The Oscar nominees are in and as usual I think many of the nominees should not have been nominated. Many of the films I have not seen. I will make it a point to see some of the films I have not seen either at the theater or on DVD.

I will see Lost In Translation when it comes out on DVD. I’ve been hearing and reading things that say it is racist. The white Americans are shown as smart and sophisticated while the Japanese are reduced to cartoon like and loony characters. The Japanese characters basically are serving the same role African-American use to and some time still do play in American Cinema these reports say. If these reports turn out to be true then it would be quite unfortunate.

Sophia Coppola is one of a few female directors in Hollywood. It would be quite disturbing if a nominated work of hers reduces the Japanese people and nation to racist stereotypes. As a woman working in a male dominated field she should be more sensitive to the pigeon holing of people into ridiculous stereotypes. Some say the movie is based on her experience, which may make her a racist. I think this is probably not the case but the proof will be in viewing. Maybe she unknowing created characters that are like sambos.

The most overrated movie to be nominated this year is Mystic River (C+ grade). The only thing I can say is it has a certain realism about it, but there is nothing that is exceptionally great about it. The fact that it received so many nominations in so many categories tells me that the director and the actors in this movie are very popular in Hollywood. The movie reminded me of an episodic television crime drama. It reminded me of a good crime drama but nothing worthy of numerous Oscar nominations (including best picture).