The 75th Oscars were a low-key affair, in which Hollywood misunderstood its function as national morale officer and tried to be deep and somber. However, Steve Martin was on top of his game as host, and the world was spared much (but not all) of the "what was she wearing" idiocy that makes up the pre-game show. In the end, though, Hollywood proved itself to be an immature bunch of yahoos who are least harmful when making films.
The big winner was "Chicago," a musical and therefore, a rarity in contemporary cinema. Ages ago, musicals were a main product of Hollywood's backlots. Now, in a time of "film" rather than "movies," they hardly exist. Whether this can spark a revival of a truly American art form is a function of musical talent, but it does bode well for fans of singin' and dancin' in their movies.
While accepting his award for his documentary "Bowling for Columbine," Michael Moore insulted President Bush in ways that would not be out of place here, except one hopes that Kensington's tone is a bit more erudite and reasoned. There were some cheers, but some boos as well. Apparently, not all of Hollywood oppose the war.
More unsettling was the applause for Roman Polansky as best director. Mr. Polansky was not in the house, as he is a fugitive from justice, a matter of statutory rape. There are a great many "crimes" that are not really crimes, but this is not one of them. Yet, there was Hollywood cheering as if Napoleon had returned from Elba greeted by the Old Guard. Mr. Polansky is not the sort one would call a gentleman, nor would one dine in his company. And his films are pretentious and dull.
And there was the lifetime achievement award to Mr. Peter O'Toole (note to Prime Minister Blair, surely it should be Sir Peter by now). Having botched the award for "Lawrence of Arabia" some years back, the Academy restored some of its credibility with this. Still, one hopes the old boy can win one of the buggers head on in his next project.