Baity Spotlight #2 - Doubt

Doubt
Written and Directed by John Patrick Shanley (based off his play)
Starring: Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams

Set in 1964, Doubt centers on a nun who confronts a priest after suspecting him abusing a black student. He denies the charges, and much of the play's quick-fire dialogue tackles themes of religion, morality and authority.



Why It Will Win: Subject matter, subject matter, subject matter. This is a plot that challenges race, religion, authority, and morals. That's big with the Academy. Also, the cast features two Oscar dominators; Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Also, the cast has one of the best younger actresses out there today, Amy Adams. As well, it has Viola Davis playing the mother of an abused child. That's a juicy role right there. Also, this has been a highly successful play. The plot is proven to work, the script is known to be good. Now can it transcend the big screen? This film has an A+ cast, A+ screenwriter, A+ cinematographer (Roger Deakins) and possibly very good direction. This film nearly has it all. On paper, it looks like the Best Picture. But in the past, a recipe for success, such as this one, has gone on to suck.

Why It Will Not Win: The main thing this film has to avoid is being too preachy. That could be it's death sentence. This is a film that wants to be hard-hitting and important. Last year, Lions for Lambs tried to be important, but ended up looking foolish and artificial. John Patrick Shanley's direction scares me as well. Let's go back in time and remember his last directorial feature...Joe Versus the Fricken' Volcano; a film I turned off in the middle. Ick.

Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Direction
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Lead Actress (Meryl Streep; Meryl Streep, 14 nominations)
Best Supporting Actress (Viola Davis)
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Film Editing

Bottom Line: This film will either be an Oscar darling or go down the tubes. I say Oscar darling, with 8 nominations.