Strongly recommended. I suspected this going in but now it can be stated: Greta Gerwig (Francis Ha) was robbed. When a movie gets nominated for two acting Oscars but not the director’s nod . . . something stinks. Little Women is brilliant and clearly staged as a directorial ensemble. Also, the storyline (Oscar nomination, Greta Gerwig) is both unique and narratively sound. The wonderful costumes (Oscar nomination, Jacqueline Durran, Pride and Prejudice), music (Oscar nomination, Alexandre Desplat, The Queen), and photography (Yorick Le Saux, Only Lovers Left Alive) suggest someone knew what they wanted. For example, the non-linear narrative, ironically triumphant ending and the characterization shift in Amy March (Oscar nomination, Florence Pugh, Lady Macbeth) are all singular twists on this old story. Gerwin still might have lost the Oscar; there are legends nominated this year. But Gerwin’s efforts certainly do better than the nimrod who helmed Joker. No, Greta was definitely robbed.
*from a letter written by Louisa May Alcott’s mother to her daughter
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