Best Picture Nominee — Dunkirk


On Sunday, March 4 we'll learn which one of nine films nominated for Best Picture will claim the top prize. Between now and then, I'll be looking at each of the Best Picture Nominees, continuing today with "Dunkirk."

Dunkirk
Starring: Fionn Whitehead, Mark Rylance, Tom Hardy, and Kenneth Branagh
Director: Christopher Nolan
Total Nominations: 8
Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Director (Nolan), Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing
About: As I mentioned yesterday, there are two World War II films that surround the same event that are nominated for Best Picture. I looked at the first, "Darkest Hour," yesterday. Today, I look at "Dunkirk." It's the superior film, and has more nominations. But whereas "Darkest Hour" is notable for its performances, "Dunkirk" stands out more for its technical achievement. It's not that the performances aren't good, they're fine. That's just not what this movie is about. It is about writer/director Nolan, and his vision for this story. It's also a daring film that takes some chances with structure. This film tells stories from three distinct time periods in an overlapping manner so that you don't even realize how the pieces are coming together until the end. And they do come together well. That's part of the genius of this film. It's also one that strikes a very emotional chord, and really gets in your head. It was one of my favorite movies of the year, and I'm glad to see it — and Nolan — getting the credit due this awards season. The question is how it will do in the awards competition. I love Nolan, but I'm not sure he can win here in a good field. The film could easily be in contention for any of these awards — including Best Picture — and it could easily go home with no awards. There are frequently great films that are contenders in many categories that don't win in the end. And I think that seems like a likely path for "Dunkirk," unless it grabs a few of the technical awards.
Rating: PG-13 for intense war experience and some language.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.
Where to See It: "Dunkirk" is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

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