals like The Wizard of Oz and Sound of Music. I just wanted to prove that I enjoy non-Irish music as well.
I was rooting for Up. Good win.
I recently rediscovered the soundtrack of the film “Philadelphia” starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington.
When this filmed opened I found these songs very powerful. Although it is all, or mostly preexisting music, the meaning behind the songs and how it fits into the themes and topics of- love, being loved, living, hate, HIV, fear of the unknown- are moving every time I listen.
Neil Young’s haunting, “Philadelphia,” Peter Gabriel’s “Love Town”, and Maria Callas, “La Mamma Morta” are some highlights.
.-= DiggyDaddy´s last blog ..The Great Gel Debate =-.
Apollo 13. Perfectly captures the awe and emptiness of space, I thought.
Yes, a great underrated score from James Horner.
Great point. Don’t have tv so we missed this yet again. Not sure it counts as a score, but recently picked up the soundtrack from Elizebethtown. Great disc with a lots of bluesy tunes.
.-= Seattledad (Luke, I am Your Father)´s last blog ..Life and Taxes =-.
you can’t really beat the songs from Oklahoma. From Oh what a beautiful morning to
oor Jud is dead and Everythings up to date in Kansas City.
I ca still play, even if i can’t win right?
erm…
I dunno, I think Toy Story might just take it for me. Love me some Randy Newman.
Either that or Lord of the Rings.
.-= Dan´s last blog ..A breakdown in security =-.
I like pretty much everything Randy Newman has ever done. But especially in film. Ragtime, Toy Story, Parenthood, The Natural are all favorites.
yep, that bothered me this year when they had all the best actor/actresses get these ego inflating speeches, from their colleagues, before they announced the award.
Favorite movie music? I loved Michael Kamen’s score of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (say what you will about the movie,lol)
I am also in love with the soundtracks from Glory and The Ciderhouse Rules, the Burring Fuzzy track is amazing. I also tear up like a girl when I hear Unchained Melody (orchestra version) from Ghost. I LOVE MUSIC!
This contest is now over. Using a random number generator, the winner is… Russ.
Thanks everyone for entering!