If there is one thing you should know about this writer its that I’m unabashedly an Ang Lee super fan. In my opinion, Lee has three legitimate masterpieces on his resume (“The Ice Storm,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Brokeback Mountain”) and even with two Best Director Oscars still doesn’t get the credit from the media and the industry that he deserves. It’s in that context and with a heavy heart that I report the version of “Billy Lynn’s Halftime Walk” that screened in LA is a gutsy experiment in high frame rate and 3D filmmaking that ultimately doesn’t work.
READ MORE: New Trailer For Ang Lee’s ‘Billy Lynn’s Halftime Walk’ Tells America’s Story
Of course, that’s not the version members of The Academy are going to screen. The Academy will view a traditional 2K projection in 24 FPS. Moreover, during a Q&A after last night’s screening I attended, Lee noted he had digitally re-lit the 24 FPS version in post. That’s incredibly significant as it’s the lack of back light and shadowing (a specific choice by Lee) that partially takes you out of the movie. With a more traditional frame rate and cinematic “look” watching “Billy Lynn” could be a substantially different experience.
Maybe.
The 3D high rez 120 fps DolbyVision version of “Billy Lynn” I saw was an interesting experience, but it felt more like virtual reality than watching an actual film (Lee sees this as the future of cinema and I’d counter it could be a new art form instead). With so much of the story set in a football stadium (and the stands of said stadium) it often feels like you are just sitting alongside the actors as they perform a “scene” like a stage play. Where it becomes more interesting is in the middle of the picture when the Destiny’s Child halftime show takes place (if you haven’t heard its just stand in’s for Beyonce, Michelle and Kelly). Lee puts the camera in the middle of the show and the effect is so visceral you can easily get excited over the prospects of a full length concert in this format (certainly a Beyonce one).
Obviously, the film has other issues. The script is not as interesting as it wants to be and even though the novel was released in 2012 the movie feels dated in the sense audiences saw a number of Iraq War story films such as this six or seven years ago. The performances are also so all over the place it’s hard to know where to begin, a fact only exacerbated in the high frame rate version. Some critics who saw “Billy Lynn” at NYFF thought the short battle sequence told in a flashback was a highlight, but in 120 fps it appeared like a paintball game with no real tension behind it (You’ve seen iPhone video of real life combat more compelling than this).
Where does that leave “Billy Lynn”? As we suspected from the reaction at NYFF It’s hard to imagine Lee’s latest being a Best Picture player. Perhaps it earns a few sound nominations, but anything more? Maybe the 24 FPS version will make a difference but…
Keeping that in mind here’s a rundown of where the Best Picture race stands with the latest Contender Countdown ratings.
Oct. 26, 2016
1. “La La Land”
It’s the frontrunner until it’s not. Assuming that ever happens.
2. “Sully”
Once the “Inferno” press requirements pass expect Tom Hanks to work this movie more than you might have thought he would.
3. “Fences”
Viola Davis is officially a Best Supporting Actress contender (a story we might have broke) and Denzel Washington might earn both Best Actor and Best Director nods.
4. “Manchester By The Sea”
Can Kenneth Lonergan crack the Best Director five? Is Lucas Hedges a dark horse Best Supporting actor candidate?
5. “Moonlight”
I mean, haters better back off. At least until December.
6. “Lion”
No movie needs more buzz from AFI FEST than this one and it could easily get it.
7. “Hell or High Water”
Hard to find anyone who isn’t a fan to be honest.
8. “Jackie”
I’ve said this about many films in the past and it’s more than appropriate in this case: People who love it, love it.
9. “Silence”
Is this the only unseen film that could steal the Best Picture Oscar from “La La Land”?
10. “20th Century Women” or “Loving” (Tie)
This is a tough one. In theory, “20th Century” has a better shot with a wave of critical acclaim to come, but Jeff Nichols’ drama played much better in Los Angeles than it did in Cannes or even Toronto. Word is Ben Affleck’s “Live by Night” isn’t really a Best Picture player and its unclear if Paramount can muster three nominees by adding the well liked “Florence Foster Jenkins” to the mix (a monumental task for any studio). I’m not convinced right now on Warren Beatty’s “Rules Don’t Apply” and Mel Gibson is the reason “Hacksaw Ridge” won’t gain much traction. Right now it’s a pick ’em between “20th Century” and “Loving.”
Gregory Ellwood’s Current Oscar Predictions:
Best Picture
Director
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Original Screenplay
Adapted Screenplay
Editing – Coming Soon
Cinematography – Coming Soon
Animated Feature Film – Coming Soon
Foreign Language Film – Coming Soon
Documentary Feature – Coming Soon
Original Score – Coming Soon
Original Song – Coming Soon
Costumes – Coming Soon
Makeup and Hairstyling – Coming Soon
Visual Effects – Coming Soon
Sound Mixing – Coming Soon
Sound Editing – Coming Soon
For more Oscar and industry insight follow Gregory Ellwood on Twitter @TheGregoryE.