MovieChat Forums > The Black Stallion (1979) Discussion > How could this not get an Oscar for cine...

How could this not get an Oscar for cinematography?

posted 18 years ago by dcornibe
26 replies | jump to latest

The Black Stallion, I think, is one of the most beautifully filmed movies of all time. I mean look at those island scenes. Deep blue water. The sunsets. The shallow depth of field on that porcupine. The underwater scenes with Alec and the horse. Even the rainbow during the end credits (!). Plus, think of the logistics they had to go through following a fast-moving horse on a sandy beach. Caleb Deschanel pulled it all off like a master. Then there were the later scenes on the farm, warmly lit. And don't forget the horse Napoleon and his driver coming out of the fog. There was so much variety in this film, all challenging I'm sure. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND why it wasn't even nominated for Best Cinematography at the Oscars in 1980 (for 1979 films). Exactly what standards for excellence in cinematography are they looking for when they nominate these films?

[–] osama-abdo 13 years ago

i agree with you
i love this movie

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] 13 years ago

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[–] brtndr 12 years ago

"They need to start having "retroactive" Oscars."

LOL!!! MAN, I couldn't agree more.

I not only second your opinion for at least an Oscar nomination for "The Black Stallion"(which should have won after being nominated)

I also have some recommendations for Best Picture's that were nominated but didn't win.(but clearly should have)

Like, "The Raging Bull", instead of, "Ordinary People"

"Star Wars", instead of, "Annie Hall"

"Goodfellas'", instead of, "Dances With Wolves"

"Singing in the Rain", instead of, "The Greatest Show on Earth"(Singing in the Rain wasn't even nominated by the way)

"Saving Private Ryan", instead of, "Shakespeare in Love"

"Dr. Strangelove", instead of, "My Fair Lady"

And finally, "Apocalypse Now", instead of, "Kramer vs. Kramer".(and how is it that "The Black Stallion" once again wasn't even nominated for Best Picture?)

Surely, "The Black Stallion" deserved at least an Oscar nomination for Best Picture over, let's say, "Breaking Away" for example.(who remembers or even saw Breaking Away?)

[–] NiKoDay 12 years ago

What's amazing is that Black Stallion, Apocalypse Now and Breaking Away (an AMAZING film, by the way) we're all created that year. How wonderful movies once were.

Black Stallion can go toe to toe with any movie when it comes it's cinematography. Better than Apocalypse, who can say? Not sure if it was nominated, but it certainly deserved to be right there. Hats off to Deschanel. He made a big moving, epic painting of a film with the director.

[–] Moon_and_New_York_City 11 years ago

With Mickey Rooney's passing yesterday, I know movie buffs like me will be re-visiting some of his classics like THE BLACK STALLION. Frankly I was surprised to learn he had been nominated for four OSCARS; I had no idea he was that respected an actor by his peers.

Nevertheless, he had an amazing career full of memorable performances. Rest in peace Mickey. See you soon.

"the best that you can do is fall in love"

[–] JohnQuincyPublic 11 years ago

I love his performance in this movie, lol.

I got news for 'em. There's gonna be hell to pay. 'Cause I ain't Daddy's little boy no more.

[–] liscarkat-2 8 years ago

The Academy Awards are political and have little or nothing to do with merit or quality.