Oscaraneurosis

10 nominations..... that's all anyone can talk about. Does it deserve it? do we define ourselves by it? is it really such an achievement? is it only when you portray 'thirdworldness' that you can win? the soundtrack? is this A.R. Rehman's best? why is Anil Kapoor gloating, given his bit part? Sour grapes? Undoubtedly.... given that the remarks seem to be emanating from Bollywoods big hitters who've been trying their damnedest to make a dent into Hollywood. I don't suppose I should snigger at the thinly veiled jealousy, but there is such a compelling poetic justice to the fact that despite the indifferent shoulder shrugs and the crashingly obvious politics that is the Oscars, nominations still still set the cat amongst pigeons. Well, given the tumultuous times we seem to be sinking in, there has to be some comfort in knowing that somethings will never change.... it's all about being at the right place at the right time, the luck of the draw. Does Slumdog deserve it? I haven't a clue. Given my staggering bias towards all things Bombay, an objective assessment of it as a film is beyond my capabilities. Are there better films? better actors? better soundtracks? Hell yes. But when has that ever really mattered? This is the time for India on the global stage of celluloid (at least it's exponentially easier to applaud this effort as opposed to Yukta Mookhey as Miss Universe! or was that Miss World - what the hell was that about?!). Ma wanted to know if the soundtrack deserved 2 nominations - damned if I know, I can barely remember it... (unlike Bollywood, they don't take time out of a film to showcase the music with a minimum of 14 costume changes) but I do know that it'll never be able to dislodge the soundtrack of Bombay (nomination worthy I assure you.... ) as the peak of Rehman's musical genius.... but then again, my names not Oscar...