Best Picture 1931
It is my quest to watch all of the Academy Award Best Picture recipients before the next ceremony
There is much to admire in this Western. What is achieved through the span of storytelling is impressive, as are the strong characters that are presented to take us through this passage of history. However, there was something very lacking in the film. Whether hindered by time and a modern perception of filmmaking, I found the film to be poor technically and whilst the story was fairly strong the work was cold and unemotional. Again, although entertaining, the characters did not draw sympathy, empathy or even anger or disgust.
Therefore it was hard to truly connect or engage with the film making the experience one of enjoyment but nothing more.
Other films nominated in 1931
East Lynne
The Front Page
Skippy
Trader Horn
Worthy winner?
Yes - By distinction that i haven't seen any of the others, I'm not even sure if any are available now. The tragedy of film preservation.