FILM SYNOPSIS: In 1952, Eilis Lacey leaves Ireland to immigrate to Brooklyn, where she has a better chance of finding work. Crushed by homesickness, Eilis finds her spirits lifted by an Italian-American suitor with whom she falls in love. When she must return to Ireland, Eilis is courted by a hometown boy and finds herself torn between two countries and the two men who love her.
Basically being a period piece romantic comedy, it is quite the surprise that “Brooklyn” made the Best Picture category. Despite being an early front-runner for a nomination, by the time the Oscar season got around to the nominations, many pundits predicted it would miss out on the big category. But instead, “Carol” was bumped and thanks to that both “Room” and “Brooklyn” made it into the category. Garnering one less nomination than “Room” (3 instead of 4), “Brooklyn then becomes probably the least likely to win Best Picture. It does have the corresponding Best Adapted Screenplay nomination to go along with it, but so does “Room,” which also has a Best Directing nomination which puts in miles ahead of “Brooklyn.” The also have matching Best Actress in a Leading Role nominations, but with momentum the way it’s going, Brie Larson (“Room”) will likely be taking that category.
But again, the fact that “Brooklyn” was nominated is a feat in and of itself, as it does not necessarily feel like an Oscar movie at times. What helps it rise above just another period romantic comedy is the performance from Saoirse Ronan, who makes most of her films feel bigger than they might where someone else in the drivers seat. In all honesty, the performances across the board are quite extraordinary, delivering a refreshing feel to a story that has definitely been told before. And even though it’s a well known story, an immigrant trying to make a life for themselves in America, writer Nick Hornby still finds ways to make it feel new and exciting until the last frame.
Previous nominations? These are the second Academy Award nominations for Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey. They were both previously nominated for:
- AN EDUCATION (2009)
Nominee, Best Picture
// Produced by Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey //Directed by John Crowley //
// Dated Viewed: Friday, January 22nd, 2016 // AMC CITYWALK // 32 films – 38 days //
