"Noy" has been chosen by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) as the country's entry to the Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards. Have seen but I won't do an in-depth review of it as there are better writers who have done very good pieces on it: Here and here. In a word, though, it's embarrassing.
It seems to have been a heartfelt and sincere project that, however, manages to come off as immature and naive. Sincerity, I suppose, doesn't make for great art. What stands out:
- It preaches about taking a critical view of personalities including a character admonishing Coco Martin's journalist protagonist for not having a discerning view of the subject he is covering while the movie, meanwhile, itself gives a "kid gloves" treatment of Noynoy Aquino. The term "irony" seems too frail a word.
- It's unintentionally funny in spots: A mad scene involving drugs and blindness, a skimpily dressed Erich Gonzales showing up at rallies and Ondoy-ravaged areas and a denouement that has to be seen to be believed.
It really reminds me of those anti-communist propaganda pieces that Hollywood came up with in the 50's and those Christian movies that are now in vogue: Made with the best intentions. I suppose the road to movie hell is paved with the best you-know-what.
This film will not make it to the final five nominees. I guarantee that. I'll eat a Jollibee Yumburger (I'm semi-vegetarian) if it did. It's a puzzling choice. Was this postcard-to-the-President of a film chosen as a favor to Noynoy Aquino? If it did, then it just confirmed that the film failed in its quest to send a message: The movie itself rails against the Filipino trait of currying favors.
Have not seen other Filipino films this year but have read reviews that seemed to indicate there are better ones out there. Jowana Bueser does a good piece, too, on the prospects of "Noy."
Action director and member of the special committee of FAP that chose "Noy," Jose Carreon, wrote a piece entitled "Mission Impossible" describing our history at the Oscars. Is it really impossible? With all due respect, Mr. Carreon, it is not:
It'll take a JFK-esque "Man on the Moon" effort, though. It'll have to be a goal of the administration to come up with a program that will lead to an Oscar for the country. Looking at what we have: From the government side - Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Film Academy of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and from the non-government - Cinemalaya, Mowelfund, etc....I think we have the structure for it.
The FDCP can be tasked with taking the lead on this project. The new chairman, filmmaker Briccio Santos, has indicated that he is an out-of-the-box thinker.
Like business incubators that act to "accelerate the successful development of entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support resources and services, developed and orchestrated...through network of contacts" this project would address both the business and creative side of filmmaking.
Creatively, it would be free from political interference and be composed of inventive individuals from a broad spectrum: writers, directors, composers, actors....Taking cue from the Sundance Lab, this project must be a collaborative effort from seasoned artists to emerging talents. To be honest, there is a limited number of true talent here in all fields.
A script would be chosen that others would work on. Ample time will be given to the development of the script and the project - without it having to be rushed because of a local festival playdate. What should the film be about? It does not have to be a historical epic. It, however, must have something new to say and be reflective of who we are: the good, the bad and the in-between. It cannot be a travelogue. Take a stroll through past nominees and you'll encounter cinema that's controversial, courageous and groundbreaking.
Financially, it will have to be seen as a moneymaking venture. Outside financing (from the US and Europe) is an option. Importantly, the scope project should not be dictated by the budget. The budget must adhere to the wishes of the project.
Why must we do all these? Can film...or a triumph in a cinematic pageant...transform a nation? No, it's not a silver bullet but, rather, it is a step...one of thousands this country will need. "Art" says that the human being being is capable of coming up with work that is creative, imaginative and powerful. Imagine what this could do to a people that lack pride in themselves?
Can we pull this off? I once was witness to a group of men whose task was to move items for the company I work for. It was five guys and a leader who were well aware that it was a glass cabinet being moved and that extra care was needed. I could sense, however, that they were not working as a team - that some of the individuals didn't seem to have full focus on the task at hand. The leader- who may not have sensed this - did nothing to correct this. True enough, it eventually led to a glass door being shattered.
Can we, as Filipinos, work selflessly together? Do we have the capacity to not bicker and squabble? Would be truly a great subject for the film's "making of," wouldn't it?
One thing that stood in "Noy" was the performance of the truly gifted Baron Geisler. His portrayal of a world-weary editor gave the film some much needed depth. In a perfect world, more quality movies would be made with him starring in a number of them. In the world we live in, he's stuck in minor roles in middling films. Truly, a waste of Filipino talent.
Now, if we do decide that the route I prescribed would be the best way to get an Oscar I've got this sure-fire script that's a cinch. It's all about this.......
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