> (And Sam: I've seen some of those movies you're not eager to see, and I recommend them. "Far From Heaven" is my favorite film of the year so far, edging out "Gangs of New York", though I still have a number of contenders left to see.)

Every year, there is one critically-acclaimed movie that, for some reason, I resent and tend to root against, even though I am fully cognizant that this is not a rational or informed tendency. Far From Heaven is the movie that earns that dubious honor this year. I don't let it make me closed-minded about the movie by the time I actually do see it. Such movies in the past have been Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare In Love, movies I've ended up adoring after I've seen them. (Shakespeare In Love's victory over Saving Private Ryan was still the grossest Best Picture injustice in recent memory until the win of Gladiator, not even a good film.)

I suppose I'll see Far From Heaven eventually, and when I do I won't let irrational prejudice sway my opinion. But for right now, I'm annoyed that it's such a lock for everything. The Academy has just got to break out of its infatuation with arty social dramas. And a Sirk lookalike movie that deals with taboo issues explicitly instead of implicitly merely evokes a "What's the point?" reaction in me. I'll take the Billy Wilder lookalike that deals with taboo issues explicitly, American Beauty, and call it good, thanks.

> I will point out one Picture possibility that you've overlooked: "My Big Fat Greek Wedding".

Good point. / It does have a very good chance. But how come I haven't heard a word of Oscar-related buzz about it?