Reviewing the Year: 2008 (Cinematography, Supporting Actor, Sound categories)

Here we go! Starting the 2008 awards with these 4 categories. I refuse to rank my nominees, but I'll use a similar system to the Oscar one. I'll present to you my 5 "best" nominees in alphabetical order with my winner, I refuse to rank my other 4 nominees and also I'll give a couple of honorable mentions.

Best Cinematography

Australia by Mandy Walker

In a perfect display of beauty, Walker takes advantage of Australia's magnificent fields and sights making us fall in love with that land Baz Luhrmann illuminates in his film. A close runner up I admit.

The Dark Knight by Wally Pfister

Powerful and agile in a smart combination with the editing, adds tension and mood to the movie. A master show for the cinematographer, improving the already great work shown in the previous movie.

The Fall by Colin Watkinson

Unlike what I saw in other films, Watkinson takes a full approach at the amazing costumes and sets made for the movie. Creating a new and unique world the movie takes us into helped by this creative photography.

Revolutionary Road by Roger Deakins***

Subtle, terrifying, haunting and tricky. After already showing his talent, Mr. Deakins leaves it clear he understands the tone and the story maybe even better than the actors and the director. Transforming the suburbs into a whole different world. Outstanding work.

BONUS: He accomplishes more than what other cinematographers could with less impressive views.

Slumdog Millionaire by Anthony Dod Mantle

Lively and witty as the film itself. Manages to stand out whether we are in a tv studio or in the impressive low sides of India.

BONUS: "Paper Planes" and the kids running away.....wow

Honorable Mentions

It was a great year for pretty images, the following were as good as my top 5.....

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Let the Right One In

Milk

The Reader

Synecodoche, New York

The Wrestler

WALL•E (I'm not sure how much does the cinematographer actually interfere)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

Ralph Fiennes as Harry Waters in In Bruges

Despite appearing until the second third into the film, Fiennes is everything he was required to and more in a great way, almost stealing the last act in show from the also impressive Farrell and Gleeson.

Emile Hirsch as Cleve Jones in Milk

Gay...in every sense of the word. Cute, funny, interesting, and with a full screen presence in such a strong cast.

Heath Ledger as The Joker in The Dark Knight***

Mr. Ledger...the performance of the year undoubtedly. Amazed critics, fans and viewers and it's not hard to wonder why. In an already used (tons of times) character by more than talented actors, Ledger applies a full dose of madness and soul to the character we hadn't seen until now. His resounding performance walks away with the two hour and a half movie. A fully deserved Oscar.

BONUS: The voice and the impeccable laugh.

Eddie Marsan as Scott in Happy-Go-Lucky

Never losing focus in Hawkins but by joining her in a role as internally complex. Leigh (director) has proved once again how mastrclass acting doesn't require over the top wacky characters but with real human beings. A big applause for Mr. Marsan.

BONUS: The last drivign lesson and first appearance.

Michael Shannon as John Givings in Revolutionary Road

With probably the toughest role in the whole movie and with a mere 8 minutes on screen, Shannon holds up as much as the leading performances making the most of his screentime by screaming directly the truths by which the movie hurts us so much.

Close to the Cut

Robert Downey Jr. as Kirk Lazarus in Tropic Thunder

Hilarious, going much further than a simple comedic role making fun of character actors.

James Franco as Scotty Smith in Milk

Probably the most human and subtle performance in the whole film. Definitely worthy of a mention. Him and Hirsch were almost equally as good.

Honorable Mentions (ranked)

Brad Pitt in his best work of the year as an athletic hot head in Burn After Reading

Bill Irwin as the caring father and leader of a troubled family in Rachel Getting Married

Gary Oldman's stand out work in The Dark Knight

Anil Kapoor as the annoyingly smug tv show host in Slumdog Millionaire

Best Achievement in Sound Mixing

Cloverfield

The Dark Knight

Iron Man

Slumdog Millionaire

I disagree a lot with its Oscar win, but the smart combination of sounds and music deserves a mention here.

WALL•E*

Even if it wasn't the first time Pixar shows his ability with sounds, here they took it to a whole new level. Robots + space + humans + score + mother ship voice = best sound mixing of the year.

Best Achievement in Sound Editing

The Dark Knight

Kung Fu Panda

Iron Man

Quantum of Solace

WALL•E*

Having to create the main dialogues in a nice but realistic way. We had to hear robots trying to communicate with each other. Definitely one of the best of the decade.

Thoughts??? Your own?

NEXT: Supporting Actress, Sets, Animated Feature and Documentary