20 Weeks To Oscar: Cinema, Trump, and Oscar

Coming out of the likely Best Picture winner this year, 1917, I wondered to myself why I found it so powerful.

Not the cinematography, masterful as it was (Deakins likely to win his 2nd).

Not the rousing nature of the piece, as it actually isn't the kind of movie that wants to give you any kind of Hollywood sugar high.

Not the "single shot" concept, which is very effective, but is more in service of the story than it is a magic trick and really, I am already sick of people talking about it.

What smashed me hard across the face about 1917, I think (like all great films, it will likely percolate for months and maybe years to come), was the simple earnestness about honor and, considering its time, manhood at a time when America is wallowing in a lack of honor and a dearth of what were once seen as the virtues of manhood.

Yes, 1917 is co-written by a woman. A woman I am sure is smart and tough. She and co-writer Sam Mendes never for a minute linger in easy sentiment.

And obviously, we all need …