As an active follower, participator and lover of the film industry, it goes without saying that I religiously watch the Golden Globes every year. This year’s seemed a bit off, however, and made for a lack-luster experience.
The stars were twinkling in their stunning designer garb. Many of which were also sporting a little red ribbon in support of the people of Haiti, who, as we all know, are undergoing an unbelievable tragedy right now. Perhaps it was this reason (George Clooney certainly didn’t want to be there), or the general turn for the morose in America over the past decade or so, that lead to a kind of depressed veil that seemed to shroud the ceremony. People strained when smiling and were much less enthusiastic than I seem to remember from past years.
It also seems worthy to note that many of the winners of the night were generally the crowd pleasers, such as Avatar, the Hangover, Blind Side, and Sherlock Holmes. Perhaps America is rally just in the mood to be cheered up or inspired. I guess we’ve had enough to stress about, and there’s even more being loaded onto our plates.
My favorite gown of the evening was that worn by the lovely Marion Cotillard. My pick for most Golden Globe-appropriate look went to Heather Graham. Robert Downey Jr., who put a little twist on the traditional thank-yous, gave my favorite speech, and James Cameron gave the most humble (in comparison to those given by him in the past).
The always adorable Ricky Gervais was a win all around. I think everyone was expecting some kind of shot at NBC for the whole Conan-Leno fiasco, and I think Gervais handled it perfectly. He touched on it, then left it alone. The theme of shamelessly plugging himself worked well, but I don’t think he can carry on that second string comedian bit for too much longer. You’re becoming too beloved, Mr. Gervais!
I was in agreement with most of the wins, yet how the Hangover came out on top for Best Picture Comedy or Musical does confuse me. And I was disappointed with Avatar as Best Picture Drama, as I think most people were.
Over all report? More Gervais, less everything else. Well, more Sophia Loren couldn’t hurt.