I'd like to thank the Academy and laugh at them too
Finally, Ennio Morricone received an overdue recognition in the form of an Oscar. It was refreshing to see Clint Eastwood, who starred in at least four movies scored by Morricone, present this honor to such a talented individual and subtly jab the Academy in their "wisdom" in bestowing the lifetime achievement Oscar to Morricone.
What I enjoyed most was seeing Morricone's acceptance speech. I know that most have probably heard what happened, but it was funny to watch Morricone speak Italian instead of English. I wonder if anyone checked if he spoke English? I am not criticizing the man who scored The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, the Untouchables, and over 400 other movies for not speaking English. In fact, I think it was healthy.
This year's Oscars boasted of its "international flavor," yet the camera's pan of the crowd showed nothing but smugness and frustration when Morricone spoke his native tongue. I commented to my wife and friends that I highly doubt most in that room could speak Italian or French if they went to those respective countries to accept an award.
The fact that a ready translation was not available for Clint Eastwood to read. The fact that the overwhelming majority of the audience seemed surprised, or dare I say annoyed, at Morricone's speaking in Italian demonstrated to me that people can talk a lot about having an "international flavor," but when push comes to shove, sometimes talk is simply talk. I got the distinct impression international speaking was not welcome.
This leads me to question much of the smug ideas and attitudes which come from Hollywood. I do not necesarrily refer to political issues, but ideas and causes in general. Often we have these things delivered to us by actors who claim a moral superiority, but do not have the actions to back up the speech. Think of all the preaching we get on global warming and conservation by people who fly private jets, ride in limos, and live in 10,000 square foot houses. Think about all the money we are asked to donate for disease research, social issues and so on by people who give a less percentage of their income than the average middle class person. Think of the times we are called to help the poor by people who wear $20,000 dresses, show off $1 million diamonds and go to parties with $200 truffles at a $20 million house.
Now think of Ennio Morricone. He came to accept an award. He spoke in his native language, and people who tell us to be more accepting of others, give him a poor reception and dirty looks. I think an appropriate response would have been to graciously sit there and show that the Academy is truly committed to an "international flavor."
What I enjoyed most was seeing Morricone's acceptance speech. I know that most have probably heard what happened, but it was funny to watch Morricone speak Italian instead of English. I wonder if anyone checked if he spoke English? I am not criticizing the man who scored The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, the Untouchables, and over 400 other movies for not speaking English. In fact, I think it was healthy.
This year's Oscars boasted of its "international flavor," yet the camera's pan of the crowd showed nothing but smugness and frustration when Morricone spoke his native tongue. I commented to my wife and friends that I highly doubt most in that room could speak Italian or French if they went to those respective countries to accept an award.
The fact that a ready translation was not available for Clint Eastwood to read. The fact that the overwhelming majority of the audience seemed surprised, or dare I say annoyed, at Morricone's speaking in Italian demonstrated to me that people can talk a lot about having an "international flavor," but when push comes to shove, sometimes talk is simply talk. I got the distinct impression international speaking was not welcome.
This leads me to question much of the smug ideas and attitudes which come from Hollywood. I do not necesarrily refer to political issues, but ideas and causes in general. Often we have these things delivered to us by actors who claim a moral superiority, but do not have the actions to back up the speech. Think of all the preaching we get on global warming and conservation by people who fly private jets, ride in limos, and live in 10,000 square foot houses. Think about all the money we are asked to donate for disease research, social issues and so on by people who give a less percentage of their income than the average middle class person. Think of the times we are called to help the poor by people who wear $20,000 dresses, show off $1 million diamonds and go to parties with $200 truffles at a $20 million house.
Now think of Ennio Morricone. He came to accept an award. He spoke in his native language, and people who tell us to be more accepting of others, give him a poor reception and dirty looks. I think an appropriate response would have been to graciously sit there and show that the Academy is truly committed to an "international flavor."
posted by Bobby's blog at 10:24 PM
6 Comments:
I also appreciate the Eastwood forgot to take his glasses with him and had to make things up as he went along.
I do not allow people to make fun of Clint Eastwood. He makes Chuck Norris look like a pansy.
My ringtone is Ennio Morricone.
He wrote some classic scores.
Well Done.
My myspace profile is Morricone. From The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly.
Ennio Morricone kicks butt. I have a collaboration between him and Yo-Yo Ma; yo - that's hot.
In other news, Jason and I are joining our PCA church on Tax Day! Yay!
When "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" theme rang throughout the car on the way to Presbytery (My wife was calling), it started an onslaught of whistling the theme.
Lots of fun...
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