My thoughts…on stuff

The Oscars went on Sunday night, and quite frankly I didn’t give a damn. I heard vague whispers about it through the media, and honestly that’s how I knew about it. It’s not like I mark my calendar for it or anything. I no longer see the appeal. And apparently I’m not the only one. Nielsen Media Research says that ratings for the 80th Annual Academy Awards were lower than Joan Rivers’ sex appeal. Ok, maybe not quite that low, but lower than the least watched ceremony. By 14% in fact, which was all the way back in 2003.

I just don’t see why I should watch it anymore. Most of the Oscar nominees belong to movies I haven’t even seen or, quite frankly, care about. Only two of the whole lot I was rooting for, No Country For Old Men and Juno. I couldn’t give a rat’s ass about who’s dress looked spectacular or who was fashion roadkill. I could blindfold myself, spin around until I was dizzy and I could still point out a bombshell. If not, well, at least she’d have money. And the length of the ceremony would try the patience of the most hardcore cinephile. As for the hosts, well, Jon Stewart is ok. Just that. Ok. It may be because I have a lot less free time now, but I have to ask the question, “Are the Oscars relevant anymore?” It seems like yet another self-congratulatory celebration. The rich, famous and the beautiful getting together to pat each other on the back while we watch. What’s the point of it all?

I suppose it’s because Hollywood isn’t what it used to be. The cinematic bar has been greatly lowered over the years. A “Meet The Spartans” would never have come out in the 1930s. Back then a movie was a movie. Plus Old Hollywood was a lot more glamourous, with stars that were larger than life. New Hollywood is not as mystifying. In fact it doesn’t take much to become a star. Just spend enough time in front of a camera and you’ll automatically become one, regardless of talent. As such, half of the movies that come out make moviegoers regret their purchase. Showbiz has obviously lost some of its luster, and people just aren’t as fascinated with Hollywood as they once were, as evidenced by declining movie attendance and…as I just said, Oscar viewership. Still, I guess it has its place. Actors deserve thanks for a hard day’s work just like the rest of us. Just don’t expect a bumper viewership.