Gritty, grizzled, gory, great

Rating: 9/10 (16 January 2016)

The Oscar nominations for 2016 have just been announced and whilst there has been what is almost the expected controversy about the lack of diversity amongst the nominees, one thing has not been grumbled about is that this low-down and gritty western from the director of last year's big winner Birdman has come out on top with 12 nominations including, Best Picture and Director.
It might win them again, if the otherwise dull but pretty Carol doesn't scoop them (unaccountably, this is the film of the year for almost all critics. Am I missing something? Did anything transpire in it?!).
In terms of the depiction of suffering and hardship DiCaprio's fur trapper undergoes and Iñárritu's masterful handling of camera and pacing, this is as awesome as the unyielding American and Canadian landscapes it is set in.
DiCaprio himself may win too, as he is up for Best Actor for his 'grey teeth and spittle' performance. "I ain't afraid to die anymore. I done that already" he intones, perfectly matching his grizzled character, from greasy hair down to his crippled feet.
Also nominated is Hardy as his murderous colleague. It's a wordier and stronger performance, showing his increasing confidence at quietly upstaging the bigger star.
See the full review: http://ow.ly/X8YyZ