Film
The Danish Poet: A Canadian Oscar Contender
It's the same old story - Canadians don't seem to recognize talent at home until someone recognizes it abroad. This time it's a charming tale of luck and love called The Danish Poet, nominated for an Oscar in the animated shorts category. For the National Film Board here in Canada it's the 69th nomination. Others included the touching documentary Hardwood and the incredible achievement of animated short Ryan, which brought home the Oscar in 2005 for its portrayal of animator turned panhandler Ryan Larkin.
I wonder though how many have taken it upon themselves to watch these brilliant Canadian works - if not, here's the opportunity. The NFB has posted The Danish Poet online for everyone to see and waived their $2 viewing fee at their John Street location too. Though the animation style might not be as compelling as Ryan the story it weaves is just as complex, told through the eyes of one conceived by parents who met in Copenhagen (just like me) whose destiny could just as easily not have been fulfilled. Luck can play a big part in love and life.
Last year luck brought me to Sao Paulo, Brazil for an event showcasing the work of the NFB. The Brazilians I spoke to were amazed and all the films shown were very well received. It made me extremely proud of the industry we've built in Canada. Knowing that the NFB has now garnered the most Oscar nominations for an independent outside LA doesn't hurt either.
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I didn't watch the Oscars since I was boarding up at Blue (the hills were so perfectly empty), though they were blasting the audio of the show from the main bar into the Village. The only part I caught was an acceptance speech - I heard "I'd like to thank the National Film Board" and I knew The Danish Poet had won!
yeah, that was pretty cool.
I am happy that Canada brought home the oscar, but I mean this is ridiculous. I tried watching this film and couldn't. It was so horribly animated, the story was dull and the pacing was monotone. I know many people that are classically trained in animation and could whip up something of this quality in a couple of days. Is this what people think is 2d animation? Has everything gone 3d? maybe short films coming out this year from different schools or the nfb with have something solidly written and animated to show off
I'll admit it took me a few minutes to get into but once I did I found the story and humour quite charming. Perhaps audiences nowadays are used to more flash.
Just wanted to let folks know that if you haven't seen this flick, the CBC is showing it this Sunday (March 4) at midnight. Not the best timeslot, but better than nothing.
This little enjoyable cartoon displays a glorious absence of sophistication.
The happy go lucky European Union is still fascinated by the melancholy shamelessness with which Danes generally accept an enormous gap between their common sense and their actions I'm told.
Now Danes have horseshoes over their doorways. Not because they believe in them, but because they have been told that horseshoes bring luck, even if you don�t believe in them.