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2011 Foreign Film Oscar Analysis

2011 was a rather weak year for international cinema, which reflected on the Academy’s list of nominees that expectedly was even slighter. Though diverse as it spanned three continents, this slate of nominees was ultimately quite mediocre as only one movie here was truly great while all the others were just fine and nothing more than that.

My Ranking of the Nominees:

5. Bullhead

Bullhead is a Belgian crime movie that is exceedingly dark and depressing to watch, but it was elevated by a tremendously layered, physical performance from Matthias Schoenaerts in the main role that was so well written. The movie’s technical aspects are nothing to write home about, but it deals with some important themes, and the protagonist’s tragic story is well explored. This entire slate is definitely not great, but none of these movies are bad, so Bullhead unfortunately had to take the last spot even though it’s a solid effort.

4. Monsieur Lazhar

Monsieur Lazhar is a Canadian drama dealing with two different issues – how children experience grief and the problems facing multicultural societies. The film should have chosen one of these subjects as it did not have enough time to focus on both of them properly. It’s a well acted, moving and competently made drama, but one that is only serviceable in most of its aspects, lacking truly inspired elements. It’s one of those standard, uplifting movies that they used to make much more often and that the Academy continually nominated.

3. In Darkness

In Darkness is a solid Polish WWII drama that is particularly effective in its claustrophobic atmosphere as it made great use of the sewers setting. It is an intense, mostly engaging movie that is very well made across the board, but it’s also too similar in its subject matter to ‘Schindler’s List’ as both share that Aryan savior narrative that has become tiresome by now. Whenever there is a WWII movie made by a famous director, the Academy takes notice, which is frustrating as many of these movies are far from worthy of this honor.

2. Footnote

Footnote is an Israeli drama film that explores some interesting themes, in particular delving into academic obsession, rivalry and the toxic relationships that stem from that competitiveness. Though Joseph Cedar failed to direct the film with enough style and energy and the movie lacked momentum in the second half, the movie ultimately transcended its messy structure and pacing through the intrigue of its ideas alone. It’s far from great, but for this middling slate it has to take the second spot.

1. A Separation

And of course the number one goes to Asghar Farhadi’s masterpiece A Separation. This Iranian drama about divorce is difficult but also essential to watch fueled by a brilliant script and fantastic dialogue. It is a very complex film which doesn’t give us easy answers, but portrays life as it is – messy and complicated. It’s beautifully acted, directed and scripted with amazing dialogue as always for Farhadi. It’s not just the best foreign movie of the year, but also one of the greatest films of its decade.

Films That Should Have Been Nominated:

Wrinkles – The only 2011 movie that was better than my number one pick above was this Spanish animated masterpiece that depicts a retirement home and everything that goes on in them. It’s a heartbreaking, but very inspirational and touching drama that is one of the most underrated animated movies of all time.

Tomboy – Tomboy is a wonderful drama that deals with gender identity, gender expression and sexuality in an ambiguous, provocative manner. It doesn’t offer easy answers, but it remains quite open-ended depending on who’s watching it. It’s an incredible movie that signaled the arrival of the great Celine Sciamma, who always gets snubbed by the Academy.

Bol – This Pakistani drama follows a religious Muslim family facing financial difficulties caused by too many children. The father wants to have a son, but only got daughters and one of them is transgender. It’s an important, realistic movie dealing with burning issues facing this country, which cinematic output continues to be underappreciated.