Brody, Polanski Most Deserving

Rating: 10/10 (17 April 2003)

For maybe the second time in the past twenty years, I am thrilled with the Best Actor winner. I found Adrien Brody's performance to be pitch-perfect. It reminded me a little of Gregory Peck in "To Kill a Mockingbird", who also won. They shared a quiet intensity, an understated dignity and do not chew on the scenery in an attempt for attention. Brody's win might signify a maturity among voters, a willingness to honor an actual performance on the screen. So many people had Jack or Daniel winning, and I congratulate the voters on seeing what Adrien Brody brought to the movie. Let's face it, with Eminem, Pedro Almovodar and Polanski/Brody winning, it might have been just an atypical year, and next year they can get back to giving awards to non-actors like Julia Roberts and Helen Hunt..
I can't honestly say that I've seen another movie like it, even though there have been a slew of movies on the subject. Several scenes are very intense, but you have to know that going in.
Congrats to Roman, too. If it were up to me, he would have won Best Director for "Rosemary's Baby" in 1968. Maybe his was a we-owe-you Oscar, but given his personal difficulties, I kinda doubt it.
10/10.