Tuesday, April 3, 2012

1975: Best Picture Showdown

In 1975, five films were nominated for 'Best Picture' by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. They were:












One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest won. Jaws did not. Jaws, for better or worse, spawned three direct sequels and, some would argue, changed the face of Hollywood forever. (Summer suddenly became the season to make money in movie theaters - a phenomenon that had never before occurred.)

Here is the question of the day:


Did Cuckoo's Nest rightfully win the 'Best Picture' award, or was Jaws robbed?

This will not be an online discussion. Instead, please answer the question in a multi-paragraph, 300 word essay. Please put the word count in the upper right hand corner along with your name. Please be sure that your essay is thoughtful and thorough, as well as grammatically correct. You will probably want to take into account and state the criteria by which you are making your determination. You should also back up your claims with specific evidence from each film.

1 comment:

  1. Both of the films are masterpieces. Each deserved to win. But I believe "Cuckoos Nest" Was not better than "Jaws". I think "Jaws" cinematically was better. Speilberg made every movement an art form. I believe it is one of his best or the best. Character development wise, I think they each do a fantastic job of forming a character. They also each develop multiple characters. I think for character development it's a draw. For me the great cinemantography of "Jaws" really had me leaning toward it. Again each were great but "jaws" was robbed.

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