Mungle looks at the nominated directors.

Oscar Directors

Over the next few weeks leading up to the Oscars I will break down each category for you and let you know precisely who should win and why. There is an exact science to my methods so I do not suggest you try and figure out how my mind works; just go with it.

This week we look at the nominated directors. Some may argue that an expert actor with a perfect script needs no direction. Maybe. If that performance is a one person play. But for the same reason that brilliant musicians like YoYo Ma still need a conductor when playing with an ensemble, so does every actor need a director to hold everyone together in perfect rhythm. A great director composes each scene in a way that gives the soloist the room and confidence to soar.

Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón)

Should not win. This film looked incredible. It sounded amazing. And yes Sandra Bullock kept us on the edge of our seats. But directing a look and directing people are two different animals. It is the same reason you never see directors of animated films nominated.

Nebraska (Alexander Payne)

Should not win. This was one of my favorite films of the year but for reasons other than how it was directed. Plus he shot it in black and white which will just piss people off. They only tolerate that from Woody Allen.

The Wolf of Wall Street (Martin Scorsese)

Should not win. Scorsese has cool glasses but if you need three hours to tell this story you are just rambling. You aren't Terrence Malick. Edit the dang thing.

American Hustle (David O. Russell)

Should not win. If 12 Years a Slave had come out last year, maybe. I am sure he had to hustle to rope in Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Christan Bale, and Jennifer Lawrence.

12 Years a Slave (Steve McQueen)

Should win. Using the illustration above then you understand why McQueen should win hands down. This multi faceted cast playing roles that covered many social classes spanning years in time needed a conductor to keep the pace. There were too many opportunists for runaway performances or bogged down story lines. Steve cracked the whip and kept everyone in line! (I may wake up in the middle of the night regretting that illustration)

Next week I take a look at the Best Actress nominees! Your homework before then is to go rent Blue Jasmine because I know you didn't see it in the theater.