1970 - Patton (****)
A spirited telling of American General George S. Patton, Jr. George C. Scott gives a soulful centre to a film focused on war but really a tale of ambition and duty.
What should have won?
MASH – It’s easy to say this now but Robert Altman’s antiestablishment comedy/war film broke boundaries, challenged the US government and laid the groundwork for sound in cinema that is still being utilised today.
1971 – The French Connection (*****)
Kinetic, exciting and highly stylised. Director William Friedkin managed to capture the essence of European cinema, particularly the work of Jean-Pierre Melville and rework it for the streets of New York City to arguably more successful results.
What should have won?
The Last Picture Show – Although I respect the Academy’s decision to award as broad a genre film as The French Connection, I cannot overlook the soul, melodrama and yearning contained in Peter Bogdanovich’s ode to Old Hollywood.
1972 – The Godfather (*****)
One of, if not thee, greatest film ever made. Francis Ford Coppola’s film is about so many things. Family, duty, ambition, greed, ego, the list could really go on and on. And as with Lawrence of Arabia, the coexistence of intimacy in the face of such grand scale is remarkable. Literally everything is perfect about this film. The design, casting, performances, cinematography, editing, screenplay. A whole film school education in less than 3 hours.
What should have won?
The Godfather – No questions asked.
1973 – The Sting (****)
An entertaining and charming caper with a stellar cast and excellent production design.
What should have won?
American Graffiti – Not even William Friedkin’s groundbreaking The Exorcist should have beaten George Lucas’ ode to cars, music and youth. Plotless but never unfocused. Relaxed but never tedious. A pure joy from start to finish.
1974 – The Godfather part II (*****)
See everything written about The Godfather. Coppola loses nothing from part I and truly maintains the same spirit and blood, a miraculous feat that has never been matched in quite the same way since.
What should have won?
The Godfather Part II – The other nominees just didn’t stand a chance.
1975 – One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (*****)
Funny, sad, poignant and incredibly spirited and moving. The setting, Nicholson, Fletcher, the editing, the score; everything about this film is in tune and all comes together to make one of the finest films ever made.
What should have won?
Jaws/One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest – I honestly cannot say. This was the strongest year in the history of the OSCARS. Dog Day Afternoon, Nashville and Barry Lyndon were the other nominees but for me, my head says Jaws for its mastery of storytelling and the rollercoaster ride it puts the audience through, and my heart says Cuckoo’s. I’m sitting on the fence for this one.
1976 - Rocky (*****)
The true underdog story, Rocky Balboa is a brilliant character and although the film now feels corny, the empathy brought from Stallone means every corny moment is one of pure fist pumping joy.
What should have won?
Taxi Driver – Scorsese’s unique descention into a madman’s soul is brutal and brilliant and sits alone in film history. No other film has managed to match its hypnotic and visceral power.
1977 – Annie Hall (*****)
The best romantic comedy ever made, Allen’s intelligence, humour and charm has never been translated as well as this. And although Alvie Singer and Annie Hall are at times horrible characters, the entertainment had from watching them analyse and squirm through any situation is unforgettable.
What should have won?
Star Wars – George Lucas’ space opera has ambition by the bucket load. Whatever has come since, you cannot deny the iconic brilliance of what was created here.
1978 – The Deer Hunter (*****)
Brutal, honest and uncompromising, Michael Cimino’s film is a brave and remarkable film that moves me in ways no other film ever has.
What should have won?
The Deer Hunter – Perfect.
1979 – Kramer vs. Kramer (*****)
Takes the domestic space and turns it into a battlefield. Tactics, supplies and warfare. And every emotion packs as much impact as a grenade.
What should have won?
Apocalypse Now – As incredible a film as Kramer vs. Kramer is, the otherworldly achievement of Apocalypse Now deserves more credit and recognition. Coppola managed to accidentally create a lucid nightmare.
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1980 – Ordinary People (****)
A quiet dissection of grief tearing apart a family in New England. Honest, well performed and delicately balanced between release and coiled tension.
What should have won?
Raging Bull – Many consider Ordinary People’s victory to be a travesty and while Ordinary People is in no way a bad film, it is testament to Raging Bull that it has this reputation. Incredibly stylish but never at the sacrifice of substance. De Niro’s tour-de-force performance is just the panicles of the film’s achievements.
1981 – Chariots of Fire (***)
A sentimental and overly stiff film but luckily the ideas of racism and dedication pull the film through.
What should have won?
Raiders of the Lost Ark – Spielberg’s old fashioned adventure film is pure nostalgia, a rip roaring piece of entertaining that really showcases the director’s ability to engage with the audience and give them everything they want. Warren Beatty’s Reds would probably have been a more worthy winner (an incredible film too by the way) but what Raiders means to me cannot be overlooked.
1982 - Gandhi (*****)
I challenge anyone not to watch this film without becoming angry and frustrated or overwhelmed by complete admiration. Richard Attenborough’s biopic is a respectful and detailed work of art.
What should have won?
Gandhi – Despite my love for E.T. the validity, scope and respect of Gandhi deserves a higher recognition. Although I often swing the other way, I must go with my head over my heart on this occasion.
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1983 – Terms of Endearment (****)
James L. Brooks’ film may appear to be just a generic tearjerker but it certainly isn’t. Constantly challenging the audience with its honest and adult nature, the film manages to explore humanity in the lightest and darkest ways.
What should have won?
The Big Chill – Ensemble performing at its finest. Lawrence Kasdan’s film of enduring friendships and the turbulence of age and marriage is great entertainment and melodramatic and moving to boot.
1984 - Amadeus (*****)
Rich, lyrical and beautifully executed, an intriguing and wonderful story that extends beyond its fascinating subjects.
What should have won?
Amadeus – An entertaining film that manages to feel like a painting, play and movie all at the same time.
1985 – Out of Africa (***)
The wonderful score and beautiful setting are a wonderful canvas on which this quiet love story plays out. It may be a little too leisurely but its good Sunday afternoon viewing.
What should have won?
Witness – While Spielberg’s The Color Purple packs more of a punch, Witness is a masterly constructed thriller/drama/romance that remains exciting and intriguing from start to finish.
1986 – Platoon (*****)
Platoon – What Platoon lacks in subtlety it makes up for in biblical and spiritual intensity. The battlefields of Vietnam are an extreme playground on which the fight for a man’s soul take place but Stone pulls it off with aplomb.
What should have won?
Platoon – One of the finest war films ever made and a film that will continue to be viewed and studied for years to come.
1987 – The Last Emperor (***)
While the ambition must be applauded the film gets lost somewhere under its own weight. A challenging, fascinating tale nonetheless.
What should have won?
Broadcast News – Even though it pales in light of The Last Emperor’s ambition, James L. Brooks’ dramedy is a delightful film. Well performed, written and captured good filmmaking that knows its audience and gives them what they want without compromising its own values.
1988 – Rain Man (****)
A moving tale of brotherhood, loyalty and care. Although parodied, Hoffman is excellent and well supported by Cruise who is never afraid of coming across as a bad guy.
What should have won?
Rain Man – A fairly weak year but Rain Man is a really well made film and deserved of its award.
1989 – Driving Miss Daisy (***)
A decent film but far too polite for its own good. The subject material could have been challenging and incredibly engaging but is sacrificed for an easy going, feel good film.
What should have won?
Dead Poets Society – While some call it sentimental pap, others believe it to be incredibly inspiring, moving and rich. I am wholeheartedly in the later group. Incredible.