> To a point, the Academy's reputation for short memory is undeserved. Films seen as Oscar-worthy are often held until the end of the year, and so one could argue that the best films of the year truly *are* released at the end of it. But this year is totally whacked in that regard. My expectation is that, in a few years, the most treasured (or even remembered) movies of 2002 won't have a lot of overlap with what's getting hype right now.

I'm confused what your last sentence means. People will definitely remember and treasure TTT, if nothing else. I think "Adaptation" will maintain a sort of cult status, because there is no other movie like it. I know that I will treasure "Far From Heaven" for some time, because it is rare that I am so moved by a film. I'm not one to call movies "beautiful" but "Far From Heaven" is.

I do agree that "Chicago," "Gangs of New York" and "The Hours" are getting overblown, particularly "Chicago." Assuming we're in the beginning of a movie-musical renaissaince, I expect many future musicals will outshine "Chicago." None will be as good as "Moulin Rouge," even if Baz does another.

I'll withhold judgment on "The Pianist" until I've seen it.

Stephen