MovieChat Forums > Beloved (1998) Discussion > THIS was the Best Picture of 1998

THIS was the Best Picture of 1998

posted 21 years ago by xavrush89
14 replies | jump to latest

Normally when I've read a book and then see the film version I'm disappointed, but I was very impressed with the result of Winfrey and Demme's collaboration on this film version of a novel many in Hollywood (including Jodie Foster) called "unfilmable."

I have read much debate on whether "Saving Private Ryan" should have won the Best Picture Oscar over "Shakespeare in Love", Well, I had seen both, and when the nominations came out for best picture, I was stunned that this was not included among them. They are both excellent films, but neither stirred as much emotion in me or stimulated as much discussion among the people with whom I saw them as "Beloved." With the way "Braveheart" was (some say unjustly) fawned over three years earlier, I assumed this movie would get the same treatment come awards time. Wrong. Not even any acting nominations. Was it a Winfrey backlash? Could the Academy members not relate to the storyline? Was it "Do the Right Thing" revisited?

You don't have to agree, just don't resort to name calling of you don't. I just figured since no one said it in early 1999, now would be as good a time as any.

[–] Niv-1 21 years ago

I agree with you. I think this was probably the Best Movie of 1998 and deserved more than one nomination, for costumes. It did not totally disappear from the Oscar radar as it was included in the list of possible contenders of several magazines, including Entertainment Weekly. I think there was a backlash against all the press this movie got. Also Oprah is TV star famous for being herself, I am not sure people wanted to see a movie with her as the star. I think the Academy didn't embrace it because of the movies poor box office and the fact that many thought that Oprah stole a prime acting job from a working actress. Same thing with Madonna and Courtney Love and their roles in Evita and The People Vs. Larry Flynt.

[–] xavrush89 21 years ago

Thank you. Well put. Although I'd have a hard time imagining anyone other than OW playing the part. She DID first come to national attention as an actor, in "The Color Purple". Then her talk show went national. Funny, when Mel Gibson gives himself a plum role in "Braveheart" he gets an Oscar. (Don't get me started on that film beating out "Babe".)

[–] Embee-El 21 years ago

Actually, Oprah was a pretty acclaimed newscaster before she ever got hired for "The Color Purple". She was making do in Baltimore when the networks considered taking her on to the national level. She then turned heads by making the decision to head to Chicago instead, and started her own talk show. It actually became national a year or two before "The Color Purple" even came out. I think it was because of the show that she got noticed enough to audition for the movie.

[–] Niv-1 21 years ago

I am pretty sure Quincy Jones saw her show in his hotel room and called her about auditioning for TCP.

[–] MarshallTeller 19 years ago

Beloved is one of the most unknown and underrated films that every movie lover should see at least once.

Oprah is a real talent and I wish I could see more of her as an actress. I realize she has an empire to run, but what a treat it is when she plays a role in films like this and The Color Purple.

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] ceejay166 19 years ago

I have only just watched this movie and I was amazed that I hadn't seen it sooner! Watching it late in the early hours of the morning was a mistake... It totally freaked me out!

Yeh I can believe that some people had a problem watching Oprah and Danny getting intimate (I mean its like watching your mum and dad having sex!)
However I felt that the acting was incredible by all involved as I was transfixed to my armchair for the whole three hours.

As I hadn't read the book I had no idea what was happening until half way through the film when Danny Glovers character discovers what Oprahs character done to her children that's when everything makes sense, all though I didn't understand the urinating scene and what did happen to her sons as you always felt that part wasn't dealt with correctly.

As for being robbed at the Oscars what else is new when it comes to Black Cinema!

Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

[–] WilliBerg 18 years ago

I agree that it has been underrated and, looking back, was one of the best pictures to come out in that year.

I watched it late at night as well and I think that only helped me to enjoy it more. I was surprised too, because I didn't expect the movie to be that good.

[–] smassiah 15 years ago

AGREED!!!!! BEST OF THE DECADE

[–] thedrmat 15 years ago

Precisely why I keep saying that 1998 was one of the LAMEST years in recent memory of Oscar history!! They shamelessly decided to award overhyped movies, in detriment of really good ones.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] kredibilitai 14 years ago

I agree. It was fantastic. But it's a complex abstract movie. Very few people can appreciate and understand it on the first viewing.

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] IceboxMovies 13 years ago

This film has definitely shown its age as one of the most absolute masterful works to have come out of '98, right up there with Saving Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line.

"What I don't understand is how we're going to stay alive this winter."