Alright guys, here it is! Our NUMBER 1 pick for the top movies of 2015. While we had 4 gems that really stood out among all the different movies that came out, this one stood out even more. This movie is currently at 12 Academy Award nominations and is looking to take home all of them. So without further ado, here’s our #1 picks of 2015!
The Revenant
Yes, The Revenant is our top pick and that should come as no surprise considering the movie has landed in that spot for many people, but why? What makes this movie in particular stand out more so than Mad Max: Fury Road or The Hateful Eight? Why is there so much hype for this movie and why should I care? Well I’m going to let you in a little secret and tell you why.
The movie does not feature any superheroes or “out-of-this-world” special effects, nor does it rely on any particular gimmicks. The Revenant is one of those films that relies on the intrigue of historical events and accuracy, although the story has been fictionalized to some extent. Much of the talk surrounding the film is about the performances of the cast and the hellish time they had making the film. Most of all, it is one of the oldest tales of revenge in the history of the USA.
Revenge you say? Yes I did! See it’s already grabbing your attention! The story focuses on a group of fur trappers that have barely escaped a violent assault by natives. Legendary frontiersman, Hugh Glass is tasked to return his group home through the as-of-yet uncharted american woodlands in the heart of winter. Glass is brutally attacked and near death, leading to his group leaving him for dead. Does the will to survive allow for Glass to make it back with his life and get his vengeance? You’ll need to watch the film to find out as this will be a spoiler free article!.
So now we know the why, let’s talk about how the team behind The Revenant were able to bring this tale to life. First we have Academy Award winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, Babel) with some help from actors Leonardo DiCaprio (Wolf of Wall Street, The Departed) and Tom Hardy (Mad Max: Fury Road, Inception). Before we get into the acting, I want to talk about the director a bit. Iñárritu is known for being a perfectionist who likes long, single takes for his films. Much like he did with Birdman (Best Picture 2015), we are seeing the movie the exact way it was shot. Filming was done in chronological order all while using natural light and the real world elements instead of heavily relying on CGI or the overly polished feeling you get with stage lighting. The cast has gone on record to state filming of The Revenant being on of the most difficult projects they have worked on, with reports of on-set arguments being the norm. After watching the film, those arguments and the amount of things everyone had to endure has definitely paid off in the end.
The actor that may have had the most difficult time on the set would definitely be Leonardo DiCaprio. The long, over-due winner of an Oscar has pulled out all the stops for his portrayal of Hugh Glass. DiCaprio gives it his all in a role that would see the actor constantly drenched in freezing water while trekking through the dead of winter for the majority of filming. One of the things that stood out for me with DiCaprio is immediately after he is injured in the film, he is able to convey a man who is in immense pain and whom is completely helpless when it counts most. We never see the character break or over-do-it throughout the film, making it one of the most believable moments on film in recent history. Leo is at the top of his game and we can only hope that it nails him the award that has alluded him for the better part of a decade.
Another stand out in the film comes from the incredible Tom Hardy as John Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is a member of the hunting party who is constantly doubting the ability of Glass to lead the group back to safety. After Glass has been injured and it is determined that they cannot go any further with him, Fitzgerald is tasked with staying behind until a team returns or Glass inevitably gives in to his injury. Hardy plays the character as rugged as you’d imagine and with the magic of make-up and his undeniable talent, you’ll barely notice it was him in the role. Hardy approaches the role from a place we haven’t quite seen from him before but only glimpsed. Much like he was in Fury Road, Hardy is able to immerse himself completely in this world, seeking out only self-preservation at all cost. Unlike Fury Road, the character of Fitzgerald is not opposed to doing whatever it takes, including walking away from someone who is in need of help or resorting to more nefarious actions to achieve survival. The role has done nothing but win praise for the actor who has been on a steady rise in the business, even backing out of the upcoming Suicide Squad (admittedly saddened by having done so) movie to take part in The Revenant.
The movie is indeed a huge achievement in filmmaking that does it’s job of entertaining while still maintaining it’s artistic vision. Iñárritu has once again crafted something special and more so another movie that looks into the human psyche. Much like his previous Birdman and how it tackled the feeling of depression and how important self-appreciation and social acceptance were to the lead, this movie tackles the will to survive and more so how much revenge could impact that will.
The Revenant is looking to be the big winner of the night making Alejandro G. Iñárritu the best director for the second year in a row. Hardy is up against some great competition but has a shot at glory and as for leo.. I would be very shocked if DiCaprio doesn’t walk away with best actor. The only movie I would be ok with beating The Revenant would be Mad Max: Fury Road but that is very unlikely.
The Revenant is in theaters now!
Nomination:
- Picture of the Year
- Best Actor
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Director
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Production Design
- Best Costume Design
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling
- Best Sound Mixing
- Best Sound Mixing
- Best Visual Effects
