This piece was previously published on Jessica's blog here, and has been lightly edited from the original.
Hello Movie Lovers! My name is Jessica. I work in television Post-Production, I received my undergraduate degree in Film Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and I idolize the Oscars. This is my super bowl.
This is my 8th consecutive attempt to use the TLC Method to predict which film will win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Whether this is your first time reading about the TLC Method or you are a seasoned fan of the concept, welcome! It means you're taking 15 minutes to yourself to read something that isn't focused on politics. Good for you.
Today, you will read anecdotes about the nominees, the results of the TLC Awards (for which I am the only voting member), and a summary of how I’ve done with my past predictions. The main section focuses on the reviews of each Best Picture Nominee written from the perspective of a 34 year-old mom (me) who is allowing herself the pleasure of being judgemental — in a constructive way. Please allow me to explain.
Brief Exposition.
In 2012, I was dating my now husband, Scott. We’d go to the movies and when it was over he’d asked if I “liked” it. This is a completely valid and normal question, but I found that question infuriating because it pigeon-holed me into a one word reply. I had a lot more to say. I’ve often had a lot of critical notes for movies that I’ve really enjoyed, and have always thought of a movie review as less binary than “good” or “bad”.
As in most relationships, we compromised. Over the next few years, we started asking each other different questions when the movie ended. The first more open-ended question was: What did the movie make you think about? The next day, are you still thinking about it? How long a film lasted in my thoughts became a barometer to me for how well executed it was. Next, was this a funny movie? Do I have to laugh out loud to think something is funny? And lastly, did you really cry? If so, at which part? Was this an emotional film for you?
I noticed a trend: Movies that made me think, laugh, and cry consistently rose to the top of my favorite films. A thesis was born.
I would categorize myself as someone who has high expectations. As our world becomes more diverse, more immersive and more complex, then perhaps the films we praise and give awards to should rise to meet those standards. To meet the high standards of a Best Picture in our complex modern world, I expect a film to make me think, laugh and cry — hence the name, “The TLC Method.”
How the rating system works.
When you’ve finished watching a film, you simply ask yourself if it made you think, laugh and/or cry, and to what degree. When I’m torn about one of those three, I may give a film a half laugh or a half cry. You get the idea.
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Warning: Spoilers! Do not read past this point if you plan to see the Best Picture Nominees and do not want my perspective to influence your own TLC ratings!
Nominees.
Anora The Brutalist A Complete Unknown Conclave Dune: Part Two Emilia Pérez I'm Still Here Nickel Boys The Substance Wicked
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