DOVE AND OSCAR LOOK AT NOMINEES FOR BEST PICTURE OF 1995
The ballots have been counted, the nominations are in. No, I'm not referring to the political primaries, but to the five movies that made the final cut as the best Hollywood had to offer during 1995. Incidentally, there are enough politics in the Academy Awards to choke a horse, or a donkey or elephant for that matter. The past several issues of Hollywood Reporter, Variety and other trade papers were laden down with campaign ads coaxing insiders to consider nominees for every category from "Best Picture" to "Most Tasty Craft Services" (snacks and beverages provided for the cast and crew).
1995 could be called the Year of the Pig. In fact, my wife just informed me that it was. Two remarkably similar movies about the melodramatic life and time of a cute little piglet appeared within weeks of each other. "Babe, The Gallant Pig" was a super colossal hit and nominated for best picture, while "Gordy" wallowed sadly behind. Disney just released a rollicking feature film, "Muppet Treasure Island," co-starring none other than, Miss. P____.
This was also the year (or perhaps the semi-decade) of nineteenth century romantic novels on celluloid. Following a recent line of successes like "Enchanted April," "Remains of The Day," "Howard's End" and "Little Women," Jane Austin's "Sense and Sensibility" also found favor as a Best Picture nominee. Riding on the film's popularity, A&E aired a well-crafted British production of a better known Austin novel of the same ilk, "Pride and Prejudice," while Sony Pictures released "Persuasion."
Universal Studios signed perennial Oscar threat, Tom Hanks for a leading role in their mega hit, "Apollo 13." Hanks' acting, under the skillful direction of Ron Howard, bolstered by a heroic true story, made for a sure thing.
An Italian picture with English subtitles, "Il Postino" ("The Postman") was the big surprise of the season. It's not often that a foreign film shuts out the slate of American candidates to secure one of the top five slots.
I am encouraged by the similarities of these top-ranked films. Four of them are rated G or PG, and three of them are Dove approved. "Apollo 13" missed out because of language. Virtue was the dominate theme in all five contenders. Even ultra-violent, R-rated "Braveheart" had a spiritual dimension to its story, portraying one man who frequently talked aloud to God, and another who prayed for strength.
Let's encourage film makers to continue moving in this family-friendly direction.
Salute Hollywood!
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Dick Rolfe is Chairman of The Dove Foundation a nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage and promote the creation, production and distribution of wholesome family entertainment. For more information about wholesome films and videos, write: 535 E. Fulton, Suite 1A, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or call (616)454-5024.
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