Dark Knight Rises Reviews Point to Oscar Buzz for Christopher Nolan's Batman Masterpiece
Following repeated snubs by the Academy in previous years, the most recent film in the Batman trilogy, "The Dark Knight Rises," has won critical acclaim from almost all corners. The buzz surrounding Christopher Nolan's third installment in the trilogy has been so high that many are now touting that it may be time for the Academy to stand back and acknowledge his achievement.
Some are calling Christopher Nolan's three movies in the franchise the greatest comic book adaptations in film history.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who unfortunately seem to be in the minority, held a "Dark Knight Rises" screening for voters this past Saturday night at the Samuel Goldwyn theater in Beverly Hills. However, it is reported that the blockbuster did not receive an ideal response from its members, which would have been a good indicator of the film's Oscar credentials for 2013, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
High acclaim indeed comes at a hefty price for Batman as one academy member had the following to say regarding the viewing:
"People were kind of disappointed. It wasn't because of [Colorado]. I just don't think that this picture will get any nominations [beyond technical nods]."
"There was nothing remarkable about the acting," said another academy member. "I don't think it can be nominated as best picture," the member continued.
Adding insult to unfortunate insult, Hollywood Reporter's Scott Feinberg had the following to tweet on Saturday concerning a possible best picture nomination: "'The Dark Knight Rises' was terrific.... But my gut feeling remains that it's not the sort of thing that will get a best picture nomination."
In 2009, there had been a public outcry against the academy after "The Dark Knight" shockingly came up empty in both the Best Picture and Best Director categories. Although, the late and great Heath Ledger did step away posthumously with a win for his Joker performance in the supporting actor category.
With "The Dark Knight Rises" being shown on such a large scale around the world, critics coming forward are inevitable. However, only time will tell whether the Academy will heed to popular demand that Christopher Nolan and his Batman trilogy deserve some recognition for what they've achieved and given to millions of moviegoing fans over recent years.
