Beautiful

Rating: 9/10 (16 January 2005)

When I watched the Oscar telecast in 2003, I was rooting for 'Chicago' to win the Best Picture nod. When it did I was elated, for I too was caught up in the 'Razzle Dazzle'. Then I watched 'The Pianist' and the movie just blew me away. I loved the subtle things, his day to day survival, even how the colour slowly drained from the screen until we were just left with muted grays. The scene in which the tank rolls down the street and matter-of-factly begins to shoot at passersby is delicately and simply executed. No blood, no special effects, no music, just a running lady stopped in mid-stride and slumped in the road. It really brought home to me that this was NOT just a movie, and it never sets out to be just a movie. It is truly a re-telling of the truth of Spilman's life. Brody truly shines in this role; he is neither too bland or too over-dramatic. It is truly difficult to carry a picture by oneself and remain compelling throughout. Polanski and the entire cast and crew truly deserved the Best Picture Oscar for 2003, and I am at least grateful that I had also rooted for Brody to take home the Best Actor statue.