Culture Gabfest The Oscars Go Streaming
Feb 26, 2025
Isaac Butler, an acclaimed author and host of the Criterion Channel series, joins Bill Kramer, the CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. They dive into the rising buzz around the Brazilian film 'I'm Still Here' and its poignant portrayal of resilience during dictatorship. The discussion extends to the NEA's struggles under political pressure and the need for cultural institutions to adapt amidst challenges. They also contemplate how the Oscars can evolve for a streaming audience while embracing diversity and modern storytelling.
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Autocracy and Normalcy
- Julia Turner found "I'm Still Here" chillingly relevant to the current American political climate.
- She compared the film's portrayal of autocracy to the appointment of an "unhinged radical podcaster" to the FBI.
Missing Middle Act
- Isaac Butler appreciated the film but noted a structural issue with its time jumps.
- He felt the film omitted a crucial middle act exploring the protagonist's transformation into a human rights lawyer.
Time Capsule
- Dana Stevens highlighted the film's strength as a time capsule of 1970s Rio de Janeiro.
- She emphasized the understated portrayal of the family's life before the political events.
