The 92nd annual Academy Awards take place on February 9th. There are so many great movies nominated this year, many of which I've seen–and loved! Nothing beats an excellent movie except, perhaps, an equally excellent book. Great novels are often a staple of Oscar season, and this year, these are the books that inspired some of the year's best movies, all Oscar nominated films. The books make an excellent companion to the film, and I think it's a great idea to read the book, and watch the movie, just in time for Oscar season.
I was on CTV Noon and CTV Ottawa Morning Live talking about these great books, all of which you can pick up at Indigo. (My favourite store, by the way–I could spend countless hours in Indigo looking through all the books and home decor items!)
Here are the books worth reading before February 9th:
The Irishman
This Irishman is the movie based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt. The movie, on Netflix and in select theatres, is nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Martin Scorsese), and Best Supporting Actor for Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. The movie also stars Robert DeNiro. A stellar cast, for sure, and an epic movie about organized crime in post-war America, told through the eyes of WWII veteran Frank Sheeran, played by DeNiro, a hitman who worked for crime boss Russell Bufalino, played by Pesci. The book (and movie) spans decades and chronicles one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American history–the disappearance of legendary crime boss Jimmy Hoffa, played by Al Pacino. It's a movie that reminds me of Goodfellas.
Caging Skies
Caging Skies is an international bestseller and inspired the movie Jojo Rabbit, up for Best Picture this year. This comedy-drama film, based on the book, is told through the perspective of a young boy, a Hitler Youth member, who find out his mother (played by Scarlett Johansson, who is nominated for Best Supporting Actress) is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. The young boy questions his beliefs, while dealing with his imaginary friend... Hitler. The book and movie reveals a world of truth and lies, both personal and political.
Joker
Yet another Joker movie, but this time, even darker than the ones before it. This spooky thriller is up for Best Picture, and Joaquin Phoenix is nominated for Best Actor for his incredible job portraying the Joker. You can find the Joker in Indigo; it's a comic, but a little too dark for young readers.
Little Women
This is a classic book that most of us remember reading from our childhood; it was one of my most favourite books I read when I was younger, and it's still a delight to read today. The movie is up for Best Picture, and has six Oscar nominations overall. It's easy to fall in love with the March sisters, both in the book, and on the big screen.
The Two Popes
The Two Popes is about Pope Benedict XVI , his resignation, and the pope that took over, Pope Francis, the first non-European pope in twelve hundred years. Pope Francis, originally from Argentina, was once a tango club bouncer, and a huge soccer fan. The movie shows the relationship between these two different characters, and the book is a delight to read, as well, showing the dark and light side of one of the world's most significant institutions. The movie is up for a few Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood
Tom Hanks is up for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Mister Rogers. The book features the interview by an Esquire journalist, who profiled Mister Rogers for the magazine, and the book features quotes and words of wisdom from this beloved television star. Tom Hanks is perfectly cast in this movie, and both the movie and book are seeing and reading.
What movie do you hope wins Best Picture? I'm leaning towards Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, though all the above mentioned movie are all very deserving, too.
Thank you Indigo, for supplying me with the books for my TV segments.
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